Chapter 14: The Call of Destiny

The morning sunlight filtered through the forest canopy, painting the ground in dappled hues, but Qin Yao and Lin Yao had no time to enjoy the tranquil scene. Their pace quickened as the vision Lin Yao had seen in the crystal core last night made them realize the danger looming ever closer.

1. The Guidance of the Crystal Core

"Yao-ge, can you recall the vision from last night? What kind of feeling did it leave you with?" Qin Yao asked, his voice low, his gaze constantly scanning their surroundings.

Lin Yao nodded, her brow furrowed. "I saw a burning city, surrounded by alien beasts, and… a silver river. It was strange—almost as if the river was guiding me. But I can't recall what lay at the end of it."

"A silver river?" Qin Yao repeated, his tone thoughtful. "Could it be some kind of marker or a route?"

Lin Yao remained silent for a moment, then looked up at him. "I feel like we need to go there. The crystal core's power seems to be urging me toward it, as if it wants me to find that place."

Qin Yao hesitated, taking her hand in his. "Wherever it leads, I'll go with you. But I'm certain the path ahead will be fraught with danger."

Lin Yao smiled faintly. "I know, but you're here, aren't you?"

They exchanged a glance. Despite their unease, the strength they drew from each other was undeniable.

2. The Mysterious Traveler

As they prepared to move forward, a deep voice called from behind them, "A silver river… do you know what it signifies?"

They turned abruptly to see a cloaked figure emerge from the shadows of the forest. His face was obscured by a hood, revealing only a pale jawline, and he carried an aura of inscrutable power.

"Who are you?" Qin Yao asked, his hand tightening around his weapon as he positioned himself between the figure and Lin Yao.

The traveler let out a low chuckle. "No need to be so tense. I'm not here to harm you. You may call me 'The Raven.'"

"The Raven?" Lin Yao echoed, her brows knitting. "Do you know what the silver river is?"

"Of course I do," The Raven replied, his gaze landing on the crystal core in Lin Yao's hands. "It's the only path to the core of the Source. But are you certain you're prepared to face it?"

Qin Yao's voice grew colder. "Let me guess—you're here to warn us about the dangers and death waiting on this path? Spare us the sermon. We know what we're doing."

The Raven smirked. "Young people and their boundless confidence. Still, let me remind you: the silver river isn't just any path—it's a projection of the Source's consciousness. Those who step into it must confront their deepest fears and secrets. Are you ready for that?"

Lin Yao hesitated, glancing at Qin Yao, unease flashing in her eyes. "Yao-ge…"

Qin Yao placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder, his tone resolute. "No matter what happens, I'll never leave your side."

The Raven watched them for a moment, then his voice softened. "Such determination is admirable. Still, some things along this path are unavoidable."

3. The Trial of Fear

With The Raven as their guide, they eventually found the silver river. It shimmered coldly, like a flowing mirror, its depths impossible to discern. Along its banks were peculiar stone tablets etched with incomprehensible inscriptions.

The Raven stopped at the river's edge, declining to go further. "From here on, your trial begins. I'll say this—very few make it through this path."

Qin Yao gripped Lin Yao's hand tightly, meeting her gaze. "Stay close to me. Don't be afraid."

Lin Yao took a deep breath and nodded. "I won't hold you back."

As they stepped into the river, an intense chill enveloped them. The scenery around them began to warp and distort, and the river beneath their feet dissolved into a vast void.

"Yao-ge, where are you?" Lin Yao cried out in panic, realizing Qin Yao's figure had vanished.

"Lin Yao! Don't wander!" Qin Yao's voice echoed from afar, faint and distorted.

Suddenly, a familiar face appeared before Lin Yao—it was her long-lost brother from her childhood.

"Lin Yao, why did you abandon me?" her "brother" asked, his voice filled with accusation and cold detachment. "Have you forgotten me already?"

Lin Yao froze, tears streaming down her face. "No… It's not like that! I didn't abandon you! I wasn't strong enough to save you!"

Meanwhile, Qin Yao faced his own trial. Before him appeared countless cold, lifeless eyes—the eyes of innocents he had failed to protect in his past missions.

"Qin Yao, you're nothing but a coward," the voices mocked him. "