Chapter 8: Unraveling the Web of Deception

Lin Mei's sobs echoed through the ruined street, her body trembling as she knelt before Zhou Kai. Her once-pristine appearance was smeared with dirt and blood, her hair disheveled, eyes swollen with fear.

Zhou Kai stood over her, his presence cold and unyielding. The power he absorbed from Liu Chen surged within him, new abilities coursing through his veins. Sword Mastery... Energy Manipulation... This is just the beginning.

He tightened his grip on his blade, his eyes fixed on Lin Mei. This woman... the one who smiled sweetly as she plotted my death. I need answers.

> Zhou Kai: "Speak. Who ordered you to betray me?"

Lin Mei looked up, her eyes wide with panic. Her lips trembled, struggling to form words.

> Lin Mei: "I... I didn't have a choice... They... They threatened me..."

Zhou Kai's expression hardened.

> Zhou Kai: "Threatened you? Do you take me for a fool?"

He raised his blade, the edge gleaming under the flickering flames of the ruined city. Lin Mei flinched, tears streaming down her face.

> Lin Mei: "P-Please... I'm telling the truth! They... They said they'd kill me if I didn't do as they asked..."

Zhou Kai's eyes narrowed. They? Who are they?

> [Ding! Hidden Quest Completed: The Pawn's True Face]

[Objective: Save Lin Mei and Uncover the Truth]

[Reward: Truth Revelation, 1000 EXP, Skill Upgrade: Appraisal]

[Skill Upgrade: Appraisal (Lv.2) – Can now see hidden information and status effects]

Information flooded his mind, his Appraisal skill evolving, allowing him to see deeper into Lin Mei's status. He activated it, his vision sharpening as he focused on her.

> [Appraisal Activated]

[Target: Lin Mei]

[Level: 3]

[Strength: 5]

[Agility: 6]

[Skills: Charm (Lv.2), Deception (Lv.2)]

[Status Effect: Cursed Contract – Forced Loyalty]

[Hidden Information Unlocked: Lin Mei was forced to betray Zhou Kai under a Cursed Contract. Breaking the contract would result in her death.]

Zhou Kai's eyes widened. A Cursed Contract? So she really was forced... He looked at Lin Mei, his expression softening for a brief moment.

> Zhou Kai: "Who put this contract on you?"

Lin Mei's eyes flickered with relief. She took a shaky breath, her voice barely above a whisper.

> Lin Mei: "It... It was Liu Chen's master... He called himself 'The Apostle'... He came to us before the apocalypse started. He... he knew everything. He said you were a threat to his plans... and that you had to die."

Zhou Kai's heart pounded. The Apostle? Someone who knew about the apocalypse before it even began? Just who is this man... and why does he see me as a threat?

His mind raced, piecing together the puzzle. This wasn't just some petty betrayal. There's something bigger at play... and I'm right in the middle of it.

> [Ding! Main Quest Update: Uncover the Truth]

[Objective: Investigate The Apostle's Plans]

[Reward: 5000 EXP, System Upgrade]

[Failure Penalty: Targeted by The Apostle's Followers]

Zhou Kai's eyes gleamed with determination. So, The Apostle wants me dead? Fine. I'll find him... and destroy everything he's planning.

He looked down at Lin Mei, his expression unreadable.

> Zhou Kai: "You were just a pawn... but that doesn't mean you're innocent. You still betrayed me."

Lin Mei's face went pale, her body trembling.

> Lin Mei: "P-Please... I... I did it to survive... I didn't want to die..."

Zhou Kai's jaw tightened. She was a pawn... but she still made the choice. She still played a part in my death.

> [Ding! Choice Event Triggered: Punish or Forgive]

[Option 1: Punish Lin Mei – Gain 2000 EXP, Skill: Intimidation]

[Option 2: Forgive Lin Mei – Gain 1500 EXP, Companion: Lin Mei]

[Warning: Your choice will affect the story's progression and relationships]

Zhou Kai's eyes flickered with indecision. Punish her... or forgive her? If I punish her, I gain strength... but if I forgive her, she could be a useful ally. And she might know more about The Apostle.

He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. I need allies. Even if I can't fully trust her, having her close is better than leaving her as an enemy.

His grip on his blade loosened. He lowered his weapon, his gaze cold and distant.

> Zhou Kai: "I won't kill you... But don't think this means I've forgiven you. You're staying with me... and if you betray me again, I'll end you myself."

Lin Mei's eyes widened with relief. She bowed her head, her voice choked with gratitude.

> Lin Mei: "T-Thank you... Thank you for sparing me..."

> [Ding! Choice Made: Forgive Lin Mei]

[Reward: 1500 EXP, Companion: Lin Mei]

[Companion Unlocked: Lin Mei – Skills: Charm (Lv.2), Deception (Lv.2)]

Zhou Kai turned away, his eyes fixed on the horizon. Flames danced across the cityscape, the smoke rising into the darkening sky. The Apostle... whoever you are... I'm coming for you.

He clenched his fists, his determination burning brighter than ever. You tried to control my fate... but now, I'll control yours.

> Zhou Kai: "Lin Mei, you're coming with me. We're leaving this city... and you're going to tell me everything you know about The Apostle."

Lin Mei nodded, her expression solemn. She rose to her feet, wiping the tears from her face.

> Lin Mei: "I... I understand. I'll tell you everything."

Together, they walked through the ruins, leaving Liu Chen's lifeless body behind. The first chapter of betrayal and revenge had ended... but the real battle was just beginning.

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End of Chapter 8