《Twisted Destiny [Epic Dark Progression]》


 Chapter 01 - Getting Eaten

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    Pain. Faint and distant, like a memory surfacing from the depths of a dark ocean.


    Was I even alive?


    Darkness surrounded me, thick and suffocating, holding me in a cold embrace. My mind floated, weightless, grasping at nothing¡ªno thoughts, no memories ¨C just an endless void. I had no sense of how long I''d been trapped in this eternal darkness.


    Am I dead? Is this what death feels like?


    A faint, indistinct voice whispered at the edges of my consciousness. I couldn''t make out the words, but the meaning was clear and persistent.


    Let go, Sleep eternal. Let go.


    My weak and fragile mind clung to that thought like a lifeline. I wanted to surrender, to slip into the darkness where there was no pain, fear, or struggle. But a heaviness in my chest pulled me back. Something was wrong. A sensation, faint but growing, gnawed at my awareness. The pain wasn''t gone; it lurked beneath the surface, creeping into the edges of my mind.


    The pain was growing, and so was the voice. Faint as it was, it dragged me out of the void toward something worse than the darkness. I felt it again, sharper this time ¨C something wet and hot, moving inside me, tearing.


    Tearing at me. What...? My thoughts were sluggish, murmurs in the depths of my skull. I couldn''t think, couldn''t remember¡ªonly feel the growing ache in my belly.


    There was a tug, a sharp pull ¨C flesh being torn, something wet and warm pooling around me.


    A grotesque slurping noise, something wet and thick, chewing.


    The fog in my mind lifted, but I wished it hadn''t. I wanted to sink back into that comforting darkness, away from the realization that something terrible was happening.


    Slowly, painfully, I forced my eyes open. The darkness parted, replaced by a blur of shifting shadows and dim light. My vision was swimming, shapes moving in and out of focus. I blinked, fighting against the heaviness that made my eyelids feel like lead. Bit by bit, the world sharpened around me, and I began to see.


    That''s when I saw it.


    The sound hit me first, much louder now¨Cthe sickening, wet tearing of flesh, the low, guttural slurping of something feeding.


    I felt it before I saw it: a gnawing sensation deep in my gut, like something was inside me, biting, chewing.


    My eyes drifted down, and I froze.


    ¡® Crunch, slurp ¡®


    An abomination crouched over me, its massive, grotesque form hunched low as it tore into my abdomen with ravenous hunger. Its dark, mottled skin clung tightly to an emaciated frame like a withered corpse refusing to rot. Its face... gods, its face was a twisted nightmare¨Ca fusion of jagged bones and leathery skin stretched over a maw dripping with blood¨Cmy blood.


    I couldn¡¯t breathe. My chest tightened, and my heart stuttered in its weak, irregular rhythm. The creature was feasting on me, its claws buried deep in my torn flesh, pulling at the shredded remains of my innards. Each pull sent another wave of cold, burning agony through my body, but I was too weak to scream. Too weak to fight as I heard the sweet voice again faint..but there.


    The sweet voice whispered again, faint but present¡ªWhy fight? Let go and sleep peacefully.


    Horrified, I watched as the monster''s jaws clamped down, teeth sinking into the soft meat of my exposed stomach, ripping free another chunk. With each wave of pain, the voice grew fainter.


    The sensation of being eaten alive should have been unbearable, but there was only a dull, distant throb. My body was too broken, too shattered to process the full extent of the pain. I felt disconnected, like I was watching from somewhere far away, trapped in a nightmare that wouldn''t end.


    As I started regaining my senses the smell hit me next, iron and bile, thick in the air, mingling with the stench of decay. I could taste it in the back of my throat, the rancid odor of death and rot, mingled with the coppery tang of my own blood. I wanted to gag, but I couldn¡¯t even manage that. My body refused to obey, paralyzed by fear and weakness.


    The monster''s head lifted slightly, jaws still working, chewing on the flesh it had torn from me. It turned its eyes toward me, and my blood ran colder. Its eyes were dirty yellowish, locked onto mine. There was no intelligence, no glimmer of sentience¨Cjust raw, primal hunger.


    I didn''t exist to it beyond the sustenance my body provided. I was meat. Nothing more. My breath caught in my throat, each shallow gasp filled with terror, the crushing realization that I was dying. No, worse¨CI was being eaten alive, piece by piece, and there was nothing I could do.


    My mind urged me to move, to fight, but my limbs were leaden, numb. I couldn''t feel my legs, couldn''t lift my arms. I was trapped, helpless, watching as this thing devoured me. I tried to cry out, but only a weak, gurgling breath escaped, wet and feeble. Blood filled my throat, choking me. I coughed or tried to¨Cbut the effort sent another jolt of agony through me, something tearing loose inside.


    The monster didn''t care. It kept feeding, oblivious to my suffering. I could hear it now¨Cthe crunch of bone, the wet tearing of muscle and sinew. The pain grew stronger, more real with each passing second. The numbness was slipping away, exposing me to the full horror of what was happening.


    I was dying. Slowly. Painfully. Maybe I should let go...


    Just let go.


    The thought whispered through the cracks of my consciousness, slithering into the growing void inside me. It felt easy, right¨Cto sink into the darkness, to drift where there was no pain. The numbness had dulled the sharp edges of agony. All that was left was a soft, comforting void.


    But even as that thought consumed me, something else stirred. A flicker, a faint flash¨Clike a dying ember in the cold night. It danced at the edges of my mind, just beyond reach.Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.


    Then it hit me¨Ca memory, sharp and vivid.


    A boy, no older than a teenager, stood before me. His face pale, streaked with blood and dirt, chest heaving with ragged breaths. He was terrified. His wide eyes, filled with desperation, stared into mine. I felt his fear as if it were my own, a sickening knot twisting in my gut. And then¨C


    Pierced.


    The boy''s chest exploded, a dark bony monstrous hand plunging through his ribcage. Claws wrapped around his heart, still beating frantically like a caged animal. Blood gushed, splattering the ground. His lips parted in a silent cry. His terrified eyes dulled, losing the light of life in a heartbeat. His body crumpled like a broken doll as the monster yanked its hand free, holding the heart aloft like a twisted prize.


    No!


    The darkness pulsed, alive with the weight of that memory, that grief. My chest tightened, my lungs burning as if I''d been pierced by the same monstrous hand. The vision faded, but the feeling of loss remained, sinking its claws into me, refusing to let go.


    I knew that boy. I knew him. But... who was he?


    I wanted to cry out, but my body wouldn''t obey. The monster still tore into me, claws digging deeper, teeth gnashing through my insides, but the pain seemed distant now. All I felt was the crushing weight of the memory. My mind spun, unraveling, grasping for something¨Canything¨Cthat could explain why his death struck me so deeply, why my heart felt like it was shattering.


    Why?


    The word echoed through the hollow spaces of my mind, unanswered. Who was he? Why did his death tear at me like this? I felt the grief¨Craw and unrelenting¨Cthreatening to swallow me whole. It was like a dagger twisting in my chest, a wound that would never heal.


    Why am I crying for him?


    The question surged through my thoughts, drowning out the seductive voice urging me to surrender. I couldn''t let go. Not now. Not yet. There was something I needed to remember, something vital my heart clung to with its final beats. The voice urging me to let go was wrong. I couldn''t¨Cnot until I understood.


    His death... it meant something. And that unbearable weight in my chest wasn''t just grief¨Cit was guilt. The kind that eats away at your soul, leaving nothing but hollow remnants. My heart felt torn apart from the inside, each beat filled with agony worse than the monster feasting on my flesh.


    The image of his lifeless body burned behind my eyes, the monster''s hand gripping his heart like a trophy. I could see his face, pale and bloodless, frozen in terror. I could hear his silent cry, echoing in my ears, tearing through the void around me.


    Who was he?


    The question pounded in my skull, louder, demanding an answer. But the memory was slipping away, dissolving like mist, leaving only fragments¨Chis face, the claws, the blood-soaked ground. I tried to hold on, but the details blurred, darkness creeping at the edges of my vision.


    No. I have to remember. I have to.


    The voice in my mind¨Cthe one urging me to let go¨Cwas still there, but different now. Softer, sweeter, trying to comfort me.


    It''s better to let go... to sleep... it whispered. You don''t need to remember. You don''t need to feel this pain. Just let go, and it will all end...


    I clenched my teeth, the taste of blood filling my mouth. No. I wouldn''t let go. Not until I understood why his death meant so much to me. My heart pounded with frantic urgency, each thud a desperate cry for life. It felt like it would burst from my chest, but I didn''t care. The pain was real now, sharp and burning, and I welcomed it. It meant I was still alive.


    I cried out in my mind, raw with desperation, fighting against the pull of the void. I needed to know why my heart was so heavy, why his death tore me apart.


    Why? I demanded, the word burning in my thoughts, a plea that seemed to shake my very soul. Who was he? Why did it hurt so much?


    My heart thundered, each beat sending waves of heat and anger through me. I felt it building¨Ca rage born from grief, from confusion, from the unbearable weight of loss. It clawed up from the depths, consuming everything in its path.


    Fragments of memory flickered¨Cfaces, names, flashes of light and shadow. Mom... Aria... Aunt Nora... Each sent a jolt through me, but they weren''t enough. I needed more. I needed to remember everything. My heart pounded faster, refusing to give in. The monster''s gnashing teeth, the blood-soaked ground, the boy''s lifeless body¨Cthey swirled in my mind, a whirlwind of pain and anger.


    Who am I?


    I cried out again, louder, a silent scream that echoed through the void, drowning out the lulling voice urging me to let go. Mom... Ari... Ed... Edward...


    Edward.


    The name struck me like lightning, sharp and painful, searing through the fog. Edward¨Cmy childhood friend. His face flashed before me, vivid and clear, as if he stood right there. I saw him laughing, messy hair falling into his eyes, that mischievous grin. And then... blood. His chest was torn open, a monstrous hand gripping his heart before ripping it free. I had watched him die. Watched the light leave his eyes, just like the boy in my memory.


    My body trembled, a shiver running from fingertips to core, as the weight of grief and loss tried to crush me. My heart¨Cno longer weak, no longer fading¨Cbeat against my ribs like a war drum, louder and faster, reminding me I was still alive. But with every beat, the pain intensified¨Cnot from the monster gnawing at my flesh, but deeper, primal, and raw. The pain of loss, of grief long ignored.


    As that grief built, so did something else. It swelled within me, a powerful presence refusing to be silenced.


    The memory of Edward''s death shattered, falling away like broken glass. In its place, a new memory surged forward, burning bright.


    The sky... shattering.


    I could see it so clearly now like I was living it all over again. The world above me cracked, the sky itself splitting apart like fragile glass, and beyond it¡­ an eye. A titanic, monstrous eye, so vast that it seemed to swallow the heavens. It peered down at me, unblinking, its gaze freezing everything in its path. The air grew heavy, the ground trembled, and the world itself seemed to hold its breath under the weight of that gaze..


    It wasn¡¯t just a look, it was a judgment, an all-consuming stare that pierced through flesh and bone, straight to the core of my being. But along with the terror came a name.


    Alexis.


    My name.


    Alexis Artoria Drakesier.


    The moment I remembered, it was like floodgates opened. Memories rushed in¡ªscenes of my life, fragments of people I knew, places I''d been, moments of joy and sorrow. Faces swirled, and voices echoed. Mom... Ari... Aunt Nora... Edward... Alice.


    Edward is dead.


    And I couldn''t do anything.


    The weight crushed me, pressing on my chest, and making it hard to breathe. Death. Grief. It surrounded me, suffocating, chaining me. The pain was unbearable, and for a moment, I wanted to collapse under it.


    But then something changed¨Ca seething hatred rose from the ashes of my pain. The sorrow, the helplessness¨Cit twisted into rage, black and violent, bubbling up from the depths of my soul. It surged through me, a tidal wave of fury so intense it felt like I''d explode.


    I locked eyes with the monster still tearing into my flesh, its face smeared with my blood, eyes dark and hollow. No thought in its gaze, no malice¨Cjust hunger. It didn''t care who I was or what I''d lost. I was meat. Nothing more.


    But I was more.


    Something inside me snapped. A raw, primal roar tore from my throat. It wasn''t just pain¨Cit was rage, hatred, defiance. The power building inside me surged to the surface, too strong to contain. I felt it pouring out, spreading through my veins like fire, consuming everything.


    The world around me trembled. The air crackled with energy, heavy and suffocating as if reality itself bent under the weight of my fury. The monster froze, claws still buried in me, its hollow eyes locking onto mine. It sensed the change, the power building around me. For the first time, I saw hesitation flicker across its grotesque face.


    But it was too late.


    The rage erupted, exploding outward in a violent wave. The ground shook, and the monster was flattened by the surge, reduced to nothing but flesh and blood.


    The power EXIRA as I remembered faded as quickly as it had come, leaving me drained, empty. My vision blurred, and I could feel my body collapsing, the strength leaving me as quickly as it had come. I hit the ground hard, my limbs numb, my mind spinning. Darkness crept in at the edges of my vision, pulling me down into the void once more.


    But this time, I didn¡¯t fight it. As the world slipped away, The last thing I thought before the darkness claimed me was their names, whispered like a prayer.


    Mom¡­ Ari¡­ Edward¡­


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 Chapter 02 - Fragmented Memories

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    As consciousness returned, the first thing I noticed was the smell¨Cstrong, thick, heavy, metallic¨Cthe overwhelming scent of iron. Blood and the stench of decay, of rotting flesh festering in the air. My stomach churned, bile rising in my throat as I sensed the horror around me without even opening my eyes.


    My stomach... I remembered. The monster. Its claws, its teeth. The searing agony as it tore me apart, feasting on me while I was still alive.


    How am I alive?


    I was afraid to move, fearing the pain would return, that I''d feel my insides spilling out again. My chest felt tight, my breath shallow. I forced my eyes open, the weight of reality pressing down as the world came into focus.


    I took a deep breath¨Ca mistake.


    The stench hit harder, and I gagged, my stomach lurching. I coughed, the sound ragged and dry, my throat raw, but there was no pain in my gut. My heart pounded as I cautiously dragged my hand across the floor, bracing myself to feel torn flesh, a gaping hole where my stomach should be.


    But there was nothing. No slick warmth of blood, no raw, open wound. Just smooth, unbroken skin.


    I blinked, struggling to process what I was or wasn''t¨Cfeeling. My stomach was healed. Whole. My fingers trembled as I pressed them harder against the flesh, expecting pain, torn muscles, and a gash that should have been there. But there was nothing¨Conly the faint stickiness of dried blood on my skin and the wet, tattered remnants of my clothes clinging to me.


    What the hell...?


    I forced myself to sit up, leaning against the rough stone wall behind me. Every movement was slow, and deliberate, as if any sudden shift would bring the pain crashing back. But it didn''t.


    I was alive.


    I glanced down at my stomach, staring at the blood-soaked fabric clinging to my skin. The fabric was in tatters, shredded, and stained dark with my own blood. The memory of the monster feasting on me came back in flashes¨Cthe claws, the teeth, the pain¨Cbut there was no sign of it now.


    I should have been dead. I had felt myself dying, my insides torn apart, my life slipping away... And now?


    But how? How was I fine when just moments ago¨Cor was it hours? I had been nothing more than a feast for that thing?


    My head spun, confusion swirling like fog in my mind. None of this made sense. My memory was fuzzy; nothing seemed to surface. I swallowed, my throat dry and aching, but still, there was no pain. The only thing that burned was the confusion.


    What had happened? How did I end up here?


    Dragging my legs closer, I forced myself to move, muscles stiff and aching as if I hadn''t used them in days. I leaned back against the wall, breath coming in short, shallow bursts as I stared around me. The monster''s corpse lay on the ground, flattened in a pool of dried blood beneath it.


    What did I do? At least that ugly creature is dead.


    I remembered the rage¨Cthe blinding, all-consuming fury that had surged through me like a firestorm, burning hotter than anything I''d ever felt. The power Exira, I recalled¨Cripping through the air, tearing everything apart. And then nothing. Darkness. I must have fainted.


    My fingers clenched into fists, gripping the dirt and stone beneath me. My heart thudded faster as fragments of memory pushed through the fog. I had killed it. Silence pressed in, heavy and suffocating, broken only by the distant drip of water somewhere in the darkness. I glanced at my hands, still trembling, the blood¨Cmine or the monster''s? drying on my skin.


    I looked up, gaze drifting over the dim surroundings. The darkness was broken only by the faint, eerie glow of moss clinging to the walls. It wasn''t much¨Cjust a dull, sickly green light that barely illuminated the cave¨Cbut enough to make out jagged rocks and uneven ground. The moss grew thick and abundant, its soft light painting the place in shades of green. Shadows clung to the edges, shifting and flickering in the dim glow like ghosts haunting the cave.


    The light didn''t do much to fight the suffocating darkness, but it was the only thing keeping the cave from swallowing me whole. In my current state, I''d be lost without it. My heart still pounded, but the panic that had gripped me before was ebbing away.


    I need to think. To breathe.


    I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, the foul air filling my lungs. It didn''t help much, but it was a start. I had to calm down and clear my mind before I lost myself again in confusion and terror. I needed control, or at least the illusion of it.


    Without thinking, I shifted into a more comfortable position, back pressed against the cold, damp stone. I crossed my legs¨Ca posture familiar, instinctual. My hands rested on my knees, palms facing upward. I focused on my breathing, drawing in slow, steady breaths.


    Meditation.


    The thought flickered in my mind, surprising me. I knew how to do this. My body remembered, even if my mind was still swimming in fragments of forgotten memories. Was it muscle memory? I wasn''t sure, but I didn''t care. It was something to hold onto, something to ground me in this nightmare.


    As I breathed in and out, the noise of the world around me¨Cthe distant drip of water, the hollow silence of the cave¨Cbegan to fade. My mind, still fractured and chaotic, started to calm. The frantic beat of my heart slowed, and the tension in my muscles loosened. For the first time since waking, I felt a sense of stillness. I focused on that feeling, letting it wash over me. My thoughts stopped racing; the confusion and fear dulled, just enough for me to breathe without that crushing weight on my chest.


    Maybe I didn''t understand what was happening. Maybe I was still lost in the dark, surrounded by death and monsters and memories that didn''t make sense. But for these few moments, I had control. I was alive. I was breathing. I took another breath, feeling the cold air fill my lungs. The trembling had stopped. My hands were steady now, my heart no longer thundering. The fear was still there, lurking in the back of my mind, but it had lost its grip.


    I''m not helpless. I''m not lost. Not anymore.


    I opened my eyes and stared into the dim glow of the cave. The shadows no longer seemed so suffocating, and the oppressive weight of the darkness had lifted, even if only slightly. I had control again. Maybe not over everything¨Cnot over the memories still locked away, not over the horrors that had brought me here¨Cbut I had control of myself. And that was something.


    I started to piece it together, breaking down events in my mind, step by step, trying to make sense of it all.


    I had woken up here, in this cave, and a fucking ugly creature had been feasting on me. My body had been broken, shredded, and too weak to fight back. Too weak to even resist. I remembered the pain¨Cor rather, the absence of it¨Cthe numbness that had crept in as my life slipped away. But there was something else. Something more important.You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    My memories.


    They are... sealed somehow. Locked away in a dark corner of my mind, out of reach. As I lay there, dying, I didn''t know who I was. No name. No past. Just a cold, empty void where everything should have been. It was like a piece of me had been taken, ripped away, leaving me hollow.


    I shuddered at the thought. What kind of power could do that? What force could bury someone''s entire identity, leave them drifting in the dark without any sense of self?


    I almost gave in. Almost let myself go.


    That voice... sweet, soft, lulling. It had been so tempting, whispering to me, telling me to stop fighting, to let go. It promised peace, an end to pain, and an end to the struggle. And for a moment, I believed it. I wanted to give in, to stop resisting, to just... disappear.


    But then there was the shock¨Ca cold, biting jolt that ripped through me, dragging me back from the edge. Like plunging into icy water, the chill waking every nerve, every cell. And with that shock came fragments, pieces of myself that had been hidden, buried beneath the numbness.


    My name.


    I remembered my name.


    That was the first piece. Alexis. The word echoed in my mind¨Ca lifeline, something to hold onto as the rest came flooding back. Not everything¨Cjust bits and pieces, fragments of memories, disjointed and blurry but enough.


    Enough to give me strength. Enough to make me fight. I had killed it¨Cthe monster. I didn''t know how, not really. But I had felt it, the power surging through me, dark and wild, tearing the world apart around me. And then, nothing. Blackness.


    But I remembered now. Faint, like a whisper, but there.


    Exira.


    The word surfaced from the depths of my mind¨Cunfamiliar and yet... not. Like a half-forgotten dream, a memory that didn''t quite belong to me, but I knew it. I had used it. At that moment, on the verge of death, I had called upon it. The power that had saved me. Exira.


    A flash of memory, more vivid this time, surged to the surface. A field. Soft sunlight filters through trees. The scent of flowers on the breeze. And her¨CMom. I saw her clearly now, standing beside me, her hand on my shoulder, guiding me, teaching me. We were practicing, and a shudder passed through me at the blurry memory.


    My chest tightened, emotions flooding in before I could stop them. I remembered her face¨Ckind, gentle, but strong. Stronger than anyone I''d ever known. My mother. She had taught me this. She had taught me how to survive.


    The thought of her made my heart ache. And not just her¨Cothers. Names, and faces, flickering at the edges of my mind like shadows. I could feel them there, but they were just out of reach, blurry and distorted, like looking through a fogged window.


    Mom. Aunt Nora. Ari.


    The names hit me like a punch to the gut. I could see them now¨Cfaint images, but still real.


    Still mine.


    Aunt Nora¨Cher sharp smile, the way she laughed, always teasing. Ari... My breath caught at the memory of her. I couldn''t see her clearly, but I knew her. I felt her¨Cthe warmth, the closeness. Like a sister. Like family.


    But that was it. That was all I had. The rest¨Cmy life, my memories still locked away. And the more I tried to reach for them, the more frustrated I became. It was like grasping at smoke, the pieces slipping through my fingers no matter how hard I tried to hold onto them.


    I slammed my fist into the ground, frustration boiling over. Anger flared, threatening to consume me again. Why can''t I remember? Why is everything so fragmented, so broken? Why did this happen to me?


    But no matter how hard I tried, the memories stayed out of reach, taunting me with glimpses of a life I could no longer grasp. The more I thought about it, the more rage I felt.


    A chill passed through my body, sudden and sharp, sending a shiver up my spine. It wasn''t the cold air of the cave. No, this was something else. Something familiar.


    My hand instinctively moved to my ear, fingers brushing against the metal earring hanging there¨Cthe shape of a dragon curled into an elegant figure-eight. Cold. The metal always had a chill to it, but now, as I touched it, something stirred. A flicker in the darkness of my mind.


    And then, another memory.


    It came in flashes, fast and disjointed, like flipping through pages too quickly to grasp details but leaving behind feelings. The emotions hit me first.


    Laughter. Joy.


    We were sitting on a blanket spread over soft grass, the sun warm on our faces. Alice''s smile was radiant, her laughter like music as she sipped wine. Edward was beside me, tearing into a loaf of bread with his usual carefree grin, crumbs falling from his mouth. The three of us together, happy. The kind of happiness that felt endless, eternal.


    The memory shifted.


    .


    .


    The earth shook.


    I remembered the ground trembling beneath us, cups and plates on the picnic blanket rattling violently as if the world itself were tearing apart. We jumped to our feet, laughter gone in an instant. The sky... the sky was wrong. Dark clouds gathered, swirling violently as thunder cracked overhead. A sound like ripping fabric echoed through the air, followed by a deep, guttural roar.


    Something was coming.


    The memory shifted.


    .


    .


    Monsters.


    They poured out of the sky like nightmares made flesh, emerging from a tear in the very fabric of the heavens. Horrid creatures with claws and fangs, dripping with malice. We were forced to fight, weapons drawn. I felt the fear, the helplessness against them. No matter how hard we fought, we were losing ground, overwhelmed by sheer numbers and the savage brutality of the creatures.


    The memory shifted again.


    .


    .


    Edward.


    I saw him, caught in the grip of something monstrous¨Ca devil-like creature with wings of shadow and a twisted, grotesque smile. Its clawed hand pierced through his chest, fingers wrapping around his heart. I screamed. I tried to move, to reach him, but I couldn''t. All I could do was watch as Edward''s eyes widened in shock, his mouth opening in a soundless gasp as life drained from him.


    The creature ripped his heart from his chest.


    Another shift.


    .


    .


    I was on my knees, sobbing, hands pressed to my face as the world crumbled around me. Thunder crashed in the distance, and the sky continued to tear, reality unraveling. I screamed, voice hoarse, calling out Edward''s name, but it was drowned by the deafening roar of the storm and the monstrous wails of creatures swarming around us.


    The memory shifted once more.


    .


    .


    And then, I saw it.


    My gaze was drawn upward, past the chaos, past the storm, to the tear in the sky. Through that tear, staring down with malevolent intent was an eye. A titanic eye, impossibly large, gazing from some dark, otherworldly place. It was pure evil, its gaze sending a wave of dread crashing over me, suffocating me in its presence. I couldn''t look away. My body froze as that eye bore into my soul, and for a moment, everything stopped.


    The world went dark.


    The memory slipped away as quickly as it had come, leaving me breathless, and heart pounding. I touched the earring again, fingers trembling as I tried to ground myself, but the weight of the past pressed down like a crushing wave.


    Edward.


    His name echoed in my mind. And that eye... another memory came, this time a poem.


    When the sky is torn asunder,


    And shadows stretch with growing thunder,


    The Eye of Devour peers below,


    Bringing forth eternal woe.


    Beware the gaze that sees your soul,


    For no mercy will it know.


    Its hunger vast, its darkness deep,


    In its stare, your end shall creep.


    Turn away, do not defy,


    For beneath its watch, all must die.


    A fate far worse than death awaits,


    Where hope is lost and time abates.


    When the heavens break and tremble,


    And the world begins to crumble,


    Seek no answers in the skies¡ª


    The Eye devours, and never lies.


    <hr>

 Chapter 03 - Standing back up

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    Edward.


    His name echoed in my mind, And that eye¡­ as another memory came, this time a poem.


    When the sky is torn asunder,


    And shadows stretch with growing thunder,


    The Eye of Devour peers below,


    Bringing forth eternal woe.


    Beware the gaze that sees your soul,


    For no mercy will it know.


    Its hunger vast, its darkness deep,


    In its stare, your end shall creep.


    Turn away, do not defy,


    For beneath its watch, all must die.


    A fate far worse than death awaits,


    Where hope is lost and time abates.


    When the heavens break and tremble,


    And the world begins to crumble,


    Seek no answers in the skies-


    The Eye devours, and never lies.


    My head pounded with the sudden recollection as if the very act of remembering had a price. I grabbed my head, my fingers digging into my scalp as the pain surged. It felt like someone was hammering nails into my skull, a relentless, searing ache that made my vision blur.


    I grit my teeth, trying to fight through it, but the pressure only built, each pulse of pain worse than the last.


    What the hell was that? The poem. The prophecy.


    It had been buried deep, locked away with the rest of my memories.


    But why? And why now? Why did it hurt so much?


    The words of the poem echoed in my mind, bringing with them a creeping sense of dread. The Eye¡­ I had seen it, staring down from that tear in the sky, vast and unblinking, filled with malice and the very fact he may have heard the prophecy long before the actual incident.


    I gasped, my breath ragged, my hands still gripping my head as the pain intensified. I felt like my skull was going to split open.


    chill


    It spread from my earring, cold and soothing, pushing back against the agony like ice against a fire. My breathing steadied, the pain ebbing away, replaced by a sudden, eerie clarity. I could think again, the fog in my mind lifting.


    My thoughts sharpened, and with them came more fragments, pieces of the past tumbling into place.


    .


    Flashes of my mother surfaced. Pairah. The name resonated, important yet elusive, like grasping at smoke. No matter how hard I focused, it slipped away.


    But then, another memory surfaced. My mother¡¯s voice, sharp with frustration, cutting through the haze.


    "You should never have accepted it, Alexis. This¡­ gift will cost you more than you realize."


    Her words reverberated, tinged with fear. I saw her standing over me, concern and anger etched on her face, hands clenched. But the rest was a blur.


    .


    What had I accepted? What gift worried her so much?


    The earring.


    My fingers traced the cold metal of the dragon-shaped earring. Was this the "gift"? It seemed too insignificant to carry such weight, but the chill it emanated, the way it connected to my memories ¨C it couldn''t be a coincidence.


    I leaned back against the wall, the cold stone pressing into me. My head still throbbed, but at least I could think. Silence enveloped the cave, the faint green glow of moss casting eerie shadows. I closed my eyes, taking deep breaths to calm the storm in my mind.


    I ..I.. I need answers¡­.


    The thought echoed through me, sharp and clear, pushing aside the fog that clung to my mind.


    I needed answers. I needed to know what had happened to my family, to Alice, to Aunt Mel. The names felt heavy like anchors dragging me toward something I couldn¡¯t see yet. But one thing was clear, if I wanted to find them, to understand what had happened, I had to get stronger.


    Strong enough to stand beside my Mother.


    I may have forgotten nearly everything, but this - this I knew for certain. My mother was the strongest being on earth. She was powerful, far beyond what anyone else could dream of.


    And I¡­ I had been weak. That¡¯s what stung the most.


    Taking a deep breath, I inhaled the stale air, the scent of blood and rot thick in my nose. My muscles protested as I pushed myself up, pain flaring in my limbs, but I ignored it. I needed to move, couldn''t stay here wallowing in half-forgotten memories and regrets.Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    The cave spun for a moment as I stood, legs shaky, threatening to buckle. But I forced myself upright. I wouldn''t fall. Not again.


    I have to grow stronger. Strong enough to not give a f**k about anything.


    The thought burned in my mind. The flashes of Edward¡¯s death, of the Eye, of the monsters were all tangled up in that weakness.


    Not anymore.


    I gritted my teeth, steadying myself, my breath coming in slow, controlled bursts. Every muscle in my body screamed in protest. Pain was nothing. Not anymore. But I realized how frail I was. My legs trembled, barely supporting me. I pressed against the wall for support, fighting to catch my breath. Fatigue threatened to overwhelm me.


    Pathetic.


    I couldn¡¯t help but sneer at myself. Here I was, barely able to stand, a shadow of whatever I once was. But I wouldn¡¯t let this body beat me, not after everything I¡¯d been through.


    Focus Lexi, what would Mom say seeing this¡­


    Another deep breath. The cave was silent except for the faint drip of water. After what felt like an eternity, I finally managed to stay upright without leaning on the wall. Small victories, I thought, but they counted. I stretched out my arms first, letting them dangle as I rolled my shoulders. They were stiff, the joints creaking with every motion. I winced as I stretched further, feeling the pull of muscles that hadn¡¯t been used in who knows how long.


    Next was my neck. I tilted my head from side to side, the vertebrae cracking in sharp little pops that sent faint ripples of discomfort down my spine. It felt good, though, in a strange way. Like my body was waking up after being dormant for too long.


    With my arms and neck loose, I moved to my waist, twisting slowly from left to right. My balance was still shaky, but I pushed through it. I needed to feel alive again, even if it hurt. Especially if it hurts.


    Finally, I bent my knees, careful not to push too hard. The soreness was still there, a dull ache reminding me that my body was far from recovered. But the more I moved, the more control I regained. The more the weakness faded.


    I took a few careful steps, feeling out the ground beneath me. The jagged stones pressed into my bare feet, sharp and unforgiving, but I welcomed the sensation. Pain meant I was still here, still alive.


    I decided to finish the warm-up with a few jumping jacks. Slowly at first, just to make sure I wouldn¡¯t collapse halfway through. My body protested, but I ignored it, pushing myself harder with each jump. It felt strange, familiar, but distant, like a forgotten habit surfacing from the depths of my mind.


    One, two, three¡­ I lost count after twenty. My breathing was labored by the end, but I didn¡¯t care. The soreness in my legs had dulled, and I felt more grounded than I had since waking up in this cave. I might¡¯ve been weak, but I wasn¡¯t helpless. Not anymore.


    Leaning against the wall again, I chuckled to myself. What would my gym buddies say if they saw me now? Taking this long just to warm up¡­


    The thought was absurd, but it brought a smile to my face nonetheless. I began exploring, steps slow and unsteady. The cave wasn''t large, but the eerie green light distorted everything. I found a narrow passage in the far wall ¨C the only apparent way in or out.


    A single passage? No other way¡­ how the hell did I even end up here?


    The thought gnawed at me as I scanned for another exit. Nothing. Someone must have brought me here. Teleportation? Some kind of retreat ability?


    I sighed, a mix of frustration and confusion. It didn''t make sense. But standing around wouldn''t help, so I continued walking, circling the cave. It was disorienting, the way the glowing moss cast everything in that sickly green hue, and before I knew it, I found myself back where I started, the monster¡¯s corpse.


    I grimaced, the stench of decay hitting me all over again. The sight of it, too. A disgusting, mangled thing, its body twisted and bloated in death. My stomach churned, and for a moment, I thought about just turning away, leaving it to rot. But then¡­


    Aunt Nora¡¯s voice echoed in my mind, sharp and clear.


    "Always analyze them, Lexi. A post-mortem is your best opportunity to identify their vulnerabilities. Examine their skeletal structure, and observe how their body fails. Understanding this will make you more efficient in future encounters."


    ¡°Even if that may be disgusting work and you may even stink but it may help you to survive¡±


    I sighed, kneeling beside the corpse despite my revulsion. As much as I hated touching it, her advice made sense. I had to learn¡ªanything that could help me survive.


    Reaching up, I grabbed a handful of the glowing moss and lichen clinging to the walls, pulling it free. It still glowed in my hands, the same faint, greenish light. Good. I gathered a bit more, shaping it into a ball, the dim light giving me just enough visibility to properly inspect the monster.


    The thing was massive. Around six or seven feet in length, bulky, with broad shoulders and thick limbs. I hovered my moss-light over it, revealing its full, grotesque form. It was an ugly a*s creature. Rotting flesh clung to its body in patches not sure if that¡¯s natural. Parts of its skin looked burned, charred in some places, while others were cracked and festering.


    I shook my head, trying to push the lingering nausea aside. I needed to focus. Ignoring the stench, I traced my hand along the corpse''s shoulder, feeling the leathery surface beneath my fingertips. It was firm, almost unnaturally so. Out of curiosity, I knocked my knuckles against it, expecting some give, but the skin didn¡¯t yield at all.


    Damn. This thing''s hide is tough, almost like armor only natural of course.


    I moved my hands toward its limbs, and that¡¯s when I noticed something that made me pause. Extending from its elbows were long, dirty white blades bone-like, roughly 30 to 40 inches in length, curving slightly at the tip. I leaned in closer, running my index finger very lightly along the edge. Almost instantly, I felt a sharp sting as the blade sliced through the surface of my skin.


    I jerked my hand back. Damn¡­ sharp. Really sharp.


    I inspected the blade again. Both of the creature¡¯s elbow joints had these weapons embedded in them. They weren¡¯t just for show, these things were designed for killing. Taking a deep breath, I reached out and grabbed one of the blades, trying to pull it free. It didn¡¯t budge.


    Huh.


    Frustrated, I turned to the other elbow and noticed that the joint there was barely hanging together. Flesh and sinew dangled loosely, and with some effort, I managed to pull the entire right elbow free. The blade came out with a sickening squish, the flesh giving way in my hand.


    uegh¡­.aeuk


    Grimacing, I exhaled and moved to the other side, gripping the second blade firmly before chopping it clean from the rest of the corpse.


    I inspected the cleaner bone blade, turning it over in my hands. It was a little shorter than a longsword, but it would have to do. I hefted it, testing its weight, then gave it a few swings through the air. The balance was off.


    Sighing, I muttered to myself, "These need work. The weight¡¯s horribly distributed¡­ no pommel to counterbalance, and the grip¡¯s nonexistent." Still, the blade¡¯s sharpness was impressive, dangerous even.


    I shifted into a stabbing stance, the familiar motion coming back to me as muscle memory took over. With a quick thrust, I drove the tip of the blade into the monster¡¯s corpse. It pierced the leathery hide with surprising ease, sinking in deeper than I had expected.


    "Yeah¡­ with a few adjustments, I could make a decent weapon out of you," I murmured, pulling the blade free and staring at it with a strange sense of appreciation. There was potential here.


    Satisfied for now, I moved to the second bone blade, cleaning off the remaining flesh stuck to it. Once both blades were set aside, I turned my attention back to the corpse. Kneeling down, I examined its face more closely. It had an elongated, almost reptilian shape, with slitted pupils that gave it a predatory look. Its maw, though, that was something else.


    The mouth was full of teeth. Too many teeth. They jutted out at odd angles, sharp and twisted, mutation and it had gone horribly wrong. I grimaced, feeling a deep unease as I stared at the unnatural formation.


    "This thing¡¯s a walking nightmare," I muttered.


    I grabbed the creature¡¯s side, bracing myself as I attempted to flip it over onto its back. The damn thing was heavy, far heavier than it looked. It took all my strength just to move it a few inches, my muscles straining under the weight. Finally, with a grunt, I managed to roll it onto its back, the impact of its body hitting the ground echoing through the cave.


    This thing weighs a damn ton.


    <hr>

 Chapter 04 - Monster Dissection 101

    <hr>


    I stood, circling the corpse with the dim moss ball in hand, its greenish glow casting eerie shadows along the cave walls. The monster¡¯s frame leaned more toward humanoid, with broad shoulders and a muscled build, though its proportions were far from human.


    Judging by the structure of its limbs, especially the joints and muscles, this thing was clearly bipedal. It probably moved with a hunched posture, balancing its weight between those ridiculously long arms and its short, bulky legs.


    I couldn¡¯t help but chuckle under my breath.


    "Never skipped leg day, huh?" I muttered, the dark humor easing the tension in my chest for just a second.


    I noticed the legs were disproportionately shorter compared to its oversized torso. The bulk of its mass seemed to rest in its upper body, likely built for raw strength rather than speed.


    Its movements must¡¯ve been slow and deliberate, heavy steps crushing the ground beneath it. The more I looked, the more I realized how deceptively strong this creature had to be.


    With a sigh, I clambered on top of the beast¡¯s chest, putting my full weight onto it. I half-expected the ribcage to creak or shift under the pressure, but it didn¡¯t budge. Its skeletal structure was clearly reinforced, maybe with something stronger than just bone. I tapped my knuckles against its chest; the sound was solid, like hitting thick wood or stone.


    "This thing''s built like a damn fortress," I mused.


    Shaking my head, I took one of the bone blades and plunged it into the sternum, cutting a long, jagged line straight down to its belly. The blade slid through the leathery hide with a sickening ease. As soon as the incision was complete, a wave of putrid stench hit me like a wall.


    "Ugh, hell," I grimaced, pulling my tattered shirt up over my nose in a weak attempt to block out the foul odor. It barely helped.


    I tore the cut wider, using the bone blade to slice through the tough skin and muscle, widening the cavity as much as I could. The smell of rotting flesh, blood, and bile mixed together, filling the air with a nauseating thickness. Forcing myself to push through, I leaned in, holding the moss ball close to inspect the inside.


    The rib cage was massive, larger than a human¡¯s by far, and it curved sharply at unnatural angles. Each rib was thick and reinforced the chest cavity. No wonder it was so damn sturdy.


    I could see where the heart should¡¯ve been, nestled deep between layers of muscle. It was positioned lower in the chest, closer to the diaphragm, and far more protected than a human¡¯s heart.


    It wasn¡¯t a traditional heart either; instead, it was more reptilian in design - an elongated organ, almost like two hearts fused together. The muscle tissue around it was dense, probably pumping blood through this massive thing¡¯s body with immense force, another clear indication of mutation in this monster, hope it''s just this fucker.


    "This thing''s a tank," I thought, grimacing again as I tried to get a better look at its insides. The lungs were massive too, filling up most of the chest cavity, with darkened, leathery tissue that suggested the creature was built for endurance, for long hunts.


    Stretching my neck and shoulders, I cracked my stiff joints, forcing myself to focus.


    The stink still clung to the air, thick and suffocating. I leaned back, wiping the sweat from my forehead, my mind racing with the possibilities. Studying this thing wasn¡¯t just a morbid curiosity, it was survival. I needed to understand what I was up against and worst of all is the next part I need to check what this ugly fuck eats.


    ¡°Not gonna be fun¡±


    I muttered under my breath, my voice muffled beneath the shirt I had stretched over my nose again. The nauseating stench still hung thick in the air, threatening to choke me with every breath.


    With a resigned sigh, I leaned back into the opening of the monster¡¯s chest, hunting for the stomach. My hands moved carefully, avoiding the jagged bone edges and slimy organs, tracing my fingers along the interior until I found it. The stomach was a bloated, disgusting sack, heavy with half-digested contents.


    Before I went any further, I paused, straightening up. I needed both hands for this, and I wasn¡¯t about to ruin what little protection I had left.


    With a grunt, I tugged off the outer shirt I¡¯d been wearing. It was already in tatters, soaked through with blood and grime, barely more than rags at this point. Carefully, I tore it into strips, wrapping them around my wrists and hands like makeshift bandages. It wouldn¡¯t do much, but at least it gave me a thin barrier between the creature¡¯s filth and my skin.


    I took a deep breath, steeling myself, then plunged my hands back into the cavity, gripping the swollen stomach. It was about the size of my head, slimy and bloated. With a quick, decisive slice from the bone blade, I cut it free, pulling the grotesque organ out of the body with a wet, squelching sound.


    Ughh¡­Disgusting.


    Setting it down carefully on the cave floor, I grabbed the bone blade again and, with one fluid motion, sliced the stomach open. A vile, putrid odor immediately hit me, worse than anything I¡¯d smelled before. Even with the rag over my face, I gagged, my stomach threatening to turn.


    The contents of the stomach spilled out in a half-digested mess. Chunks of flesh, bones, and indistinguishable remains oozed from the opening, mixing with the dark, acrid fluid inside. I squatted down, my moss ball casting a faint greenish light over the heap of gore, trying to make sense of what this thing had been eating.


    Fish bones, for sure, several long, needle-like spines poked through the mess, along with bits of scales and fins.


    "At least I might have something to eat... all I need is confirmation of a water source."This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.


    But there was something else. Something that made my blood run cold.


    Among the mess of flesh and bones, an eyeball rolled out, perfectly intact. My breath caught in my throat as I stared at it. It was too large to be from any ordinary prey, its surface covered in a thin layer of mucus. But it wasn¡¯t the size that unsettled me, it was the shape.


    A slit pupil. The same shape as the monster''s own.


    I after some hesitation picked it up, holding it closer to the moss ball to get a better look. The eyeball was too familiar. The same reptilian iris, the same dull, sickly yellow. This thing, this monster was eating its own kind.


    "Cannibalism... they eat their own¡±


    ¡°Fuck!... Probably those that can''t fend for themselves. And worst of all, there are more of these ugly bastards. I''ll have to prepare before facing any."


    My stomach churned as the realization set in. This wasn¡¯t just some mindless predator hunting for food. It was feeding on its own species. The half-digested eyeball confirmed it.


    I set the eye aside, trying to ignore the bile rising in my throat, and continued examining the other remains. The more I looked, the clearer it became, there was nothing else in here. No signs of other animals, no plants, or anything resembling typical prey. Just remnants of fish and pieces of what could only be other creatures like itself.


    I wiped my hands on the remains of my shirt, trying to shake off the lingering disgust. The idea of a species that fed on its own, devouring their own kind, unsettled me more than I wanted to admit. What kind of environment or world would drive a creature to do that?


    My mind raced with questions, but I pushed them aside for now. Now all that remains is to butcher the corpse for anything that may be useful to me.


    I sighed, surveying the heap of flesh and bone before me. Kicking the monster I thought it is better to be prepared than be a corpse.


    I forced myself to step closer, circling the corpse slowly with the dim green light from the moss ball casting eerie shadows across its form.


    First things first: the meat.


    I eyed the flesh, mottled and discolored with what looked like rot creeping along its torso and limbs. The smell of decay was overwhelming, thick, and almost tangible. The idea of eating it was quickly dismissed.


    ¡°Yeah, no way I¡¯m risking that,¡±


    I was almost amused at the thought of trying to cook this revolting creature. ¡°Good to know there might be fish somewhere around here, though.¡±


    The remnants of fish in its stomach were a small, hopeful sign. Maybe this cave system had some kind of water source. I made a mental note to search for it later. Water and fish.


    I continued inspecting the creature. Its skin, while burned and rotted in several places, still had patches of tough, leathery hide. Running my fingers over one of the unburned parts, I knocked it with my knuckles again, like I had before. The skin was hard, like natural armor, but there were some sections that seemed intact enough to harvest.


    ¡°Leather¡­¡± I muttered, considering my options. ¡°Could definitely get some from the chest, back, arms, and legs. It won¡¯t be full-size pieces, but enough for smaller things. Grips, bandages, maybe a patch job for whatever clothes I can find.¡±


    I pulled out the bone blade I had harvested earlier, testing its edge again by lightly running it over my palm as sharp as ever. This would be my tool. I pressed the blade against one of the less decayed sections of the creature¡¯s chest, and with a few firm slices, managed to cut away several strips of the leathery hide.


    The pieces were irregular, but they''d serve a purpose. I worked steadily, moving to the arms and legs, harvesting whatever I could. The skin was thick, but beneath that, the flesh was softer, and I grimaced as each slice of the blade sent small waves of that rancid stench into the air.


    Once I had enough, I set the strips aside and turned my attention to the creature¡¯s limbs, specifically its claws. At first glance, I¡¯d assumed they were just oversized, jagged nails, but now that I was looking closer, I realized they were more like bones extending out of the fingers ¨C long, sharp, and deadly. They varied in size, but even the smaller ones were pretty sharp.


    ¡°These things aren¡¯t made for fine work with their hands,¡± I thought. ¡°More like weapons than tools.¡±


    The claws could prove useful. The larger ones could easily be fashioned into knives, and the smaller ones into needles, awls, or even throwing weapons. Kunai, perhaps. I chuckled softly at the thought.


    "I''ll take them all," I decided.


    I began methodically cutting each claw from the creature¡¯s bony fingers, laying them aside one by one. Some of them broke off easily, but others required a bit more effort to dislodge. I kept going, working through the tedium with the determination of someone who knew that every second mattered. The bigger claws, I decided, would make good knives once I had the means to sharpen them, and the smaller ones well, I¡¯d figure that out later.


    When the last of the claws had been harvested, I stood up, stretching my aching back. The process had taken longer than I expected, but it was worth it. I now had a small arsenal of potential tools and weapons at my disposal, and I hadn¡¯t even gotten to the bones yet.


    I surveyed the creature¡¯s limbs, my eyes lingering on the thick femur and humerus bones. They were large, hollow in some places, and surprisingly sturdy. With a little work, they could serve as simple containers, or even as supports for other makeshift tools.


    ¡°Hollow bones¡­ should be good for holding things. Maybe even storing water if I seal them right.¡±


    My mind was already working through the logistics as I set to work extracting the bones. The femur came free with a series of gruesome cracks as I cut through the tendons and muscle. I pulled it out and hefted it in my hands. It was light but strong. After repeating the process with the humerus, I laid the bones beside the rest of my harvested materials, already considering how to put them to use.


    The next thought was less pleasant but necessary. I grimaced at the idea of grinding the bones down for powder, but I knew it was an option. Bone powder could be useful for a number of things: calcium supplements, fire starters, eand ven as a rudimentary abrasive if I needed to sharpen something.


    ¡°Fire,¡± I muttered, rubbing my chin. ¡°I could definitely use some bone powder for that.¡±


    As for the bone marrow itself, I wasn¡¯t going to risk it. There was no telling what kind of mutations or toxins this monster might carry. But fat, fat could be useful for starting fires, and it might be safe enough if I was careful. I knelt down beside the corpse again, beginning the slow, methodical process of extracting whatever I could.


    I worked in silence, occasionally glancing at the mess around me. The blood and organs were of no use to me, and I had no desire to test their properties. The less I dealt with the creature¡¯s insides, the better. Still, as disgusting as the process was, I¡¯m learning something important, something vital about these monsters.


    Finally, when I was done, I stood up and surveyed the pile of harvested materials. Leather, claws, bones, and a few other bits and pieces that might prove useful down the line. It wasn¡¯t much, but it was more than I¡¯d had before.


    ¡°This¡¯ll do,¡± I said softly, my voice the only sound in the cavernous space. I felt a strange sense of satisfaction, despite the grotesque nature of the task I¡¯d just completed. It was as though every step I took, every part I harvested, brought me a little closer to surviving. A little closer to answers.


    I took a deep breath, the foul air burning my lungs, and let it out slowly. My mind wandered to my family¡ªMom, Aunt Nora, Ari. I would find them. I would get stronger. But right now I need to set inventory right and make the blades usable in a fight.


    The better prepared I am, the faster I will be able to get out and reach back to my family.


    <hr>

 Chapter 05 - Inventory and plans

    <hr>


    After what felt like hours, I finally finished harvesting anything useful from the monster. My body ached, muscles sore and stiff from the relentless work. I''d pushed myself hard, and now every joint and tendon protested. I needed to rest, to gather my strength. But even in quiet moments, I had to keep moving and keep doing something productive.


    The corpse, what was left of it wasn¡¯t doing me any favors either. The stench had become unbearable. Rot and decay had settled into every inch of the cave, and no amount of distance could mask the smell. So, I dragged the remains to the farthest corner, my muscles screaming in protest with every heave. The body was heavy, disgusting, and left a trail of filth behind it, but at least it was out of my immediate space now.


    Out of sight, out of mind.


    Ohh Right..Fire.


    I needed a fire, both for warmth and to drive away some of the damp chill that clung to the cave.


    Also, I may have forgotten my memories but I still remember just starting a fire in a cave¡­ that''s a big no-no, need a place with a tall enough ceiling.


    I needed one¨Cnot just for warmth, but to drive away the damp chill clinging to the cave. The moss''s faint glow was eerie at best; a proper fire would give me tangible light and heat. I could already feel my sanity slipping; darkness wasn''t good for my mental health.


    Using the monster''s bones as makeshift tools had been surprisingly effective. I''d dug a shallow pit in the dirt, maybe five inches deep, cutting through loose soil with jagged bone edges. Not bad for improvised gear. There was a strange satisfaction in repurposing the very thing that had tried to kill me.


    Once the pit was ready, I started on the tinder. Moss and lichen would have to do¨Cthey were everywhere, clinging to the walls and glowing faintly with that sickly green light. I tore off clumps, rolling them into little balls, creating a loose layer at the bottom of the pit.


    I glanced at the fat I''d harvested earlier. Oily and dense, it clung to my fingers; I knew it would burn well. Placing small clumps of moss and lichen on top in a crisscross pattern, I hoped to create something that would catch fire and burn slowly.


    "Here goes nothing," I muttered, grabbing two of the monster''s bones to use as makeshift fire starters.


    The bones were smooth, and getting enough friction wasn''t easy. My hands were weak, and each attempt sent stinging soreness up my arms. But I kept at it. Each stroke brought a little more heat, a little more friction. Sweat beaded on my forehead as I worked, focusing entirely on the task. It was frustratingly slow, but I had time.


    "Come on, you bastard... light up"


    A faint tremor of strength returned as I kept the motion going. Little by little, my muscles responded. The moss began to smolder, a tiny wisp of smoke curling up from the pit. My heart skipped a beat. Leaning in, I blew gently on the ember, hoping it would catch.


    A small flame flickered to life.


    "Yes!" I hissed, a surge of triumph coursing through me.


    The fat crackled, igniting quickly, and the moss glowed brighter as the flame spread. Soon, a small fire burned steadily, casting warm light around the cave. I sat back, watching the flames dance, feeling the warmth seep into my skin. The fat worked better than anticipated, burning cleanly and feeding the flames like proper fuel. Maybe this ugly monster wasn''t entirely useless after all.


    Not bad for a first try, I thought, leaning back on my hands. My body felt heavy and exhausted, but the heat was soothing, numbing some of the pain in my limbs. I let out a long breath I didn''t realize I''d been holding. The air was still thick with decay, but at least I had warmth now.


    As I sat there, letting my muscles rest, I marveled at how far I''d come in such a short time. I wasn''t even sure how long it had been since I''d woken up here ¨C hours, maybe days. Time felt warped in this place.


    I''m still here. I''m still alive.


    I glanced at the fire again, flames reflecting in my eyes. There was something hypnotic about it ¨C the way it swayed and flickered, casting shadows on the cave walls.


    I shook my head, dispelling the fog of warmth threatening to lull me into sleep. It was tempting to drift off by the fire, but I couldn''t afford that luxury. Not yet. My body was sending signals ¨C thirst, hunger ¨C gnawing sensations at the back of my mind. Manageable for now, but I couldn''t ignore them for long.


    I needed water, at the very least. Soon.


    Focus, Lexi. Don¡¯t get comfortable yet. Work comes first.


    Taking a deep breath, I drew in the warm air and let it out slowly. My mind settled, the haze of exhaustion lifting slightly as I entered a quick meditative state. Just a couple of minutes. I felt the warmth settling deeper into my muscles, the ache fading, replaced by a sense of calm. The fire crackled softly, its glow flickering behind my closed eyes.


    The world seemed to slow, the cave''s noises fading into the background. I focused on my breathing ¨C steady and controlled. This brief moment of stillness sharpened my mind, reset my focus.


    Deep in meditation, I recalled the moments leading up to the outburst: the chaos, the fury, the raw energy tearing through me like wildfire.


    Exira... The thought echoed, my subconscious latching onto it as I tried to rewind events. I needed to understand what had happened ¨C how I''d summoned that power.


    Straining to remember, fragments of memories surfaced ¨C bits and pieces from long ago, when life wasn''t about survival but about learning, training, and family.


    .


    A familiar voice drifted into my mind, soft yet strong.


    ¡°Lexi, sit here," Mom had said, her voice calm but firm. I remembered sitting next to Arisa, my little sister, her silky hair slipping between my fingers as I ruffled it, earning a playful swat.


    Mom stood before us, arms crossed, exuding her usual unshakable confidence. It was a lecture we''d heard many times, but this time felt different. She was about to reveal something deeper.


    "Alright, before we delve into combat, it''s high time I properly explain our house''s origin art." She paused, her eyes meeting mine, then Arisa''s. There was a weight beneath her words, making them feel heavier.


    "The name Exira was coined by your father¡­, who was also its first user." She rarely spoke of Dad, and when she did, her tone held a mix of pride and sorrow, as if mentioning him reopened an old wound.


    "Exira, in its most primitive form, is a type of mental manipulation ¨C or self-hypnosis, if you will," she explained. "It allows the user to assert dominance over others."


    I furrowed my brow, not fully grasping the depth of what she was saying. Mental manipulation? Dominance? It sounded abstract, detached from our usual combat training. Yet, as she spoke, I sensed the power of her words.


    "As you delve deeper into its mysteries, one truth remains," she continued. "Exira is fueled by pure emotions, but most importantly ¨C by one''s will."


    Her eyes hardened when she said that, gaze piercing as if daring me to question her. She wasn''t just talking about a technique; she was speaking of something fundamental, tied to who we were as House Drakesiers.This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.


    "That''s the first tier of Exira," she said, her voice lowering to emphasize the gravity. "At this level, Exira is formless. It can mimic other powers, whether elemental or physical. But its most efficient use is asserting dominance over others."


    .


    I remembered shifting uncomfortably, trying to process what she meant by "dominance." It sounded vague, distant from practical training. Yet I realized she wasn''t talking about physical strength or combat prowess. She spoke of something deeper ¨C will. The raw power to impose your will upon others, to shape reality through sheer determination.


    "When you understand why that is," she said softly, "you will find your path to the next tier."


    I hadn''t fully grasped her meaning then. Nodding along, I tried to look serious but inwardly was lost in thought. What was my path? My core ability?


    "From there," she continued, "is an unknown path. I cannot tell you what yours will be, because every Exira user has different core abilities. Mine, Nora''s, Sebastian''s, Mathias''s¡ªwe all have unique Tier I properties."


    Her words hung in my mind as I slowly returned to the present. The memory stirred something inside me, something buried too long. Mom was right. Exira wasn''t just a power or technique; it was an extension of will, a manifestation of inner strength.


    A faint smile touched my lips as my determination hardened, like a blade sharpened on a whetstone. I had to get back to my family¡ªto Mom, Arisa, Aunt Nora. Even if my memories were fractured, I knew I had a family. I wasn''t alone in this world.


    They''re out there. Waiting for me.


    As my resolve grew, I felt something stir deep within ¨C a subtle vibration under my skin, becoming a pronounced sensation, like a presence reaching out from within.


    Exira.


    I sat perfectly still, breathing slowly, focusing on the feeling. The warmth of the fire on my skin, the steady beat of my heart, the cool cave air ¨C all faded into the background. I felt the power building, like a coiled spring ready to snap. It was the same energy from before, but now controlled, not wild and erratic.


    Exira... it''s responding.


    Mom''s words echoed: "Exira is fueled by your emotions... but most importantly, by your will."


    I understand now. It wasn''t about unleashing raw power; it was about controlling it, shaping it, bending it to my will. I''d done it once in rage and desperation. Now, I am calmer, more focused.


    I concentrated, trying to direct the energy, to shape it as Mom had said. I pictured my family, reuniting with them, standing by my mother''s side ¨C not as a burden but as an equal. The more I focused on that goal, the stronger the feeling became. It was as if the very air pulsed with energy, vibrating in sync with my heartbeat.


    But as quickly as it built, the sensation began to fade, slipping out of grasp like sand through fingers. I clenched my teeth, frustrated but not disheartened. It was there. I just needed practice, to strengthen my connection.


    Taking a deep breath, I opened my eyes. The fire still flickered, casting shadows on the walls. I hadn''t mastered Exira yet, but I was closer than before. Next time, I''ll be ready.


    Soon, I thought, clenching my fist. Soon, I''ll control it. And when I do...


    I didn''t finish the thought. No need. I knew what I had to do.


    With renewed resolve, I stood, a sense of purpose burning within. The path to mastering Exira lay ahead, and I was ready to walk it.


    All right, let''s get to work.


    First, I needed to assess my inventory. Slowly, I stretched my limbs, shaking off lingering stiffness.


    So what do I have on me? I mentally ticked off the items as I checked them.


    The earring was what I remembered first ¨C its familiar cold presence against my skin. The small metal dragon, curled into the shape of an eight. It had saved my life more than once, taking away pain during memory surges. But what else could it do? I needed to figure that out.


    Next, were the bone blades harvested earlier. I''d done makeshift work on them, testing weight and sharpness. Far from perfect ¨C horribly unbalanced without proper pommels or grips ¨C but lethal. I gave them a couple of swings. They''d do for now but needed improvement for long-term use.


    Task #1 Lexi, turn those two bone blades into workable blades.


    What else? My clothes were tattered, but functional enough for now. I¡¯d torn some strips of fabric to use as makeshift bandages, wrapping my wrists and hands. It wasn¡¯t ideal, but it was better than nothing, at least my pants survived.


    Sigh¡­ pretty limited let¡¯s see the artifacts I¡¯ve been ignoring till now.


    So, I have this bracelet on my wrist as a gift from Aunt Nora, one of the few things that survived whatever madness had brought me to this cave. The memory of her crafting it brought a faint smile to my face, even though the details were still blurry.


    I could remember fragments of those moments, her teaching me the basics of enchanting, her steady hands as she infused magic into the bracelet. I ran my fingers over its surface, feeling the small markings etched into it. There were three distinct symbols, but one of them had faded, almost completely blurred out.


    Three charges¡­ I recalled her explaining that the bracelet was enchanted with rejuvenation designed to heal the wearer in times of need. And that¡¯s exactly what must¡¯ve happened after my outburst with Exira.


    So, that¡¯s what healed me, well one mystery solved so many more to go.


    I concentrated, trying to connect with the bracelet, willing it to respond, but nothing happened. No magic stirred within me, no connection formed. It must¡¯ve been triggered automatically when my power surged out of control.


    Figures. Only works when I¡¯m fatally wounded. I gave a small, dry chuckle.


    Next on the list was the ring on my right index finger. A dark metal band, cold to the touch, with a dragon engraved along its surface. I turned it slowly in the dim light, recognizing it instantly. The Drakesier family ring.


    My heart lifted for a second as I gazed at it, the symbol of my house and everything it represented. It had been a part of me for as long as I could remember, but the joy was short-lived as reality set in.


    Great. It¡¯s only good for controlling House Drakesier¡¯s facilities and showing my authority¡­ which are nowhere near here. I sighed, feeling the weight of disappointment. As much as I wished it had some hidden ability that could help me in my current situation, it was useless out here, But it could help me immensely if I find any people.


    Finally, I reached for the pendant hanging around my neck, my fingers brushing the cool metal. The moment I touched it, a faint purple glow pulsed from within, and a wave of recognition hit me. The family heirloom. A spatial storage pendant, filled with everything I could possibly need.


    The realization sent a surge of excitement through me. If I could access its storage, everything would change. This cave would turn into a survival breeze, a ¡°pay-to-win¡± dream scenario.


    I closed my eyes, focusing, willing myself to connect with the pendant, imagining it responding. I mentally reached out with Exira, straining to activate it, hoping to tap into its hidden storage. Minutes passed. Nothing. The glow flickered weakly, but no door to a treasure trove opened, no magic responded. Frustration built.


    Come on... work!


    Still nothing. I sighed, dropping the pendant against my chest. For now, it was useless, just like the ring. I''d have to figure out how to access its power later. Maybe it required something I was missing, or my connection to Exira wasn''t strong enough yet. Either way, it wouldn''t help now.


    Fuck¡­Later. I¡¯ll deal with it later.


    For now, I had enough on my plate. Survival had to be on my terms, with tools I could actually use.


    I sighed, sitting back by the fire. Now that my immediate surroundings were secured, it was time to think about tools and weapons. The monster''s bones could be useful beyond blades. The femur or humerus could be turned into containers ¨C maybe carve out a hollow for storage or use them to carry water. Speaking of water, I''d need a way to store it once I found some. If this cave system had fish, then water couldn''t be far.


    I ran my hands over the bone blades again, thinking of ways to refine them. A pommel to balance the weight, I reminded myself. Without it, any swing would be sloppy, and the force would be too concentrated in my wrists. Maybe I could fashion some sort of grip using the monster¡¯s hide. I¡¯d already set aside some leathery pieces from its chest and back small, but they¡¯d do for grips or even bandages if I was careful. It was just a matter of stitching everything together somehow.


    The claws I''d harvested would come in handy too¡ªsharp, durable, varied in size. Some could be small knives or throwing weapons; smaller ones could become needles or awls. Fine work wouldn''t be easy, but I didn''t need perfection¡ªjust function.


    Tools and weapons... check. But what about skills?


    I clenched my fists, the firelight casting long shadows over my knuckles. There was so much I didn''t remember, but I had to start somewhere. No more stumbling in the dark. I had to rebuild my skills, piece by piece.


    A flicker of resolve burned inside, echoing the fire before me. Tomorrow, I''ll start working on the tools. Then, I''d find water. And then... I''d figure out Exira to be combat-ready. One step at a time.


    I''m not going to die here. Not until I have my answers.


    <hr>

 Shattered Reflections I : Clawing back memories

    <hr>


    I closed my eyes, forcing my breathing to slow. Inhale... exhale. The dark cave around me faded, replaced by the steady rhythm of my heartbeat pounding in my ears. My mind was a swirling storm of fragmented images and sensations, flashes of something just out of reach. I pushed harder, focusing, like diving into a dark, endless ocean. Each thought felt slippery, like trying to hold water in my hands.


    I need my memories!... who am I exactly and why...why can¡¯t I remember¡­.


    FUUUUU!


    Taking one more deep breath to bring some control in the chaos of depressing thoughts, a familiar chill seeped deep in me, in my mind as I felt more at peace.


    I reached deeper, my fingers clawing through the murky haze. Shapes flickered at the edges of my consciousness ¨C shadowy figures, the faint sound of metal clashing, voices blurred and distant. They taunted me, pulling back every time I got close.


    ¡°No,¡± I growled, gripping the memory harder with sheer force of will. It felt like trying to lift a boulder with bare hands, but I refused to let go. My pulse quickened, a searing pressure building in my chest.


    The edges of one fragment began to solidify, its shape becoming clearer as I dragged it from the abyss. It resisted, clawing to stay hidden, but I wouldn¡¯t let it go.


    Not this time.


    Finally, with one final surge of determination, I seized it. The moment burst into focus, sharp and vivid, pulling me into its depths like a riptide.


    <hr>


    The memory began to unfold...


    .


    .


    The first thing I remembered was cold steel against my neck.


    It wasn¡¯t real, not yet. Just a phantom sensation clawing its way into my thoughts, dragging with it a scene I couldn¡¯t fully piece together. Uncle Sebastian¡¯s voice was there, who¡¯s Uncle Sebastian¡­why do I know and remember my feelings but not the memories


    ¡°Preparation means nothing if you can¡¯t anticipate an ambush.¡±


    My breathing hitched. I felt the weight of his words, though they were barely tangible. Shadows flickered at the edges of my mind, teasing me with fragments of a memory just out of reach. My stomach twisted in frustration.


    I clenched my fists. Why can¡¯t I remember anything beyond this?


    Gritting my teeth, I forced myself to focus. Slowly, the fragmented edges sharpened, the haze parted, and I felt myself falling into the memory.


    .


    .


    Uncle Sebastian¡¯s blade was cold against my neck, the steel biting just enough to remind me how easy it would be to end me.


    ¡°Well, well,¡± his voice cut through the silence, calm and measured. ¡°It seems you¡¯ve learned a thing or two since our last session, young master. Being prepared is decent practice, but readiness is useless if you don¡¯t prepare yourself mentally for being ambushed.¡±


    ¡°Yes, teacher,¡± I replied, swallowing hard.


    ¡°It may be very difficult to be on edge when you are in a safe spot but for how long will you be safe there¡±


    The blade disappeared as quickly as it had come, and Sebastian melted into the shadows, his presence vanishing entirely. My heartbeat was loud in my ears as I stepped forward into the training room, my hand instinctively resting on the pommel of my sword.


    The vastness of THE DOME surrounded me mountain-sized dome, echoing space layered with enchantments. My eyes darted across the room, taking in every detail. I knew better than to expect anything straightforward here.


    Uncle Sebastian stood in the center, his posture relaxed but commanding. Dressed in his formal dark butler attire, he seemed to blend seamlessly with the dim light, an extension of the shadows themselves.


    ¡°Young master,¡± he said, his voice cutting through the quiet, ¡°no one will give you warnings in battle. Long gone are the days when knights and warriors clung to chivalry and honor. Today, survival is the only code.¡±


    With a flick of his wrist, a table and two chairs materialized out of thin air.


    ¡°Sit,¡± he instructed. ¡°We¡¯re talking today ¨C though you¡¯ll need your strength for sparring with your mother.¡±


    Suppressing a groan, I obeyed, sinking into the chair across from him.


    ¡°You¡¯ve got power, Lexi,¡± he began, leaning back. His tone was calm, but there was a weight behind his words that pressed against me like a vice. ¡°Strength. Potential. But raw power without control is meaningless. Instincts are tools. You wield them ¨C they don¡¯t wield you.¡±


    ¡°Rely too heavily on instinct, and you¡¯ll become predictable, a puppet to your own impulses.¡±


    ¡°Does that only come with experience, teacher?¡± I asked, even though I already knew the answer.


    ¡°For most,¡± he replied, gesturing toward the vast expanse of THE DOME, ¡°Yes, At this place we drill into soldiers to prepare for the worst. To teach them to hold their ground and not run when things go wrong. But you? Your path is different. It¡¯s not about holding your ground. It¡¯s about dancing with death. One misstep, one misjudged variable, and it¡¯s over.¡±


    His words settled heavily in the air between us.


    ¡°For that is the price for power, remember that¡± Leaning in as I saw a solemn expression on his face.This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.


    ¡°I¡¯ve lost too many people who thought they were untouchable,¡± he continued. ¡°Tell me, young master ¨C the rule of my teachings.¡±


    ¡°Fear the Known. Beware of the Unknown,¡± I recited automatically.


    He smiled faintly. ¡°Good. Remember that. Your enemies, whether human, beast, or otherwise, always have hidden cards. And when cornered, desperation drives them to unimaginable lengths. Underestimating sentience is the quickest way to die.¡±


    I nodded, the weight of his gaze pressing down on me.


    ¡°Your mother¡¯s harshness?¡± he said after a pause. ¡°It¡¯s her way of preparing you. Peace is fleeting, Lexi. Calamity waits for no one.¡±


    The word hit me like a strike to the chest. My heart raced, my breath hitching as a cold, gnawing dread settled in my gut.


    Sighing Uncle Sebastian leaned back, ¡°As you are aware young master, I am a Rogue/Assassin Archetype and we prefer darkness, being in dark, in shadows to bring our foes to eternal darkness¡±


    ¡®That¡¯s edgy but ¡­¡±, I listened carefully disregarding various thoughts,


    ¡°Although you have yet to commit to an archetype remember these things which we tell you will become your core principles ¡°


    ¡°The paths are endless Lexi, but remember Exira is the only power that¡¯s truly your archetypes are just professions how you will mold your Exira will create the path that¡¯s only yours and as I and others have mentioned before, most of your battles will be unplanned, unknown you will be thrown into battles that you didn¡¯t choose to be a part of if you continue on your path to power¡±


    ¡°You will bleed, will be broken, and witness the death of both people you knew and your enemies¡±


    Uncle Sebastian met my gaze and said seriously, ¡°It¡¯s important to not drown in self blame and self pity that¡¯s disrespecting anyone who you¡¯ve known¡±


    ¡°I know talking about these things is easy, only when you are going through these will you understand all i hope you remember these words¡±


    I nodded seriously, personally, I can¡¯t even think of losing anyone in my family¡­


    ¡°Now I have been teaching you and it¡¯s important that you understand your combat style is more of an ambush striker, right now you are a glass cannon with very high versatility and power but very little juice in the tank to keep pumping up the damage¡±


    ¡°As such you must never stretch the battle into one of endurance unless you are planning on going for full plate heavy armour and shield like Ser Mathias and being a tank knight archetype ¡°


    ¡°Which you are not and probably will never be, am I right to assume that Lexi?¡±


    ¡°Yup teacher, I would rather be moving around dodging than be sitting ducks¡±


    ¡°That''ll bring us back on topic, you must finish the battle quickly but never be hasty. If you stall with your build and take excessive time, what will happen? Can you guess ?¡±


    Well I¡¯m pretty I¡¯ll be dead but if I say that Uncle Sebastian will beat the hell out of me no matter how kind he is most of the time that will warrant a beating, a violent one at that Quickly shaking my head, I dumped those thoughts and thought of possible scenarios¡­


    Man, I¡¯m only 17. How would I have those experiences¡­ damned kind old man


    ¡°Hmm,..Reinforcement, probably the enemy may also be stalling for time,...um Recovery rates,... Some hidden tricks, Ace..¡±


    Uncle Sebastian nods and continues, ¡° Indeed! You will learn with time or by injuries if you survive us ¡°


    I felt my eye twitch, these guys are my teachers and I respect them for that but all of them may have some screw loose when it comes to combat


    Uncle Sebastian continued, ¡°Remember Lexi, in a foreign land oftentimes it will be a hostile environment, never wait for an attack, take initiative, explore possible surroundings, and set them up for the battle if confrontation is inevitable¡±


    ¡°However, sometimes your initiation of an attack may fail even when you have the best cards in your hand, in such situations getting greedy and losing patience is akin to death.¡±


    Uncle Sebastian seriously said, ¡°Retreat after dealing as much damage as possible to avoid the enemy from giving a counterattack on you, even the ground between you and your foes.¡±


    ¡°Never give a hold of advantage to your enemy, no matter how small it is¡±


    ¡°Never face 50/50 odds¡±


    ¡° Weakness of flesh is very important¡±, With a sly grin, Uncle Sebastian continued, ¡±I¡¯m sure Lady Nora must have taught you the required skill for performing autopsy and appraisal on them.¡±


    ¡°Yeah She did, it was a horrific experience Uncle Sebastian¡±


    My face scrunched up recalling the experience that Uncle Sebastian chuckled.


    ¡°It¡¯s better you feel disgusted and reluctance now than when the times are desperate¡±


    ¡°Although It may seem useless now that there is tons and tons of information about nearly all the monsters seen in the gates and rifts we never what could happen in the future¡±


    Uncle Sebastian casually flipped a pocket watch out of existence and checked the time.


    Huff show off! still not teaching me that huh old man


    ¡°Lexi,¡± Uncle Sebastian¡¯s voice brought me back. ¡°Don¡¯t let that burden twist into darkness. Everything we do is for your growth. One day, you¡¯ll understand.¡±


    I clenched my fists under the table, my nails biting into my palms.


    ¡°The path you¡¯ve chosen isn¡¯t one of comfort,¡± he continued. ¡°It¡¯s pain, loss, and blood. But it¡¯s your path. And the only way forward is through.¡±


    He stood abruptly, conjuring a pocket watch out of nowhere, his movements smooth and practiced. He checked the time, then pocketed it just as quickly.


    ¡°There¡¯s still time,¡± he said. ¡°Breathe. Meditate. Process what I¡¯ve told you. I¡¯ll meet you at the sparring grounds.¡±


    And just like that, he was gone.


    <hr>


    The memory shattered like glass, pulling me violently back to the present.


    I staggered, clutching at my chest as my breath came in sharp, ragged gasps. The cold sensation of the blade lingered against my neck, even though I knew it wasn¡¯t real.


    ¡°Damn it...¡±


    My voice was low, trembling with frustration. I pressed my fists against my temples as if I could physically force my scattered thoughts into order. The memory had been so vivid, so real¡ªbut it stopped abruptly, leaving me staring into a void of nothingness.


    ¡°What happened after that?¡± I hissed, my voice cracking. ¡°Why can¡¯t I remember?¡±


    I tried to steady my breathing, but the questions buzzed in my mind, sharp and relentless. Why did it all end there? What came next? What was I forgetting?


    My frustration twisted into anger. Anger at myself. Anger at the world. I slammed my fist against the nearest surface, the impact reverberating up my arm.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t enough,¡± I growled. ¡°I need more. I have to remember.¡±


    ¡°Fear the Known. Beware of the Unknown.¡±


    Clenching my teeth, I straightened, forcing myself to take a deep, shuddering breath.


    Inhale... exhale...


    I couldn¡¯t afford to break now. Not here. Not yet. There was too much I still needed to figure out¡ªtoo many gaps I needed to fill.


    ¡°What¡¯s the worst that could happen?¡± I muttered bitterly, almost laughing at the absurdity of my own words. ¡°She won¡¯t kill me... probably.¡±


    But the bitterness in my voice betrayed the truth. This wasn¡¯t about the fight ahead.


    It was about the shadows behind me¡ªthe ones I couldn¡¯t seem to outrun.


    <hr>

 Chapter 06 - Gearing up

    <hr>


    I laid the bone blades out on the floor before me, taking in their full length and trying to decide what to do next. Each blade, long and thin¡ªprobably around 30 to 40 inches¡ªhad a sleek, vicious look. They were slightly curved, their natural edges razor-sharp but not as sturdy as metal. The bone had a pale, sickly hue, almost as if it had been leached of color.


    Looking at the blades, I couldn¡¯t help but think, This mf was eating me alive. The thought should have made me shudder, but also, it also felt... oddly satisfying. I smirked, gripping the bone a little tighter. "Well, tools are tools, right? If I can make use of these blades..." I paused, chuckling darkly.


    "Maybe I''ll tell its brethren just how sharp these bones are. Add a few more to the collection while I''m at it. Yup, sounds like a plan."


    The bases of the blades, where they connected to the joint, were thicker and still a bit jagged from where I''d hacked them off the corpse. I gripped one of them, feeling its weight in my hands. They were lighter than I expected, which also made them fast.


    I studied the base more closely, gripping the blade a few centimeters above where the bone naturally thinned. "This should be where the handle starts," I muttered to myself.


    Taking a breath, I dipped my finger into the pool of blood still oozing from the monster''s carcass, marking the spot where the grip would begin.


    The dark blood smeared across the bone like ink on parchment, and I chuckled to myself. "I guess using your own blood to measure things is one way to leave a mark. Too bad this bastard''s blood smells worse than I do."


    The dark humor kept me grounded. I needed that¡ªsomething to keep me from slipping into the abyss of madness. When you''re alone, surrounded by nothing but the echoes of your own thoughts, you need those moments of levity, no matter how twisted.


    I reached for one of the thicker bones from my pile, holding it up to the fire to inspect it. The marrow had dried out, leaving it hollow and brittle inside. Perfect. I set to work chipping away at the base of the bone blade, trying to carve out a rough grip. My hands worked mechanically, each motion deliberate. I could feel my body slowly getting used to the rhythm of the work, even if my muscles still ached from earlier. At least I was doing something productive.


    The bone splintered as I chipped away, small fragments falling to the ground at my feet. "Almost there," I muttered, focusing on smoothing out the jagged edges. It wasn''t perfect, but it was better than nothing. I tightened my grip on the makeshift hilt, giving it a test swing. It felt... rough. Shorter than what I was used to, I think¡ªor remember.


    I let out a sigh. "Well, I guess it''s not the size that matters, right? More like how hard you can swing it. Or... something like that." I couldn''t help but smirk at the ridiculousness of it all.


    I moved on to the second blade, repeating the process with a little more ease. This time, the grip came together faster, and I was more satisfied with how it felt in my hand. "Alright, two bone swords. Dual-wielding would be a nightmare with these, but at least I''ve got options."


    The thought of wielding both blades like twin falchions or scimitars made me grin. If only I could remember the proper stances. My body still ached with the phantom movements of combat long forgotten. The muscle memory was there, but the techniques, the precision¡ªthey were buried deep in my mind.


    "Guess I''ll be fighting like a caveman for a while. Hack, slash, stab... rinse and repeat."


    I held both blades up, admiring the crude craftsmanship. "Could always throw one, maybe stab with one hand while slicing with the other." I mulled over the possibilities, imagining myself moving fluidly in battle¡­a silent dance of death. "Yeah, that could work."


    Setting one blade down, I started working on the grips. The leather I had dried earlier from the monster''s skin was tough but had a strange elasticity to it¡ªalmost rubbery. It burned slightly as I passed it over the flames to get rid of any remaining rot. Once satisfied, I wrapped the leather tightly around the grip of one blade, pulling it taut as I worked it into place.


    I used strips of moss to create a glow-in-the-dark lining along the leather ¨C something to help me keep track of where my sword was in the dark.


    "Last thing I need is to lose my only weapon in this hellhole." I chuckled again, shaking my head at the thought. I wrapped the second blade the same way, making sure everything was secure.


    "Hmm, normally glowing swords would be a terrible idea, but with these moss patches everywhere, I doubt it''ll make much difference. It''s dark enough that those lizard monsters probably navigate some other way," I muttered, running a finger over the glowing moss lining. "Besides, I doubt I''ll need these makeshift blades once I''m out of here... or once I get my heirloom working."


    Once both swords were finished, I stood up, gripping them both and testing their weight. The first swing was clumsy. My arms felt heavy and sluggish. Trying to dual-wield the bone swords made me stumble slightly, and I had to quickly catch myself. "Okay, maybe not the best idea right now. One sword it is." I set one of the blades down and took a deep breath, adjusting my stance.


    This felt more familiar ¨C the weight of a single sword in my hand. I could feel old instincts kicking in as I adjusted my posture, raising the blade and slashing it downward in a clean vertical motion. The air whistled as the blade sliced through it, but the motion lacked the finesse I once had. I was rusty. Very rusty.


    "Again," I muttered, slashing the blade horizontally this time, followed by a quick stab. Each motion felt more natural, more fluid, as I focused on controlling the blade. I slashed again, then another stab¡ªquicker this time. The repetitive movements made my arms burn, but I pushed through it.


    Minutes passed, and the more I moved, the more my body protested. Sweat dripped down my forehead, and my breaths became heavier. It wasn''t long before I was huffing and puffing, the blade feeling like a dead weight in my hands.


    "God, I''m out of shape," I groaned, dropping the blade and doubling over to catch my breath. My muscles screamed in protest, and my lungs felt like they were on fire. How long had it been since I had trained like this? Weeks? Months?


    "Great. I can barely swing a sword for a few minutes without dying." I straightened up, wiping the sweat from my brow with the back of my hand. But despite the exhaustion, there was something satisfying about the practice. I hadn''t fought in ages, and even though it was sloppy and unrefined, I could feel a small flicker of my old self returning.


    "Alright, that''s enough for now." I sat down beside the fire, letting the warmth soothe my aching muscles. The cave was still, the silence broken only by the crackling of the flames. I stared at the sword in my hand, turning it over in the firelight.


    It wasn''t perfect. Hell, it wasn''t even good. But it was mine. And for now, it was enough.


    "Soon" I whispered, more to myself than anyone. " I''ll be stronger in due time. Then, I''ll remember more. Baby steps, Lexi."The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    With a final sigh, I placed the sword down beside me, letting the firelight dance across its pale, bone-white surface.


    After finishing the makeshift swords, I shifted my attention to the two longest claws still attached to the monster''s grotesque, oversized hands. They were massive, almost ridiculous, but sharp¡ªjust what I needed to make a pair of knives.


    I twisted the claws from the finger bones, feeling the sickening squish as I pulled them free. "Guess this is better than the alternatives," I muttered, disgust evident in my voice.


    As I examined them, their potential became clear. They were short, but that didn''t make them any less dangerous. If anything, their serrations made them look even more vicious¡ªperfect for close encounters or gutting smaller creatures if necessary.


    Holding one of the claws, I repeated the process I''d used for the swords. I chipped away some of the base, shaping it to fit comfortably as a handle. The bones weren''t ideal for a grip, but it was workable.


    "Ridiculous-looking, maybe, but it''ll do the job," I said with a smirk, giving the knife a small twist in my hand. It wasn''t balanced, and the serrations looked crude, but that could come in handy for tearing through flesh.


    "Might not win any awards for craftsmanship, but these will do," I chuckled, giving the knives a little test swing. Satisfied, I set them aside with my makeshift swords. A small part of me wondered if I was ever any good at fancy designs¡ªI could almost hear Aunt Nora''s complaints seeing these creations.


    Chuckling to myself, I remembered there was still a lot to do.


    Next, it was time to make some tools. I sat down, pulling a few thin bones from the pile.


    "Needles first," I muttered, picking up one of the finer bones and beginning to chip it down with one of the monster''s claws.


    Getting them as thin as possible without snapping was a challenge, but the monster''s claws, though serrated, were sharp enough to get the job done. "Damn, these claws are really something. Almost like having a serrated blade," I mused as I worked, my hands deftly shaping the needle until it was fine enough to pierce through the leather.


    It took a while, but I ended up with a decent set of three bone needles. "These''ll do," I said, examining them in the dim light. They weren''t perfect¡ªnothing about this situation was¡ªbut they were good enough for stitching up leather or even minor wounds if it came to that. After piercing a very small hole at the base of each needle, I placed them into a small pouch I''d made earlier from scraps of the monster''s leathery hide. "Could''ve been worse," I mumbled as I rolled the leather pouch and secured it with some sinew I''d harvested. "Can''t have the needles piercing me."


    Next up: throwing weapons. I gathered a few of the remaining claws and carefully inspected each one. The claws were naturally pointed¡ªperfect for throwing¡ªbut I had to make sure their weight distribution was even. With some careful chipping and shaping, I turned five of the claws into makeshift kunai. "Five of these bad boys," I grinned, holding one between my fingers and giving it a test throw across the cave. It landed with a satisfying thunk into the cave wall.


    "Not bad," I muttered, retrieving the kunai. They weren''t perfect, but they were small enough to conceal, sharp enough to pierce, and balanced enough to throw somewhat accurately. "Could come in handy in a tight spot. Also, before I forget... moss, moss¡ªthere." I quickly wrapped a lining of moss and lichen¡ªafter rolling them into threads¡ªaround all the kunai and knives, even some around the needle bundle.


    "Phew..."


    Now, for containers. I needed something to hold water if I ever found any, and maybe some of the other supplies I''d managed to gather. I thought a leather skin pouch would be better and could store more, but I wasn''t risking it with this leather. I grabbed two of the larger hollow bones¡ªthe femur and humerus bones, I think¡ªthat I''d set aside earlier, figuring I could hollow them out and seal them to make some crude containers.


    Using one of the claws, I chipped away at the bone, carving it out slowly but steadily. The tough bone resisted at first, but persistence paid off. Soon enough, I had a reasonably deep hollow in one of the bones. "Okay, now for the other," I mumbled, repeating the process until both bones were hollowed out.


    Next came the tricky part: sealing them. I had some leftover strips of leather I''d scraped from the monster''s hide, and I placed them over the openings of the hollow bones. To get a tighter seal, I''d have to melt some of the bone to act as glue. I placed the ends I wanted to seal over the fire, watching as the bone slowly began to soften and melt. "Come on, just a little more," I whispered, carefully removing the bone from the flames.


    Once softened, I pressed the leather strips over the openings and used the melted bone to seal the edges. It wasn''t pretty, but it seemed to hold. "Now for the test," I said, grabbing one of the containers and filling it with some of the monster''s blood. I sealed it tightly and watched to see if any blood leaked out. Nothing. "Good sign."


    After some trial and error, I managed to get three working containers. "Three''s better than none," I muttered, relieved that they were finally done. They weren''t pretty or elegant, but they were functional. At least now I had something to carry water in if I ever found any.


    I placed the containers aside and stretched my sore muscles. "They should hold around two to three liters of water, give or take."


    Now that I''d crafted all the tools I could, it was time to gear up properly. I had some leftover pieces of leather¡ªscraps, really¡ªbut enough for what I needed. First things first, I had to make some sheaths for the knives. The blades were short and jagged, so I''d need something sturdy to keep them in place, especially if I planned on keeping them close for quick access.


    I took the leather scraps and began stitching together a patchwork of sorts, wrapping and overlapping the leather to form a crude sheath. It wasn''t elegant, but it would hold. Using some sinew I''d stripped from the monster''s tendons, I secured the stitching. The sinew was tough, though working with it wasn''t exactly easy. I had to keep pulling it tight to make sure the leather wouldn''t slip. The whole process took longer than I would have liked, but once I was done, I had two makeshift sheaths that were functional enough.


    "Not too shabby, though really uncomfortable," I said to myself, holding them up to inspect the seams. The leather was rough, and uneven in some places, but it would do the job. I secured one of the sheaths around my ankle with more sinew, wrapping it tightly so the knife would stay in place without restricting my movement. I did the same with the second sheath, strapping it to my other ankle. Once both knives were securely in place, I gave a quick test¡ªdrawing and sheathing the blades as swiftly as I could. It wasn''t graceful, but it worked.


    With that done, I turned my attention to the kunai. I made a simple bundle by wrapping them in leather, folding the edges, and tying it up with sinew. "That should keep them from rattling around," I muttered, pleased with the compact bundle. I tied it securely to my belt, placing it at my side where I could reach it quickly if needed.


    Next, I needed some basic protection. I didn''t have any real armor, but I could make do with what I had. I took the remaining strips of leather and started wrapping them around my arms, elbows, knees, and legs. It was more about reinforcing vulnerable areas than actual defense, but anything was better than nothing. The leather was tough and, once tied down with sinew, it provided a bit of cushioning and protection.


    As I worked, I felt a small sense of accomplishment, like I was piecing together the bare minimum of what I needed to survive. I wasn''t fully equipped, but I was getting there.


    "Caveman now armored, huh huh," I chuckled, making sure the wraps on my legs wouldn''t hinder my movement. Tight but not too tight. I flexed my knees, testing the range of motion. "Yeah, that''ll work."


    Standing up, I felt the weight of my tools and weapons on me. It wasn''t much, but it gave me some confidence¡ªlike I was ready to face whatever else this cave had in store for me. The crude knives strapped to my ankles, the bundle of kunai at my side, the patchwork leather armor¡ªit all made me feel a little more prepared, even if I knew I was far from safe.


    "Alright, that''s done," I said, looking down at my handiwork. I rolled my shoulders and adjusted the makeshift bandages, ensuring everything was in place. My mind was already racing ahead to the next steps.


    There were still so many unknowns in this cave, and I had to be ready for anything. I sighed, feeling the weight of exhaustion creeping up on me.


    "Let''s get some quick sleep and move out tomorrow... or whenever I wake up," I muttered, not even sure if it was day or night anymore. Time was a blur down here.


    Setting up a quick line with bits of bone across the only passageway I could find, I pulled it tight, making sure the bones would clatter if anything tried sneaking up on me. "Shitty alarm trap," I grinned, "but it''ll do."


    I turned to the grotesque mess that used to be the monster I just gutted and harvested, its lifeless body still slumped in the corner. "Good night, you ugly corpse," I called out with a smirk. "Try not to haunt my dreams, alright?"


    I lay down near the fire, the soft glow flickering across the cave walls, and let out a weary chuckle as I closed my eyes.


    <hr>

 Chapter 07 - First fight and memory

    <hr>


    The cave was dark, and the fire had long since gone out. I blinked once, twice, trying to make sense of the blackness surrounding me. That was when I heard it, the faintest clink of bones.


    My eyes snapped open, instinct kicking in faster than thought. I didn¡¯t move. Not an inch. I lay there, muscles tense but perfectly still, listening. Another clink. Then a shuffle, followed by a low, guttural sound that sent a cold shiver down my spine.


    Something¡¯s here.


    I stayed frozen, forcing my body to remain as calm as possible while my mind raced, trying to piece together the situation. The moss on the walls gave off a faint green glow, enough to allow my eyes to gradually adjust to the cave¡¯s dim lighting. As my senses sharpened, I could hear more clearly now, the soft drag of something heavy scraping against the floor, followed by a hiss, deep and rattling, like a snake choking on rocks.


    How many?


    The noise had come from near the entrance. A glance at my bone line trap confirmed it had worked ¨C though now, instead of giving me a warning, it had attracted attention. The clinking of bones was drawing something closer. Something that walked with heavy, deliberate steps, crushing the bones underfoot.


    One monster, from the sound of it. At least for now.


    I took a slow, measured breath, keeping my chest movements minimal. My body wanted to react, adrenaline urging me to bolt or fight, but I forced it down, allowing logic and instinct to take control instead. Slowly, my fingers found the grip of my makeshift swords, feeling the familiar cold of the bone blades beneath my palms. I clenched my fists around them, firm but not too tight. I couldn¡¯t risk any sudden sounds.


    Focus. Breathe. Stay still.


    The creature drew nearer, its raspy breathing growing louder, echoing slightly off the cave walls. I could hear its claws dragging lightly across the stone, the sickening squelch of its steps. It was moving carefully now, cautiously.


    Smart enough to investigate


    Through the faint light of the moss, I finally caught a glimpse of it. A hulking figure, larger than the one I¡¯d killed earlier, its head lowered as it sniffed the air. Its breath came in quick snorts like it was trying to pick up my scent. Its skin was the same leathery texture as the other, burned and rotting in places, but this one looked even worse - larger, stronger, and maybe more experienced. It seemed to move with a purpose like it knew something was off.


    My heart thudded in my chest, but I controlled my breathing.


    Don¡¯t give it anything to work with. Stay perfectly still.


    The monster¡¯s head snapped to my side suddenly, and I tensed, every muscle ready to spring. But then I noticed its gaze, it wasn¡¯t looking at me. It was staring at the fire pit. My eyes narrowed as I realized what it was doing. The fire had burnt out, but not completely it was warm, warmer than the rest of the cave. The creature paused there, its slitted pupils dilating as it examined the remains of the fire. I could almost hear its brain working, trying to make sense of the lingering warmth.


    Heat Sensitive creature. It doesn¡¯t see the heat signature. But it knows something was here or something¡¯s out of place.


    A hiss escaped its throat as it leaned closer to the fire pit, its claws flexing against the stone floor. Slowly, I allowed my body to adjust, relaxing my grip just enough to avoid any unnecessary tension in my muscles. The slightest wrong move could set this thing off, and I couldn¡¯t afford that. Not yet.


    I shifted my gaze, focusing entirely on the creature¡¯s movements. It had noticed the carcass of its fallen kin. The grotesque body I had pushed into the far corner of the cave was visible in the dim light, and now the monster was making its way toward it. With each step, the bones beneath its feet clattered, adding to the oppressive sound of its heavy breathing.


    One wrong move and it¡¯s over. Stay still. Be patient.


    I suppressed any urge to spring into action just yet.


    It paused again, this time directly in front of the rotting corpse. I watched as it sniffed the air, then lowered its head to nudge the remains with its snout. A wet, guttural sound came from its throat, almost like a growl. The stench of decay seemed to agitate it, and I could see its muscles twitching, and tightening. It wasn''t just a mindless beast. This one had intelligence. Maybe not much, but enough to recognize that something wasn¡¯t right.


    I calculated my options. I could attack now while it was distracted by the corpse. But I didn¡¯t know how quickly it would react, or how much stronger it was compared to the first one I killed. One mistake, one misstep, and I could end up like the body lying in front of it.


    No wait, it will come to me following the heat trail.


    The monster stood still, looming over the dead body, as if contemplating what to do next. My heart hammered in my chest, my mind racing through every scenario. I needed to learn more about how these things were hunted.


    Is it vision, sound, or smell? All three?


    Its head whipped up again, its eyes scanning the area, and my stomach dropped. It knew something was off. I could tell by the way it moved, more alert, more cautious. Its snout turned in my direction, and I had to suppress every instinct to flinch. But then I noticed¡­ it wasn¡¯t looking directly at me. It was looking in the general area, but it wasn¡¯t locking onto me.


    It¡¯s not fully sensing me¡­


    I remembered the moss. The glowing moss was everywhere. If these creatures hunted by sight, the moss would blend in with my glowing weapons. If they used scent, the decay of the corpse might overpower my own. If they hunted by sound, the lingering noises of the fire pit and their own movement might be enough to cover me for now.


    But then it took a step toward me. Slowly. Cautiously.


    No time left. It¡¯s getting too close.


    It sniffed again, loud and deep, as it stepped over the fire pit, the bones under its feet scraping along the stone. Closer. It was right there, maybe a few feet away.


    My muscles tensed, my breathing as steady as I could manage. I watched it with the eyes of a hunter, absorbing every detail of its body, how it moved, and how it reacted to the environment. If I could figure out its weaknesses, maybe I stood a chance.


    It took another step, then stopped. The only sounds in the cave now were its hissing breaths and the faint crackle of the lingering embers from the fire.


    It¡¯s time.


    With a slow, deliberate motion, I tightened my grip on the sword and waited for the right moment. One chance. That¡¯s all I had. One clean strike.


    Wait for it¡­


    The monster lowered its head again, its dark, piercing eyes scanning the ground around the fire pit, just inches away from where I lay. My heart pounded in my chest, but my mind was calm.


    Focus.


    Every other thought, every worry about survival or escape, vanished. The only thing that remained was the creature in front of me and the quiet, deadly certainty that I had to act now.


    fuu~


    The moment stretched on, each second pulling taut like a string ready to snap. The creature¡¯s jagged breaths filled the air, the faint glow of the moss casting eerie shadows across its leathery hide. I could feel the shift in the air as it moved, slow and deliberate, its hulking form creeping closer. It was almost on top of me now, mere inches separating us. One wrong move, one shift of its gaze, and it would see me.


    I willed myself to stay perfectly still, heart hammering in my ears. I could feel the power surging inside me, the raw, untamed force of Exira building with each heartbeat. It responded to my will, to the rising tension inside me, as if waiting for the right moment to unleash its fury.


    Now.


    Everything snapped into place. My will hardened, and in that instant, I felt Exira surge from deep within me, flowing like a torrent of energy through every fiber of my being. The monster¡¯s head jerked up, its nostrils flaring as it finally sensed me, eyes locking onto my position.


    Graaaaww!


    It opened its maw to shriek, but before it could move before it could so much as twitch, I slammed my will into it, driving Exira forward with all the force I could muster.


    The monster froze, a violent shudder running through its body as my power locked it in place. Its limbs trembled, muscles spasming as it struggled to break free, but it was too late. It couldn¡¯t move, couldn¡¯t react.


    fu!


    In that same breath, my swords flared with the faint, purplish glow of Exira, the energy coating the bone blades as if they were extensions of my will.


    I didn¡¯t waste a second.


    With a sharp exhale, I swung my first blade in a quick, decisive arc, the edge biting deep into the monster¡¯s neck. The blade cleaved through the leathery hide and sinew with ease, cutting halfway through its throat. Blood sprayed, hot and thick, splattering across the cave floor, the creature¡¯s guttural shriek catching in its half-severed windpipe.Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.


    But I wasn¡¯t done.


    huu


    In the next breath, I let go of the first sword, leaving it lodged in the creature¡¯s neck as I gripped the second blade with both hands. My muscles coiled, ready to strike, and in one swift motion, I drove the sword upward, straight through the creature¡¯s skull. The bone blade pierced through its thick hide and into its brain, sinking deep as the monster convulsed violently. Its shrieks grew weaker, more desperate, but I could feel the life draining out of it as the light faded from its eyes.


    In a final, choking gasp, the creature¡¯s massive body went limp. Its eyes, once filled with violent hunger, dulled and rolled back. Its limbs twitched once, twice, and then stilled.


    For a heartbeat, everything was quiet.


    The creature¡¯s heavy, dead weight collapsed onto me, its bulk nearly pinning me to the ground. I grit my teeth, shoving its corpse sideways with all the strength I had left. The lifeless body hit the ground with a heavy thud, blood pooling beneath it, mingling with the dirt and ash of the cave floor.


    I stood there for a moment, breath coming in ragged gasps, every muscle in my body trembling from the exertion. My eyes darted around the cave, Exira still coursing wildly through me, my senses heightened to the point of pain.


    Every sound was amplified, the soft crackling of the bones in the fire pit, the lingering echoes of the creature¡¯s final shrieks.


    But there were no more footsteps. No other movements.


    I stood, battle-ready, both swords now back in my hands as I scanned the entire cave, waiting for some another monster. My mind was still locked in that hunter¡¯s focus, every part of me prepared for another fight, for another attack. The energy of Exira was still flaring, still burning hot in my veins, making it hard to think clearly beyond the instinct to fight.


    The passage remained empty. No other monsters emerged.


    Fuuuu


    After several long minutes of nothing but silence, I finally let out a slow breath, the tension bleeding out of my body as I slumped back against the wall. My arms ached from the force of the blows, my legs weak from the adrenaline crash, but I was alive.


    Alive.


    The monster¡¯s corpse lay in front of me, still and lifeless. Blood dripped from the blade I¡¯d driven into its skull, pooling around the base of the hilt. I stared at it for a moment, my mind still trying to process the fact that I had survived.


    I reached up, running a hand over my face, trying to wipe away the exhaustion that clung to me. My breathing was heavy, ragged, but at least I was still breathing. The cave was quiet now, the oppressive weight of the darkness surrounding me, but it no longer felt quite as suffocating.


    ¡° Phew¡­ that went well, I think I did a good job ¡°


    I glanced down at my hands, still gripping the bone blades, their faint purple glow slowly fading as the last remnants of Exira ebbed away. My thoughts began to clear, the heat of the battle dissipating, leaving behind only the cold realization of what I had just done.


    I¡¯m getting better at this.


    I sat slumped against the wall, staring at the monster¡¯s corpse. My hands were covered in blood, it''s blood, not mine. And I killed it.


    I closed my eyes for a moment, feeling the exhaustion pulling at me, but I forced myself to stay awake. There was no time for rest, not yet. I couldn¡¯t afford to be caught off guard again.


    Before I could move, my vision blurred as a sudden wave of dizziness washed over me. I blinked, trying to shake off the fog that had suddenly clouded over my mind, but then it hit ¨C a memory.


    Not like the fragmented, disjointed pieces I had been struggling with before, but a sharp, vivid recall, as if I was living it all over again.


    .


    .


    A young boy, no older than fifteen, stood panting heavily atop a boar-like creature, his small frame barely able to hold the weight of his sword. The beast lay dead beneath him, its blood staining the earth around them.


    The boy was drenched in sweat and blood, his legs trembling as he tried to catch his breath. He was exhausted, his grip on the sword faltering as he leaned heavily on it to stay upright.


    "Alex!" A stern voice called out, sharp as steel.


    He jolted upright immediately, nearly stumbling as he tried to snap into attention. "Yes, Mom!" he responded, his voice shaky but quick.


    Standing before him was not just his mom. Right now she is Artoria Drakesier, the head of House Drakesier, and the one the world calls THE ABSOLUTE.


    Her reputation was fearsome, and even now, Alexis felt the weight of it in every step she took toward him. Arms crossed, her eyes cold and assessing, she gave him a look that seemed to pierce right through him.


    ¡°How was the battle?¡± she asked, her voice firm, her gaze unwavering. ¡°What did you think you did wrong?¡±


    Young Alexis swallowed hard, suddenly feeling very small under her scrutiny. His heartbeat pounded in his ears. ¡°It was¡­ my first time fighting a real monster,¡± he admitted, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. ¡°It wasn¡¯t easy. The creature was strong, and my sword¡­ it didn¡¯t even pierce properly.¡±


    Artoria¡¯s expression didn¡¯t soften. If anything, her gaze grew even colder, her lips pressing into a thin line. He quickly looked away, feeling the weight of her disappointment hanging in the air.


    "Is that all you have to say?" she asked, her voice cutting through the silence like a blade.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know¡­¡± Alexis mumbled, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment, ¡°¡­that Exira could paralyze monsters. I was only using it for reinforcement, to make myself stronger, and for offensive spells¡­¡±


    Before he could finish, his mother cut him off, her voice cold and dismissive. ¡°It''s been over a year since you awakened Exira, hasn''t it? You can cast fireballs with it now, correct?¡±


    Excitement flickered briefly in Alexis¡¯s eyes as he nodded eagerly, completely missing the cold look in her eyes or the way Aunt Nora, who stood nearby, subtly shook her head at him as if warning him to keep quiet.


    ¡°Yes, Mom! I can control fire now, and even telekinesis! Watch, the fire burns really hot! See this?¡± He gestured to the beast beneath him, pointing to the charred hide of the creature. ¡°I burned this tusken boar all the way through!¡±


    Artoria¡¯s gaze remained hard, unreadable. ¡°So, you know a little about Eixra, do you?¡± she said quietly, her voice laced with a cold detachment. She turned her head slightly toward Aunt Nora, who stood a few feet away, a concerned frown etched on her face.


    "Artoria... Are you sure?" Aunt Nora''s voice trembled slightly, clearly uneasy. "He''s still learning¡ª"


    ¡°I¡¯ll tone it down. Five percent of its full strength, no more.¡± Artoria''s voice was calm but firm as if her mind was already made up. ¡°He needs to learn and now¡±


    Alexis, oblivious to the tension between the two, felt a surge of excitement. His mother was going to show him something new! He grinned to himself, his exhaustion forgotten.


    Finally, he thought. I¡¯m going to learn more about EXIRA! Let¡¯s see what I can¡­


    Suddenly, his mind went blank. His thoughts cut off midstream, vanishing into a suffocating void. There was nothing. No sound. No sensation. Just an overwhelming emptiness, like he had fallen into a bottomless pit.


    What¡­ What was I thinking?


    The blackness pressed in from all sides, suffocating, inescapable. It was as if everything he was, everything he had ever been, was being slowly stripped away. His dreams, his ambitions, his very sense of self,...gone, swallowed by the endless dark.


    What¡¯s happening?


    He couldn¡¯t move, couldn¡¯t speak. His thoughts, his identity, were slipping away like water through his fingers. It was like he was trapped in a place where time had no meaning, where nothing existed except for the weight of this terrifying void.


    No burdens here¡­ no responsibilities¡­


    For a moment, a sickening sense of relief washed over him. The crushing expectations, the relentless training, the constant pressure to live up to his family¡¯s name ¨C it was all gone. Here, in this emptiness, he didn¡¯t have to be anyone. He didn¡¯t have to try.


    But something stirred within him. A spark of resistance. A flicker of power. The faintest pulse of Exira deep inside him, calling out to him, urging him to push back. To fight.


    Why should I fight? Alexis thought dimly, the emptiness wrapping around him like a shroud. It¡¯s easier to just¡­ stay here.


    But the power inside him wouldn¡¯t be ignored. It grew stronger, pushing against the darkness, its force building until it threatened to tear him apart. He could feel it now, burning hot in his chest, like a wildfire raging out of control.


    Responsibility¡­


    The word echoed in his mind, cutting through the fog, stirring something deep inside him. Responsibility. The weight of it pressed down on him, the weight of his family¡¯s name, the expectations he had tried so hard to live up to. But with it came strength. Purpose. The very thing that Exira thrived on.


    Burden.


    The word struck him like a blow. His mother¡¯s voice echoed in his mind, her lessons, her expectations, the constant push to be better, to be stronger. To carry that burden.


    And with that, the power surged.


    The darkness shattered around him, breaking away like glass. Light flooded his vision, and in an instant, he was back in the training grounds. His knees buckled beneath him, and he collapsed to the ground, gasping for air as if he had just resurfaced from drowning.


    ¡°Hah¡­ hah¡­¡± Alexis¡¯s breath came in ragged gasps as he hunched over, clutching his knees for support. His entire body shook with the aftershock of what had just happened. The crushing emptiness, the void¨Cit was gone, but the memory of it still clung to him like a shadow.


    ¡°Lexi!¡± Aunt Nora¡¯s voice was sharp, filled with concern, but before she could reach him, his mother¡¯s voice cut through the air.


    ¡°Stand up.¡±


    Alexis, trembling and disoriented, forced himself to rise. His legs felt like lead, but he obeyed. His mother stood before him, her expression as cold and unreadable as ever.


    But his mother didn¡¯t ask if he was okay. She didn¡¯t offer a word of comfort. Instead, she regarded him with the same stern, unyielding gaze as before.


    ¡°That,¡± she said coldly, ¡°was Eixra. That was the power you¡¯ve been playing with for over a year. Do you understand now? This is what you¡¯ve been so eager to master.¡±


    ¡°Wasting its potential and powers all for just being fancy¡­look at the monster, sure you burned its side but how much damage did your Exira flames did¡±


    With a Swift motion, his Mom skinned the hide of the corpse,¡± See the fire didn¡¯t even reached deep all you did was give the monster burned scars, you imitated flames and thought it looked cool so it would do damage¡±


    Alexis swallowed hard, still trying to catch his breath.


    ¡°Young Victor, your friend who you are trying to imitate, remember his source is flames is not imitation but INTENTS like our is EXIRA, I¡¯m not saying your flames can not burn this monster to ashes. But that¡¯s if only you know what flames are and how they ignite rather than just conjuring flames out of air¡±


    His mind raced with the implications of what had just happened, the overwhelming sense of what Exira and Mom¡¯s revelation. The raw, terrifying power of it.


    ¡°I¡­ I didn¡¯t know¡­¡± he managed to say, his voice barely a whisper.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t understand,¡± Artoria corrected him, her tone sharp as a blade. ¡°And now you do.¡±


    Alexis¡¯s legs threatened to give out beneath him again, but he held firm, gripping his sword for support. His mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, but one thing was clear


    Exira wasn¡¯t just a tool, it wasn''t just another power to be mastered.


    It was something far more dangerous, and I swear I¡¯ll have Mom proud of me.


    <hr>

 Shattered Reflections II : A family to cherish

    <hr>


    Ting Ting.


    I closed my eyes, forcing my breathing to slow. Inhale¡­ exhale. Focusing on the fragments of the memories that came up.


    Just like last time Lexi¡­don¡¯t think too much let them flow¡­


    The blood and filth of the cave around me faded, replaced by the steady rhythm of my heartbeat pounding in my ears.


    Goddamn, those are my memories! Why is it so hard to remember¡­


    Ting Ting.


    The faint, rhythmic chime echoed through the storm in my head, pulling me closer to something tangible. Taking one more deep breath to calm the chaos of my thoughts.


    Easy Lexi¡­ deep breath and focus


    I reached deeper, clawing through the murky haze. Reaching the memory as the scene changed¡­


    .


    .


    Ting Ting.


    I jolted awake, heart pounding, the remnants of a nightmare still clinging to the edges of my mind. For a brief moment, I was back there¡ªamidst the smoke and ash, that day when Dad¡­ The weight of it pressed down on me, suffocating, until reality slowly bled back in.


    Ting Ting.


    The sound of my alarm clock blared in the background, but I couldn¡¯t bring myself to move. My body felt heavy, worn down from all the training and practice. I shut my eyes, willing the dream away, trying to slip back into the oblivion of sleep.


    Knock.


    Just as I was about to fall back, a soft knock echoed through my bedroom door.


    ¡°Master, are you awake?¡± a shy voice called out to me. ¡°Your alarm has been going off for a while now. May I come in?¡±


    I couldn¡¯t help but smile.


    ¡°Yes, please,¡± I mumbled groggily, my voice thick with sleep.


    I watched as the door creaked open, and a wild redhead appeared¡ªfirst a cautious glance, then the petite figure slipped inside, tiptoeing carefully. She noticed I was awake and smiled softly, making her way over with a steaming cup of coffee in hand.


    Layla¡¯s cute and shy demeanor was enough to make me forget about my morning grogginess. Although it was a daily occurrence, I couldn¡¯t help but get used to it.


    ¡°Good morning, Layla,¡± I said with a grin.


    She handed me the cup of coffee, and I took a sip, savoring the warmth and flavor.


    ¡°You know, Layla,¡± I continued, ¡°you don¡¯t have to ask permission. We¡¯ve known each other since childhood.¡±


    As I spoke, I noticed her cheeks turning a shade of pink. ¡°I know, sir,¡± she replied softly, ¡°but I can¡¯t help it. You¡¯re just too kind to me.¡±


    ¡°Well, no ¡®sir,¡¯ Layla.¡±


    I chuckled and patted her head gently. ¡°You¡¯re too cute for me to resist teasing you a little,¡± I said playfully. She smiled shyly and looked away, but I could tell she enjoyed our banter as much as I did.


    Layla is a shy and timid girl of about sixteen, with long, dark reddish hair cascading down her back in soft waves. Her big, doe-like eyes are a warm chocolate brown that seems to sparkle whenever she smiles. She is petite and slender, with delicate features.


    Her shy demeanor only adds to her cute and innocent appearance, but beneath her timid exterior lies a heart of gold and a quiet strength that belies her delicate frame.


    It¡¯s no wonder that I find myself drawn to her kindness and gentle nature and that she has become such an important part of my life. She is the daughter of Aunt Nora, who has been in my mother¡¯s service for as long as I can remember, and they are practically family.This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    ¡°Come on, Master,¡± Layla said, her impatience showing through her usually timid demeanor. ¡°Your mother has been waiting for you to join her for breakfast. You need to get freshened up and ready.¡±


    She had a cute pout on her face, and her foot tapped softly, impatiently. ¡°I made your favorite pancakes this morning, and they¡¯re getting cold. You don¡¯t want to disappoint your mother, do you?¡±


    Despite her impatience, there was still a hint of shyness in her voice and a gentle concern for my well-being.


    I couldn¡¯t help but smile at her, feeling grateful for her care and attention.


    ¡°Alright, alright,¡± I said, giving in to her coaxing. ¡°I¡¯ll get freshened up and be down in a minute. But you have to promise to save me some pancakes, okay?¡±


    She grinned and nodded, happy to have gotten her way. ¡°Of course, Master. You can always count on me.¡±


    I reluctantly got up from the bed, giving Layla a small smile before heading to the bathroom.


    .


    As I passed by the mirror, I caught a glimpse of my appearance. Dark circles had formed under my pale blue eyes with faint purple sparks in them, making them look tired and haggard. My dark hair was a mess, sticking out in all directions. Despite my sharp features, my disheveled appearance made me look more like a wild ruffian than royalty.


    What are you doing, Lexi? Gotta keep up appearances, man. You are a Prince of god¡¯s sake.


    I sighed, realizing I had been working too hard lately, neglecting my health and well-being. But that was necessary ¨C if I didn¡¯t improve my techniques, Mom would beat the hell out of me again.


    ¡°Ugh,¡± I sighed.


    ¡°Ahem.¡±


    ¡°Master, hurry up!¡±


    I decided to take Layla¡¯s advice and moved on from all the dilly-dallying to freshen up, hoping it would make me feel better and more presentable.


    .


    I made my way down to the dining hall, feeling more refreshed after my quick shower. My sister was already there, sitting quietly with a book in her hands. She looked up and gave me a small smile as I entered, her platinum blonde hair falling in soft waves around her cute round face.


    Despite her reserved nature, I could see the affection for her family shining in her big, blue eyes.


    Uncle Sebastian, the family butler, was busy preparing breakfast dishes on the table. Despite his age, which was in his fifties, he looked as fit and athletic as someone in their thirties, with his silver hair slicked back neatly.


    ¡°Good morning, Young Master,¡± he greeted me with a nod.


    ¡°Good morning, Sebastian,¡± I replied with a smile, taking a seat at the table.


    My sister looked up from her book and greeted me as well, her voice soft and gentle. ¡°Good morning, big brother.¡±


    It was good to be surrounded by my family, even if it was just for a short while.


    Bro, why am I being so melodramatic? The nightmares, probably¡­


    As we sat down to breakfast, the grand doors to the dining hall opened, and in walked a woman who commanded respect and attention.


    It was my mother, Artoria Aurae Drakesier, the current ruler of Europa. She was tall and athletic, with a fit, toned figure that spoke of her battle-hardened past.


    Her cold and distant nature was well-known to those outside the family, but to us, she was a stern but loving mother. With her long platinum-blonde hair and pale blue eyes, she exuded a beauty befitting of an Empress.


    Walking beside her was Aunt Nora, her closest confidant and aide. Noralyne Heart, the House Saintess and Advisor of the Darksire Royal family was a sweet, motherly figure who loved to spoil my sister and me like her own children.


    Aunt Nora¡¯s long, dark crimson hair fell in curls around her bespectacled face, and her fit figure spoke of a life spent serving our family.


    Together, they took their seats at the table, joining Layla and Sebastian in our morning ritual.


    .


    The world as we knew it had been forever altered fifty years ago when World War III erupted. Almost every country resorted to nuclear warfare, leaving the world in ruins.


    The fallout caused uncontrollable mutations in all living beings, particularly animals. Then came the voice, resounding in every being¡¯s mind as cosmic energies flooded the world, leading to a cataclysmic event.


    The sky turned dark, and space itself tore open, birthing rifts that housed countless monsters. What had once been a prosperous world turned into a desolate battleground, ravaged by fate and time.


    This was the Darkest Night.


    .


    ¡°Good morning, Mom!¡±


    ¡°Good morning, Aunt Nora!¡±


    Both my sister and I spoke at the same time.


    ¡°Good morning!¡± Mom said with a warm smile.


    As we began to eat, the conversation turned to our plans for the day. Mom informed us she had a meeting with foreign dignitaries and would be away from the castle after my training.


    ¡°Ugh,¡± I groaned, knowing escape was impossible.


    Sensing the mood, Aunt Nora promised to take us to the market to buy clothes for the World Gala. My sister, engrossed in her book, perked up and asked if she could come along.


    Aunt Nora smiled. ¡°Of course, my dear. We¡¯ll make it a little one¡¯s day out!¡±


    Sebastian added his usual witty banter, making us all laugh, and Layla nervously suggested lemon tarts for dessert.


    We all agreed it was a wonderful idea, turning the conversation to our favorite flavors.


    It was a simple, warm family moment we all cherished.


    <hr>

 Chapter 08 - Diving deeper into cave

    <hr>


    I held my head as the pain from the memory intensified, my skull throbbing as if it were about to split open


    A sharp, throbbing pain lanced through my skull like someone was driving a spike straight into my brain.


    Just as I thought I couldn¡¯t bear it any longer, the chill from my earring washed over me, soothing the sharp ache and leaving a strange sense of calm in its wake.


    fuu¡­fuuu


    I exhaled, slumping down against the cold stone wall of the cave, staring at the monster¡¯s corpse. Its grotesque body was a reminder of the violent, bloody moments I had just lived through.


    My gaze shifted to the fire pit, now little more than ashes and remnants of charred wood. A thought sparked in my mind. I could have lit that fire with Exira. A small, bitter laugh escaped my lips. So much effort was spent on making fire from scratch, and yet, with a single thought, Exira could have done it for me.


    There were so many things I didn¡¯t fully understand about this power, so much potential I was barely tapping into.


    I closed my eyes, trying to digest the memory that had forced itself into my mind. Mom¡­ Aunt Nora¡­ Their faces were so vivid like they had been standing right in front of me moments ago. My throat tightened, and I felt the sting of tears welling up. But I quickly shook them away.


    No, not now. Not here.


    I took a deep breath, forcing my racing heart to steady. The adrenaline was still there, surging beneath the surface, but I needed to control it. I leaned my head back against the stone and delved deeper into the memory, picking apart the details I had almost lost in the rush of emotions.


    Exira¡­ it can paralyze, or¡­ I frowned, the memory from the training ground playing in my head. Not paralyze. That¡¯s not the right word. What I had felt under my mom¡¯s Exira wasn¡¯t just a simple stun or incapacitation.


    It was more than that, something far more terrifying.


    It was¡­ nothingness, I lost the will to continue and awaited death


    My skin crawled as I remembered the feeling. That deep, black void that had swallowed me whole, leaving me floating in emptiness. No thoughts, no emotions, no sense of time or place. Just¡­ nothing.


    It had taken every ounce of my willpower to pull myself out of it, to fight against that crushing weight of oblivion. And yet, that was her Exira at only five percent.


    I couldn¡¯t help but shudder at the thought. My mom¡¯s power was terrifying, a force that could reduce someone to a hollow shell if they weren¡¯t careful.


    I had always known she was strong, one of the strongest in the world. And me? I was barely scratching the surface.


    ¡°Five percent¡­¡± I whispered to myself, shaking my head in disbelief. That was her toning it down for me, for a demonstration.


    I dug deeper into the memory, focusing on the key detail I had missed before. Exira paralyzes or stuns anyone subjected to it at base raw level, I thought, trying to piece together what my mom had taught me.


    But as I replayed the memory, I realized it wasn¡¯t just about paralysis. The more I thought about it, the clearer it became. No¡­ it wasn¡¯t just stunning. It was a lack of feeling. It was nothingness. Complete and utter emptiness.


    That¡¯s what made it so terrifying. It wasn¡¯t just about freezing someone in place. It was stripping away their very sense of self, reducing them to nothing but a blank slate. It wasn¡¯t physical control, it was domination, utter domination.


    I remember now¡­ Mom had said something to that effect during one of our training sessions. From somewhere deep in my memory, her voice echoed, a sharp reminder of the lesson I had almost forgotten.


    Anyone who hasn¡¯t forged their will can¡¯t resist Exira¡¯s effects. It gives us full dominance over those with weaker minds or weaker wills.


    I thought back to the monster I had just fought. It had been stunned, frozen in place by my Exira. But I hadn¡¯t used it to its full potential. No, I had only tapped into a fraction of its true power.


    The monster¡¯s will was weak, its mind driven purely by primal instincts. If I had focused harder, if I had used Exira the way my mom did, I could have reduced it to nothing more than a mindless husk, unable to resist at all.


    But that¡¯s dangerous and risky. I''ll attempt to replicate and remember when coming across another monster who isn¡¯t a threat, I reminded myself.


    Still¡­ A part of me couldn¡¯t help but feel excited at the prospect.


    Eixra isn¡¯t about brute strength. It¡¯s about willpower, I reminded myself. That¡¯s what made it so dangerous and so valuable. No matter how strong someone was, if their will wasn¡¯t strong enough, they couldn¡¯t resist it. Even if they could deal out more destructive damage, even if they were physically stronger, it would still grant me dominance.


    I exhaled slowly, trying to let the weight of that realization sink in and not getting ahead of myself. Being grounded in my current situation is better. This wasn¡¯t a power to be used carelessly.


    My mom had demonstrated that clearly enough. But if I could learn to control it, to wield it as skillfully as she did, then maybe¡­ just maybe, I could close the gap between us.


    One day, I thought, clenching my fists. One day, I¡¯ll be able to stand beside her.


    But for now, I needed to stay focused. There was still so much I didn¡¯t know, so much I had yet to master. I couldn¡¯t let the memories distract me, not when I was still stuck in this cave, surrounded by unknown dangers.


    I pushed myself to my feet, glancing at the monster¡¯s corpse once more. The battle had taken a lot out of me, but I wasn¡¯t done yet. Not by a long shot, I need to quickly harvest this ugly fuck of the materials and move on, staying here will not lead me nowhere.


    I worked quickly, skinning the monster¡¯s hide with my knife, the rough serrations making the process slower than I liked, but still effective. The hide was tough, leathery, and surprisingly thick, almost like natural armor. Every now and then, I would glance around, making sure nothing else had wandered into the cave. I couldn¡¯t afford to get caught off guard again.


    As I cut away, I focused on taking the claws and the bone-blades from the creature¡¯s limbs. They had served me well in battle, and I wasn¡¯t about to leave without making use of them.


    But the hide was important. It could serve as makeshift protection or something to craft with later, so I made sure to skin as much as I could. My hands were slick with the monster¡¯s blood, but I kept moving, rolling up the hide with the bones tucked inside, fashioning it into a rough backpack. I used what sinew and moss strings I had left to tie it together, slinging it over my back. The weight was uncomfortable but manageable.


    Once I was ready, I took a deep breath, steadying myself. Time to move on, I thought, glancing down the dark passage leading deeper into the cave. I had no idea what awaited me, but I couldn''t stay here any longer. I had to keep going.The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.


    I took a few steps into the passage, the rough stone walls closing in on either side, jagged rocks making the space tight and claustrophobic. The air was cold, damp, and it smelled faintly of decay. I paused, something tugging at the back of my mind, a memory.


    Exira¡­ I can use it for more than just battle, I remembered. My mom had shown me how to channel Exira into my senses, to heighten them, but it wasn¡¯t easy. The efficiency was terrible, it would drain me too quickly if I wasn¡¯t careful. Still, in this darkness, with danger lurking in every shadow, I needed every edge I could get.


    Closing my eyes, I focused on the energy inside me, feeling the familiar surge of Exira flowing through my veins. This time, I guided it to my eyes, willing it to enhance my sight. I didn¡¯t push too hard, just enough to sharpen the outlines of the cave around me. The darkness wasn¡¯t as absolute now, the moss glowing faintly along the walls providing a bit more detail.


    It wasn¡¯t perfect. The strain on my energy was noticeable, but it was manageable for now.


    Better than nothing, I thought as I continued down the passage. The walls were jagged, scraping against my arms as I moved cautiously, placing my hands against the cold stone to feel for any signs of moisture or vibrations that could hint at movement it must have been at least an hour of finding my way in the passage which would sometime open into small caverns or sometimes multiple paths,I kept on moving straight.


    That¡¯s when I heard it.


    A deep, wet crunching sound. Followed by a disgusting slurping noise that sent shivers crawling up my spine. My muscles tensed, and I froze in place, listening.


    The noises were faint but unmistakable, it was those ugly lizard monsters feasting.


    More of them?


    I thought, my heart pounding as I crept forward. My steps were slow, and deliberate, each one taken with the utmost caution. The passage opened up ahead, the space widening into another cave. I peered into the dim light, my enhanced vision picking out the details of the scene before me.


    Two more of those ugly monsters, their hulking, grotesque forms hunched over a third. It took me a moment to realize what was happening, and when I did, a wave of nausea hit me so hard that I nearly gagged.


    They were eating one of their own. The poor creature was still twitching, its limbs jerking weakly as the others tore into its flesh, ripping chunks off with disgusting wet sounds.


    I clenched my jaw, forcing myself to stay silent. My body wanted to react, to recoil in disgust, but I had to keep control. My mind raced as I tried to assess the situation. The monsters hadn¡¯t noticed me yet. They were too focused on their grisly feast.


    Okay, think, Lexi, I told myself, taking a slow breath to calm the rising panic.


    Two of them. This is different. You can¡¯t rush in like an idiot. They¡¯re distracted, but that won¡¯t last forever.


    The smell of blood and rot filled the air, almost suffocating in its intensity. I could feel my stomach churn, but I fought the urge to gag, keeping my breathing steady. The last thing I needed was to give myself away.


    The monsters continued tearing at the twitching body, their jaws cracking bones with ease. It was brutal, and savage, these creatures had no concept of mercy, no sense of anything beyond their hunger.


    This is what I¡¯m dealing with, I thought, my grip tightening around my swords. Mindless, primal beasts. They¡¯ll tear through anything, even their own kind, without a second thought.


    But that also meant they weren¡¯t smart. They wouldn¡¯t be anticipating me. I just had to be careful and calculated. If I could strike at the right moment, I could take them down before they had a chance to react.


    Still, the sight in front of me was unsettling. My body was tense, every nerve on edge as I watched them devour their own kin. The twitching of the half-eaten monster¡¯s body, the way its eyes were still dimly lit with life even as it was torn apart, it was a sh*t show, a reminder that there was no such thing as peace in this cave.


    I couldn¡¯t let myself hesitate, though. This was the world I was in now. These were the kinds of creatures I had to deal with. And if I don¡¯t take them down, I¡¯ll end up just like that thing they¡¯re eating.


    I took another slow, steady breath, adjusting my stance and preparing for what came next. The monsters were still distracted, still feasting. I had the element of surprise.


    It was time to act.


    I took a deep breath, the cold, damp air filling my lungs as I centered myself. My heart was racing, but I couldn''t let it cloud my focus. I had to be calm, and calculated just like Mom and others taught me.


    Fear was natural, but in the face of monsters like these, it was also a liability. And I couldn¡¯t afford liabilities right now.


    I closed my eyes for a brief moment, feeling the energy of EXIRA stirring deep within me. The familiar surge flowed through my body, reinforcing my muscles, sharpening my senses, and, most importantly, coating my blades in that faint, eerie glow of power. The hum of the energy coursing through me was grounding, centering.


    This isn¡¯t my first time doing this, I reminded myself. I can handle them.


    But I wasn¡¯t foolish enough to underestimate these creatures. Not after everything I had already seen in this cursed cave.


    I placed my tools and luggage down gently, careful not to make any noise. The soft scrape of sinew against the stone floor was the only sound as I crouched low, moving like a predator stalking its prey. My body moved instinctively, the energy of Exira guiding my steps, making me lighter, quicker. I was silent, nearly invisible in the gloom.


    As I crept toward the two lizard-like monsters, their grotesque forms still feasting on the twitching remains of their brethren, I scanned the cave for any other threats. Two passages ¨C one to my left, the other near the monsters. But no signs of other creatures. Just these two.


    Good, I thought, tightening my grip on my swords. Just these two.


    I honed my mind to a singular purpose. Survive. Kill. My will sharpened, and my focus narrowed.


    The faint purple glow in my eyes grew brighter as I activated Exira¡¯s most devastating property that I know for now, paralyzing the mind of the weak.


    I knew this would only work if I did it quickly, with precision. My mother had drilled it into me there was no room for hesitation, no room for second thoughts.


    As the invisible pressure descended on the two monsters, they froze mid-motion, their grotesque heads snapping up with startled grunts. I didn¡¯t give them time to react. In the same breath as the one where I unleashed my power, I was already on the closest monster.


    Move fast. Don¡¯t hesitate. Just like training, I thought, my body moving on instincts and muscle memory.


    My first sword slashed across its leathery neck, opening a deep wound that oozed dark blood. The creature let out a guttural hiss, but it didn¡¯t have time to do much else. My second blade plunged deep into its head, the force of the strike driving through my skull and brain.


    Dead.


    With a dull thud, the monster dropped to the ground, lifeless. Its body convulsed once, and then stilled. I was already springing back, the wet sound of my blade pulling free from its flesh the only noise that followed me.


    The second monster was different, though. I could tell just by looking at it. There was something in its posture, size, and color, the way its eyes flared with that same madness and rage I had seen before, but more controlled. More dangerous.


    For a moment, doubt crept into my mind, but I shoved it aside, my mind already feeling heavy and severe pain creeping up due to excessive use of Exira.


    No time for doubts.


    I was already in motion, my body twisting as I brought my sword down in a heavy downward slash, aiming for the monster¡¯s skull. My mind was blank except for the movement, the strike, the feel of the blade cutting through the air.


    It would be over in one clean hit ¨C just like the last one, but then.


    Fuck!


    The monster, still locked under the pressure of Exira, should not have been able to move. Yet, in the split second before my blade connected, it let out a grutal roar that reverberated through the cave, shaking the very ground beneath me.


    And in that moment, its body twisted, breaking free from the paralysis.


    My blade, instead of cleaving its skull, slashed deep into its shoulder, carving through flesh and bone but missing the kill. My heart skipped a beat as I felt the impact of the strike reverberate up my arm.


    The monster bellowed in pain, but it was far from finished.


    Fuck..Fuck..Damn it!


    Before I could even react, the creature¡¯s claws lashed out with terrifying speed, catching me completely off guard.


    Pain exploded through my body as its talons tore into my stomach, ripping through flesh and muscle like paper. I gasped, biting down hard on my lip to stop the scream that threatened to erupt from my throat. The metallic taste of blood filled my mouth as I forced myself to stay silent.


    Stay focused. Stay in control.


    But the pain was overwhelming. I could feel my insides spilling out, the warmth of my own blood soaking my clothes.


    My knees buckled slightly, and for a split second, I thought I was going to collapse, the wet feeling was disorienting. Snapping my gaze back towards the monsters and parrying its strike was barely doable like me this f*ck is also hurt.


    We both were merely a few meters away, struggling, waiting, and watching.


    Die so soon, I couldn¡¯t. I wouldn¡¯t.


    <hr>

 Chapter 09 - Ambushed???

    <hr>


    Time seemed to slow as I swung my blade down, the weight of it cutting through the thick air of the cave with a deadly intent. My eyes locked with the monster''s, and what I saw sent a chill down my spine ¨C a wild, untamed fury, and something more dangerous.


    There was rage, yes, but there was also a raw, almost primal intelligence buried in those eyes. It wasn''t just a beast.


    This thing knew it was in a fight for its life. Fight for survival.


    My blade was halfway through its arc, the shimmering purple glow of Exira flaring along the edge.


    The monster was still trapped under my power, frozen in place as the pressure bore down on it, but something felt wrong. My instincts screamed at me to stop, to move, but I was committed too deep into the motion to pull back now.


    Just as the blade was about to meet its skull, the creature roared.


    GRROOOWWWRRR!


    It was a sound unlike anything I¡¯d heard before deep, guttural, and filled with an unholy rage that rattled the walls of the cave.


    The force of it shook the air, and in that split second, its body twisted, breaking through the grip of Exira with sheer willpower. My heart lurched as the tip of my sword veered off course, no longer aimed for its head.


    No!


    The blade sank into the monster¡¯s shoulder instead, carving through thick, leathery skin and embedding itself deep in muscle and bone.


    Dark, viscous blood sprayed out, coating my arms, but the creature barely seemed to take notice. The impact should have staggered it, should have dropped it but instead, it looked at me with even more fury, as if the pain only fueled its madness.


    GRRRAAWR!


    I didn¡¯t have time to react. In the same breath, the monster¡¯s claws came slashing toward me, faster than I thought possible.


    My mind barely registered the movement before I felt it ¨C the sharp, searing pain of claws tearing through my abdomen.


    Ughhhhk


    Time stopped. My vision exploded with stars, and my breath caught in my throat as agony shot through my body. The claws, like serrated blades, ripped through flesh, muscle, and organs, the wet, sickening sound of my own body being torn open filling my ears. I bit down hard on my lip, the taste of iron flooding my mouth as I fought the scream that threatened to escape.


    Don¡¯t scream. Don¡¯t show weakness. Stay alive.


    fuu¡­fuu¡­fuuu


    I could feel the warmth of my blood spilling out, soaking through my clothes and pooling at my feet. Taking quick small breaths in succession as I tried to control my breathing and my body.


    My guts, my intestines, were hanging out, slick and wet. The pain was blinding, overwhelming every sense, but I forced myself to focus. I couldn¡¯t afford to lose control. Not now.


    I stumbled back, clutching my stomach with one hand, trying to keep my insides from spilling out completely.


    Every movement sent fresh waves of pain crashing through me, but I didn¡¯t let myself scream. I couldn¡¯t give the monster the satisfaction.


    Fuu..huuu..fu


    My breath came in ragged gasps as I looked up, seeing the creature discard my blade like it was nothing, letting it stay embedded deep in its shoulders, my blood dripping from its claws. It let out another roar, its eyes gleaming with triumph, as if it knew it had me. As if it knew it had won.


    But I wasn¡¯t done yet. I wasn¡¯t going to die here.


    Not like this.


    The monster let out another vicious roar, a sound that echoed in the hollow cavern, making my blood freeze in my veins. It lunged toward me, claws outstretched and eyes blazing with a crazed hunger. I barely managed to raise my sword in time, parrying the strike at the last second, but the force of the blow rattled my entire body. My arms shook as if they were about to snap, the impact vibrating down into my bones.


    Too strong... too fast.


    Before I could even catch my breath, I saw the monster¡¯s elbow blade sweep toward my feet, a deadly arc. I jumped back, just barely dodging it, but I wasn¡¯t fast enough. Pain exploded in my calves as the blade grazed my legs, ripping through flesh like paper. I stumbled, biting back a curse as blood poured from the new wounds.


    Dammit! Fucker¡­


    I tried to retreat, to put some distance between us ¨C anything to buy myself time to think, to breathe.


    But the monster wasn¡¯t having it. It was relentless, closing in on me like a predator toying with its prey. Another powerful strike came at me, and when I blocked it, the impact was worse this time. My arms trembled under the force, my grip on the sword weakening as I struggled to hold it steady.


    I¡¯m losing ground...


    My stomach screamed in agony, the pain almost unbearable as I clutched it with my free hand. My intestines felt like they were about to spill out.


    I could barely keep my grip on the weapon. The blood loss, the fatigue, the constant pain, it was all becoming too much.


    I couldn''t hold on much longer.


    The monster roared again, this time with a sound that was almost gleeful, as if it knew I was at the end of my rope. Its eyes gleamed with triumph as it lunged again, faster than before, claws slashing toward me with deadly precision.


    No... no, no, no...


    Time seemed to slow. My thoughts raced, frantic, as I desperately searched for a way out. I couldn¡¯t block this one. My arms were too weak, too shaky. There was no way I could dodge either, not with the way the monster was bearing down on me. I felt cornered, trapped. My body was screaming in pain, but my mind wouldn¡¯t stop.


    I can¡¯t die here. Not like this. There has to be something... anything...


    But nothing came. Only the burning agony in my stomach, the exhaustion in my limbs, and the monster¡¯s wicked grin drawing closer, its claws inches from my flesh.


    Fuck this shit!


    My vision blurred for a moment, the world dimming as the monster¡¯s face filled my gaze ¨C its bloody maw twisted into a grotesque grin, anticipating the kill. Its claws, soaked in my blood, rushed toward me in what felt like slow motion, a death sentence I couldn¡¯t escape.


    No.


    A surge of anger flared within me, an ember of defiance that refused to be snuffed out. I wasn¡¯t going to die here. Not yet. Not like this.


    Now!


    With every ounce of willpower I had left, I let go of the sword. It clattered to the ground, useless for now. The monster¡¯s grin widened, thinking I had given up. It had me, cornered, helpless, broken. But it didn¡¯t know what was coming next.


    My eyes locked onto the beast, and in that heartbeat, everything became clear. The pain, the fear, the uncertainty ¨C all of it disappeared, replaced by a singular, burning focus.If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    EXIRA.


    With a mental command, I summoned it. My hand clenched tight, and I felt the power swell inside me, violent and wild. Purplish flames ¨C intense, searing, burst forth from my hand, surging with a raw energy that pulsed through my veins.


    The monster¡¯s grin faltered. Its eyes widened in shock, its claws still mid-air, but it was too late. I swung my hand diagonally upward, the flames roaring to life as they engulfed the creature in an instant.


    A deafening screech filled the cave, the monster¡¯s body convulsing as the flames consumed it. Its claws missed their mark, swiping through empty air as it recoiled, thrashing and rolling in a desperate attempt to douse the flames. The stench of burning flesh filled the air, thick and choking, as the beast let out another ear-splitting scream.


    Got you.


    I watched, breathless, as the flames licked across its skin, the purple glow illuminating the cave in an eerie light. The creature writhed on the ground, rolling in a futile attempt to extinguish the fire, but Exira held strong, feeding off the creature¡¯s own life force, growing hotter and more intense.


    The battle wasn¡¯t over, not yet, but in that moment, I had turned the tide. The creature was no longer hunting me. It was fighting for its life.


    And I wasn¡¯t going to give it the chance to recover.


    With a steady breath, I steeled myself. The pain in my stomach, the trembling in my arms all faded into the background. All that mattered now was finishing this fight.


    I needed to move, to end the monster writhing in flames on the ground. I gritted my teeth, ignoring the pounding pain in my head and the agony of my torn stomach, and reached for my sword.


    My fingers brushed the hilt, but before I could get a firm hold, a sudden, terrible instinct flared through my mind¨Ca blaring alarm, amplified by Exira.


    down..now!


    Without thinking, I threw myself into an awkward roll forward. I barely had time to process what was happening before I heard the whoosh of something slicing through the air right where my head had been a second before.


    A shiver ran down my spine as I scrambled to my feet, breaths coming quick and sharp. Another one. Another damn monster.


    I turned, finding myself face-to-face with a smaller but equally vicious creature. Its scales were a darker, muddier green than the larger one¡¯s, and its yellow eyes glowed with a predatory intelligence. It snarled, circling me like a wolf eyeing wounded prey, its jaws pulled back to reveal rows of jagged teeth.


    My heart hammered against my ribs, every beat sending a fresh jolt of pain through my body. The wound in my stomach burned, a raw and open agony that was nearly blinding.


    I could feel my intestines pressing against my hand where I¡¯d tried to hold them in, feel the wet warmth of blood slicking my fingers.


    Focus. Breathe. Don¡¯t let them know how hurt you are.


    I took a steadying breath, forcing my gaze to sharpen, my focus to harden.


    The two monsters were now both in my sight: the smaller one prowling in front of me, watching, waiting for an opening; the larger one, still thrashing in pain as the purple flames from Exira licked at its flesh, seemed to be shaking off the fire with brutal determination.


    I have to act fast.


    This wasn¡¯t just a fight anymore; it was a race against time. The larger monster would break free from the flames any moment now, and when it did, I¡¯d be facing two deadly creatures with an already failing body.


    The smaller creature let out a low, guttural snarl, dropping lower to the ground, and began moving in a wide arc around me.


    It was sizing me up, testing me, searching for any weakness. My body felt heavy, my vision wavered, but I couldn¡¯t show it¨Ccouldn¡¯t let this thing see just how close to the edge I was.


    Alright, Lexi, I told myself, just stay calm. It¡¯s just two of them. You¡¯ve faced worse... right?


    The lie tasted bitter, but it steeled my nerves, holding me together when everything in my body was fraying. I adjusted my grip on the sword, trying not to think about how the monster had almost taken my head off. A few inches closer, and it would have all been over. It wouldn¡¯t happen again.


    The bigger one stopped thrashing, its snarls quieter now, more focused. It was starting to regain control, even as the flames flickered along its skin, subdued but not entirely extinguished. I could see its rage mounting, the hate in its eyes aimed squarely at me. They both wanted blood, and I was running out of time.


    The smaller one hissed, crouching lower. It was ready to lunge.


    Alright... if I move carefully, I can get into position to strike the big one before it can fully recover. But the small one... damn it, that¡¯s the problem.


    I couldn¡¯t take my eyes off either one for a second. Every moment they were both standing was another second closer to my death. My hand was pressed against my stomach wound, warm blood still trickling over my fingers, and I could feel the dizziness creeping in.


    But I¡¯d fought through worse. I had to believe that.


    Only one shot. I realized, eyeing the two beasts closing in. I could reach one, but the other would be on me the second I moved.


    Exira, I thought, steadying myself, I need you now. My muscles tensed, gathering every ounce of energy I had left as I called on that familiar, searing power.


    I took a breath, letting it anchor me. Exira, I thought, steadying myself, I need you now. I tensed, gathering every ounce of energy I had left, my entire body coiled in a single purpose.


    As that familiar surge of raw, scorching power flooded through me, my vision seemed to sharpen, the edges of the cavern walls blurring as my focus narrowed to the beasts before me.


    I focused on the smaller monster, feeling the rush of power surge and build within me.


    Full strength, I reminded myself, my teeth gritting. No holding back.


    Memories of my mother¡¯s teaching flashed before me. She¡¯d always said Exira was more than raw power; it was a force tied to my very will, a manifestation of my desire, my focus, my absolute drive.


    Her voice echoed in my mind, calm and firm: "Exira answers the strength of your resolve, Lexi. If you want something fiercely enough, it will come alive for you, it will become unstoppable."


    That was all I needed. I willed Exira to respond to my deepest desire¨Cmy need to survive, to win, to make it out of this nightmare, to go home. I wanted it with every fiber of my being.


    And it answered, surging like fire through my veins, filling me with a strength I didn¡¯t know I had left. I locked eyes with the smaller one, honing in on it with all my focus as a pressure descended.


    Both monsters seemed to waver under the pressure, their movements slowing, as if caught in a web. Pain crashed into me, blinding and raw, and I tasted blood, the metallic tang hot on my tongue as I coughed.


    Ignoring the sickening pain in my stomach, the pressure on my chest, I forced myself to keep going. This has to end here.


    The world dulled to shades of gray as I focused every ounce of my will on the creature, every drop of that dark, burning power pressing down on it.


    I have you, I thought, feeling its life force, its faint, animalistic mind. It was almost like sensing a candle¡¯s flickering flame in a vast, dark void.


    I concentrated hard, pushing Exira deeper, tightening my hold on that flame and with a burst of pure, raw power, I crushed it.


    The monster collapsed to the ground, lifeless. I didn¡¯t give it another thought; I could feel the bigger creature¡¯s presence still looming, its gaze fixed on me, those horrible greenish-yellow eyes reflecting some ancient, primal rage.


    I locked eyes with it, feeling a surge of power as Exira intensified. It was as if I was staring down not just a beast, but a force of the cavern itself, an avatar of the darkness.


    The creature shrieked as another crushing burst from Exira surged into it, shaking its head in a frenzied attempt to resist. The pain was crippling, but my will was harder. I have to end this now.


    The monster froze under the pressure, thrashing against the invisible force, but I was already moving.


    This is my moment. With every ounce of focus and strength, I lunged, my blade raised, and watched as it flared with a blinding purple flame, alive with Exira¡¯s full power.


    Time slowed.


    The edge of the sword seemed to blaze like fire as I slashed downward, and the blade bit deep into the monster, cleaving through its tough hide and into its very bones. I felt the impact ripple up my arm as I carved through it, splitting it in two.


    A final burst of flames erupted from the blade, extending beyond the monster¡¯s body, searing a deep slash across the cave floor and walls. For a moment, the creature¡¯s massive form twitched, as if it couldn¡¯t comprehend what had happened.


    Then, in a wet, brutal collapse, its halves fell apart, each hitting the stone with a sickening, final thud.


    I staggered backward, the cavern spinning around me. My breath was ragged, each inhale dragging fire through my chest. It¡¯s over, I thought, the relief heavy and aching. My vision blurred, darkness tugging at the edges, but I couldn¡¯t fight it anymore.


    My knees buckled, and I fell back, slumping against the stone wall. I could see the last sparks of Exira fading from the sword, the purple glow dimming until the blade was ordinary once again.


    The cavern grew dimmer, my senses dulling, and I felt the cold of the stone against my skin.


    I let myself go, the world slipping away, darkness claiming me as my mind drifted into a welcome, silent void.


    fuu..I..lived¡­


    <hr>

 Chapter 010 - Aftermath and continuing on

    <hr>


    The first thing I felt upon waking was the rancid stench ¨C blood, rot, decay, everything fetid that lingered in the aftermath of death. My head throbbed, pounding from the inside like a hammer, and I groaned as I grabbed it, the pain flaring every time I moved.


    As fragments of memory started piecing themselves back together, snapping me to the moment of that fight, that final desperate stand against the monsters.


    I managed to sit up, chuckling dryly as I inspected myself. My hands brushed over my stomach, my sides, my arms ¨C every part of me where those beasts had clawed or struck. There wasn¡¯t a single wound left, not even a scar.


    "Guess I can¡¯t die just yet, huh?" I muttered, wincing as even speaking seemed to reignite a dull ache. But I couldn¡¯t deny the relief. This is turning into a pattern, I thought. Waking up to an impossible situation, with no clue where I am or why.


    Looking at the bracelet one more symbol faded away leaving only one more charge.


    I laughed, the sound echoing back at me. The day I¡¯d woken here ¨C was it a day ago? Two? It felt like time was running together, and I had only the memories of this place: a cave, monsters lurking, and a lot of near-death moments. When I first woke up here, there had been no memories, no sense of who I was or why I was even alive, just that terrible realization of being prey to some hideous, hungry creature.


    My chest tightened, and I had to laugh again at the absurdity of it. ¡°If they¡¯d been beautiful women instead of grotesque beasts,¡± I muttered with a smirk, ¡°or even just remotely humanoid¡­ Then at least there¡¯d be a story to tell, right, Vic?¡±


    I stopped cold, the name lingering on my tongue. Vic, Victor.


    It felt familiar like part of me knew who I was talking about, but when I reached for more, I found¡­ nothing. Just a vague image of red hair, little more than a shadow flickering in my mind. It gnawed at me, the feeling of something I should remember, someone I should know well. But as quickly as it came, the memory slipped away, leaving an ache I couldn¡¯t quite place.


    A chill spread through me, the same cold sensation that had stopped the pain in battle, and I knew without a doubt that it came from the earring. This little piece of metal had been more than just jewelry; it was protecting me, shielding me from memories that weren¡¯t mine, thoughts that kept trying to worm their way into my mind.


    Mom warned me not to use Exira like that, I recalled, faintly hearing her voice in the back of my mind. Reaching out with Exira to touch the mind of another. Fortunately, these ugly ass monsters had weak minds.


    It¡¯s dangerous, she¡¯d warned when you touch another mind. If you aren¡¯t careful, their thoughts and memories can leech into your own.


    The images from the battle replayed, the rush of Exira flooding through me, feeling that creature¡¯s small, barely existent mind give way beneath my will. If it had been stronger, I could¡¯ve lost myself in it. The danger of Exira was clearer to me now than it had ever been.


    I sighed a weariness setting in. I¡¯d only just started recalling these things, piece by piece, and each one felt like the barest fragment of a much larger whole. ¡°Some of the most crucial uses of Exira,¡± I muttered, shaking my head. And I¡¯m only just now remembering how to wield it, I thought, biting back a frustrated laugh.


    It was a strange irony ¨C waking up here, piecing myself together from memories I didn¡¯t know I¡¯d lost. I had no idea who I used to be, yet here I was, learning from instincts that felt older than I could recall.


    I planted my hands firmly on the ground and pushed myself to my feet, though it was a shaky effort. My legs wobbled, nearly giving out under me, and a surge of nausea hit as I straightened.


    One step at a time, I reminded myself, taking in a slow breath, forcing it to be steady. Channeling just the smallest amount of Exira to support myself, to stabilize my movements, I felt the familiar hum of energy trickle through my veins, lending me enough strength to stand, even if only barely.


    The cave walls around me blurred slightly, the edges hazy as my vision struggled to refocus. ¡°Can¡¯t stay here,¡± I whispered, the sound of my voice grounding me in the present. ¡°Not if I want to get out of here¡­ reach back to my family.¡±


    Leaning against the wall, I let my hand brush over the stone, rough and cold under my fingertips. But that was something, at least ¨C a reminder that I wasn¡¯t just some lost soul. I was a survivor. Whatever else I¡¯d been, I was that.


    As I steadied myself, I felt that odd, intangible sense of strength, almost like the echo of a memory just out of reach. Mom¡¯s voice played through my mind again, her face a blur in the memory, but her words firm.


    ¡°Exira is more than just strength, Lexi. It¡¯s a part of you, bound to your will, your instincts.¡±


    My instincts. Those, at least, I could trust. No matter what else I¡¯d forgotten, my instincts had gotten me this far, guiding my hand, helping me survive each fight, each twisted creature that came at me. And if my instincts said to keep going, to test what I knew of EXIRA, then I would. I¡¯d already pushed it further than I should have, but there was no denying its power or the bond that tied it to me.


    ¡°Alright,¡± I muttered, feeling the faint stir of strength in my limbs. ¡°No more reckless outbursts. I need to learn control. Practice.¡±


    The word felt strange on my tongue like it was something I hadn¡¯t done in a long time. But it felt right. Whatever else lay beyond this cave, whatever memories I still hadn¡¯t recovered, they would come to me, in time. For now, it was enough to know that I had the power to fight, to make my way forward, to survive.


    I glanced down at the place where I¡¯d fought that final monster, where the stone was scorched with the last traces of my Exira fueled flames.


    My pulse quickened, that same thrill and fear returning as I took in the sight. It was proof that I had more strength than I¡¯d thought, and though that power was dangerous, it was also mine.


    With a tired groan, I pushed myself up from the cold stone floor, glancing around to locate my weapon. There it was, a few feet away, half-buried in the rubble from our battle. I dragged myself over and picked it up, sighing as I looked over the damage. The blade was dented, chipped, and cracked along the edge. It looked as exhausted as I felt.


    "Didn¡¯t think you¡¯d make it through that," I murmured, giving the blade a faint smile.¡°But thanks for holding up.¡± This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    I ran my thumb over the worn steel, feeling its rugged surface. We¡¯d gone through a lot together, and though I could feel its limits, it had done its part, and I owed it some gratitude.


    In a way, this blade felt like an extension of me¨Cworn, battered, but somehow still holding on. "One more battle down," I said, tucking it into my belt, even though it barely resembled a sword anymore. I¡¯d have to find a new weapon soon enough, but for now, it was better than nothing.


    With that done, I turned to the corpse of the monster who¡¯d nearly ended me. It was in two clean halves, the flames having burned through it with a raw, relentless energy. I chuckled, the absurdity of it catching up to me. "Not so tough now, are you?¡± I muttered with a smirk, eyeing the beast. Up close, it was even bigger than I¡¯d realized.


    " A variant? Or an Elite¡±


    The thought of it being a higher-class monster, an elite sent a chill through me. If this was what I had to contend with, there could only be worse things waiting deeper in.


    Elite monsters¡­ and if they have elites, then there¡¯s likely a lord. The image of something even bigger, something nastier lurking in the shadows sent a grim shudder down my spine. My confidence wavered a bit as the thought settled in.


    "Damn it,¡± I muttered under my breath, feeling a knot of dread tightening in my chest. ¡°If this is the level of elites I¡¯ll probably do fine but¡­ I feel like this ugly mf was on the lower end of elites¡±


    The possibilities tumbled through my mind, each one darker than the last. My eyes lingered on the split halves of the creature, its hide leathery and tough. These things were resilient, armored almost naturally, and I¡¯d had to push myself to the brink just to get this one down. If there were more of these¡­ I shook my head, trying to dispel the rising dread.


    I took a few steps closer, examining the beast¡¯s limbs. One of my old swords was still embedded in its torso, the hilt protruding from a mess of scorched flesh and charred sinew. I took hold of the hilt and gave it a firm tug. It took some effort, but eventually, the blade slid free with a sickening, wet sound.


    At least this one¡¯s still intact, I thought with a faint sigh of relief, eyeing the edge. It wasn¡¯t perfect, but it would do until I found something better.


    My gaze shifted to the creature¡¯s bone blades, jutting out from its elbows like deadly extensions of its own body. They were impressive, almost double the length of my sword, sharp, and sturdy-looking. I crouched down, inspecting them more closely.


    ¡°These things are nasty,¡± I muttered to myself. The blades had a faint sheen like they¡¯d been hardened over time, perhaps from whatever twisted adaptations these creatures had developed to survive.


    It made sense, though. ¡°You probably use these for ambushes,¡± I said, almost like I was talking to the creature itself. ¡°Lying in wait, waiting for the perfect moment to strike, then hacking your way through anything that gets too close.¡±


    I could picture it, the way they¡¯d used those elongated, jagged blades to clear the path in close quarters, the lethal combination of claws and bone cutting through flesh with brutal efficiency.


    I gripped one of the blades and pulled, feeling the resistance as it remained lodged in the creature¡¯s arm. With a grunt, I applied more force, eventually wrenching it free.


    It was heavier than I expected, but it had a balance to it that felt almost¡­ natural. I weighed it in my hands, testing the feel. It wasn¡¯t ideal, but it might work as a makeshift weapon. If nothing else, it was sharp ¨C razor-sharp, in fact. I could still see the faint edge where it had sliced through the air during our fight, its surface stained with my blood.


    The thought stirred a wry chuckle. How poetic, I mused. The weapon that nearly killed me might just end up keeping me alive a little longer. I held up the bone blade, examining it more closely. The natural curve was unlike anything I¡¯d wielded before, but it had a certain appeal¨C a primal, deadly elegance.


    ¡°Alright,¡± I said, gripping the blade and lifting it with both hands. "Guess you¡¯re coming with me.¡±


    With some effort, I worked that one free too, taking a moment to hold both of them, feeling their weight, their rough, deadly surface. These things were more than just weapons.


    I knew that feeling well. That relentless drive, that needs to keep pushing, no matter how battered or broken. Holding those blades, it was almost like I could feel a connection, a kind of grim respect. These monsters, as horrible and deadly as they were, had their own purpose, their own instincts. And now, their strength was mine.


    With the blades secured, I took a deep breath, letting the damp, heavy air of the cave fill my lungs. There was no guarantee I¡¯d make it out of here alive, but I¡¯d made it this far. I¡¯d fought my way through monsters, survived near-death more than once, and was piecing together memories I hadn¡¯t even known were lost.


    After securing the bone blades, I straightened up and cast one last look over the massive corpse, its bisected form lying still in the dim light.


    What¡¯s that?


    I noticed something glinting inside the beast¡¯s remains ¨C a tiny flicker of light-catching my eye through the gore, squinting at the faint shimmer. Stepping closer, I knelt down to get a better look.


    As I sifted through the split flesh and viscera, I saw it: a pale, blood-smeared hand, its fingers curled, poking out from within the creature¡¯s torn stomach.


    My own fingers froze. I¡¯d seen many horrors since waking up in this damned cave, but this was something new. A human hand, severed or bitten off at the wrist. And on one finger, a small ring caught the light.


    The sight sent a shiver through me, mingling horror with an odd sense of hope.


    A ring... on a human hand.


    Carefully, I gripped the pale fingers and tugged the hand free, doing my best not to think too hard about what I was holding. The skin was still supple, the flesh eerily intact. Whatever it was about the monster¡¯s stomach, digestion hadn¡¯t yet set in. That meant this was recent. Fresh.


    ¡°No not fresh..ugh what am I even saying¡± I muttered darkly, trying to quell the nausea rising in my stomach. My attempt at humor rang hollow, and I grimaced, feeling an icy dread settle in my gut.


    But then another thought broke through: This hand was fresh. The owner might still be alive.


    Hope flared in my chest, flickering alongside the grim curiosity that had been driving me. Whoever this hand belonged to, maybe they were somewhere nearby, waiting to be saved or waiting to be found as a body.


    I took a closer look at the hand, trying to find anything that might give me a clue. The ring was delicate, and simple, with a castle of sorts engraved on it. I brushed a thumb over it, frowning. Who are you?


    I shifted my gaze to the torn body of the monster. There were no other remains nearby, no shredded clothes or other fragments of belongings that I could see, but that didn¡¯t mean there wasn¡¯t someone else here. Whoever it was, they¡¯d been unlucky enough to cross paths with this creature, but if the body hadn¡¯t yet begun to break down¡­ maybe they wouldn''t have been dead for long.


    ¡°Well, feels like a fortune cookie¡­yeah no that doesn¡¯t feel right,¡± I said to the corpse, bitterness creeping into my voice. And I suppose now I have a choice to make.


    I clenched my jaw, the weight of that decision settling over me. This place was already a hellhole, filled with creatures I could barely handle on my own. But leaving without at least trying to search for a survivor? That sat even worse with me than the smell of decay.


    I forced myself to take a deep breath, ignoring the stench as best I could. I was going to need every bit of focus and energy I had left if I was going to track down whoever this hand belonged to, my gaze scanning the surrounding stone walls. It wouldn¡¯t be easy, and I had no guarantees that I¡¯d even find anything.


    But I had to try.


    The hand looked small and delicate ¨C pale and smooth. Too smooth for a man, a female hand then perhaps. A pang shot through me at the sight, an odd, protective instinct I hadn¡¯t realized I had.


    Maybe it was just a kid. Someone who got dragged down here. My fingers tightened on the hilt of my remaining weapon. I¡¯d been through too much here to let someone else suffer the same fate.


    But questions piled up in my mind as I thought about it. How did they even end up here? And who were they?


    Whoever this was, they had no business being in a place like this, and neither did I. But I was here, and as long as I was, I could try to make a difference. Standing up, I focused on my Exira, letting a faint pulse of power spread through my limbs, clearing away the lingering pain and exhaustion. It wasn¡¯t much, but it sharpened my senses, giving me the clarity I needed.


    Alright, I thought, trying to steady myself as I took in the surroundings again.


    Whoever you are, wherever you are¡­ I¡¯ll find you, and then get out of this shit hole.


    <hr>

 Shattered Reflections III : Exira

    <hr>


    I leaned against the cold cave wall, staring into the oppressive darkness. The memories I¡¯d managed to unlock so far felt like pieces of a shattered mirror ¨C each fragment sharp, vivid, and haunting. But beyond those fragments? Just a blur. A haze of half-formed thoughts and sensations that slipped away every time I reached for them.


    My fists clenched as frustration bubbled to the surface. Why can¡¯t I remember? The people, the moments, the connections¡ªthey felt real and vital, but there was always a wall I couldn¡¯t break through.


    ¡°Damn it!¡± I growled, slamming my fist into the cave wall. The sharp pain shot up my arm instantly.


    ¡°Ouch¡­ Ahhh!¡± I hissed, shaking my hand and glaring at the offending rock as though it were at fault.


    I couldn¡¯t help it. " Hahaha,¡± laughter bubbled up, soft and bitter at first, then growing louder.


    ¡°What an idiot,¡± I muttered between chuckles, shaking my head at my own stupidity.


    Punching a wall. Great plan, Lexi. now my hand hurts.


    Taking a deep breath, I slid down to sit on the rough cave floor. Closing my eyes, I focused on steadying my racing thoughts. Inhale¡­ exhale. The sharp sting in my knuckles faded as I turned inward, searching for calm.


    And there it was.


    A flicker.


    Another memory, faint and distant, calling out to me.


    .


    .


    ¡°Alright, before we delve into combat, it¡¯s high time I properly explain to you about our house¡¯s origin art. The name Exira was termed by your father, who was also the first user of it.¡±


    ¡°Exira, in its most primitive and barebones form, would be a type of mental manipulation, where the user can assert dominance over others.¡±


    ¡°As you delve more into its mysteries, one truth remains ¨C Exira is fueled by one¡¯s pure emotions, most importantly, one¡¯s will.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the first tier of Exira, where it is formless and can be used to do literally anything. It can mimic any other power, be it elemental or physical, but what it is most efficient at is asserting dominance over others.¡±


    ¡°When you realize why that is so, you will find your path to the next tier.¡±


    ¡°From there, it¡¯s an unknown path. I cannot tell what yours will be, since every single Exira user has different core abilities. Me, Nora, Sebastian, Mathias ¨C we all have different Tier I properties.¡±


    Aunt Nora stood up and moved to stand beside Mom.


    ¡°Even Daemon and Rose have different Tier I properties, Lexi, and they are vastly different from mine or Mathias¡¯s abilities.¡±


    Aunt Nora held out her hand, and a white light formed.


    ¡®So cool, I miss Daemon and big sis Rose. She was so reliable to have around. When are they returning from the battlefields?¡¯


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Lexi¡­ They both will probably be back in a few months and are okay.¡±


    ¡®Are they mind reading, or am I that obvious¡­?¡¯


    Aunt Nora chuckled. ¡°Your face tells everything, Lexi. You should really practice your poker face.¡±


    ¡°Ahmm, Nora, you didn¡¯t interrupt me just for that.¡±This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    Mom¡¯s stern voice froze even Aunt Nora.


    ¡°Umm, of course not. Lexi, look, this is my Exira Tier form.¡±


    A bright light erupted from her hands. Though bright, it was not blinding.


    ¡®It feels so relaxing¡­¡¯


    ¡°Comfortable, isn¡¯t it, Lexi?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Aunt Nora, it feels comfortable.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s Exira. Even at Tier I, it affects your mental state and more. This is the core aspect of Exira. Regardless of what form your powers take, it will always carry an aura or evoke emotions.¡±


    Nodding vigorously, I felt captivated by EXIRA. Mom and the others had always been tight-lipped about it, so any new information was a gift.


    ¡°My core abilities are Heal, Lexi. That¡¯s all there is to it.¡±


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s more than enough for now, Nora.¡±


    ¡°Now, Alexis, you have never experienced EXIRA combat-wise, so a quick rundown of Tier 0 EXIRA. Ready?¡±


    ¡°Artoria¡­ are you sure¡­?¡± Aunt Nora¡¯s worried voice interrupted.


    ¡°I will tone down the strength to around 5% for the demonstration. It¡¯s better for him to get used to it.¡±


    ¡®Yay, finally! I could learn more¡­ Let¡¯s see what I can lea¡­r¡­n¡­¡¯


    Alarm bells rang in my head.


    I could feel all my thoughts and dreams leaving¡­


    Gone.


    ¡®What was I thinking¡­ nothing¡­¡¯


    I don¡¯t know how long I was in that state when a surge of power rose from within me, pushing back the¡­


    ¡®To push back¡­ push¡­ what?¡¯


    ¡®Am I under threat? Why can¡¯t I just stay here? There¡¯s no burden, no responsibilities here¡­¡¯


    The power surged more¡­ ¡®Burden, responsibility.¡¯


    These words struck a chord, and the power surged madly, threatening to burst as all my thoughts, dreams¡­ no, myself, came rushing back.


    ¡®Pop.¡¯


    The darkness broke away, and the view of the training ground returned. Mom, Aunt Nora, Ari, and Uncle Sebastian were all there.


    Huff¡­ Huff.


    I grabbed my knees, breathing heavily.


    ¡®What the f¡ª just happened? The darkness¡­ the emptiness¡­¡¯


    Looking around, I saw Ari sitting beside me, unaffected. She tilted her head cutely to one side.


    ¡°Brawther, are you okay?¡­ Your face is very pale, like you saw a ghost.¡±


    Ari¡¯s cute, baby voice broke me out of my stupor as she patted my head in a comforting manner.


    Chuckling at her antics, I shook my head and saw Mom¡¯s calm gaze locked on me. Aunt Nora¡¯s worry was visible.


    Closing my eyes and taking deep breaths to calm my pounding heart.


    ¡®That was scary as hell! That power surge¡­ that was Exira. It broke me out, or else I would have been lost there.¡¯


    ¡®Scary¡­ That¡¯s too scary.¡¯


    Shaking my head and gently squeezing Ari¡¯s tiny hand gave me immense relief.


    ¡°That was the brunt of Exira on your foe. And calm down, Nora, he¡¯s okay.¡±


    ¡°As I said, it was only 5% of my Exirastrength, though I used a technique to multiply the effect significantly.¡±


    ¡®Techniques¡­ And that was really only 5% strength? I¡¯ll reach that level too.¡¯


    Seeing my confusion, Mom clarified:


    ¡°Exira at its base, first form, is just mental manipulation ¨C your will, your desires, asserting dominance over others. Like all things, it has a horrible efficiency rate until you reach Tier I. Until then, to truly make use of Exira as more than a parlor trick to impress or stun-lock an enemy, you need techniques.¡±


    ¡°As for how the interaction occurs between Exira and your enemy, that¡¯s up to you to test and figure out the strength and percentages.¡±


    ¡°You have just awakened your Exira. Not to mention, you haven¡¯t even been in combat against a true enemy where death is just a misstep away.¡±


    Lost in thought, I watched Mom walk past me onto the training field with her sword, warming up.


    Taking the cue, I got up as well. Aunt Nora patted my back with a reassuring smile.


    ¡®At least Aunt Nora is here. She would fix me real quick.¡¯


    Sigh.


    Joining Mom, I picked up my training sword and began warming up for the inevitable thrashing.


    ¡®Mom¡¯s preferred weapon for training was the claymore ¨C long, heavy, broad and frankly, I¡¯m happy she went with a strength weapon rather than her original longsword.¡¯


    ¡®Mine was a simple longsword ¨C decently broad and long, built for speed.¡¯


    .


    .


    <hr>

 Chapter 011 - Finding the Hand owner

    <hr>


    Time was a luxury I couldn''t afford, but with a real, tangible link to another human being, I was damn well going to take the risk. The thought of someone else trapped in this hellhole pushed me forward. The more prepared I was, the better my odds¨Cespecially with whatever nightmares lurked deeper down.


    I tightened the makeshift sling on my back, gathering up the bone-leather bundle that had become my survival kit. It was heavy, but the weight was oddly comforting¡ªa reminder that I wasn''t empty-handed against the horrors here. Glancing over the fresh monster corpses, I grimaced. Digging through their rotten guts to scavenge materials wasn''t exactly my idea of fun, but necessity didn''t give a damn about my comfort.


    "Alright," I muttered, eyeing the mangled bodies. "Let''s see what goodies you''ve got for me." The stench was overwhelming, but I swallowed down the bile rising in my throat. Using my blade, I started slicing into the leathery hide, pulling it taut to keep it as intact as possible. The skin resisted, tough as old boots, but I gritted my teeth and kept at it. This hide was coarser and thicker than the others¡ªmaybe it''d offer more protection against whatever else wanted to tear me apart.


    The real treasure, though, was the bone blades. I hefted a particularly large, jagged piece, sizing it up with a nod. "You''ll do nicely," I said, testing its balance. With a bit of work, I could fashion it into a crude longsword. Not exactly a masterpiece, but beggars can''t be choosers.


    As I worked, I realized I was talking to myself¡ªa habit I''d picked up in this damn silence. "Long enough for reach, heavy enough to bash some skulls..." I murmured, running my thumb along the edge. "Not bad for a DIY project." I fashioned a rough hilt out of sinew, tying it around a shorter bone to create a primitive guard. After a few adjustments, it felt solid in my grip.


    "One down, one to go," I muttered, moving on to the next blade. The memory of the severed hand flashed in my mind, pushing me to work faster. Who the hell are you? The question gnawed at me, my hands moving on autopilot as I carved and bound the materials. The urgency was like an itch I couldn''t scratch.


    With both blades secured, I inspected my handiwork. They were crude, sure, but they''d hold. And right now, that was all that mattered. Better reach meant better chances of staying alive.


    I gathered some leftover hide and started patching up my tattered clothing. "Fashionable," I snorted, glancing down at the ragged layers. But at least it''d add a bit more protection against stray claws and jagged rocks.


    "Good enough," I said, tying the last piece around my shoulders. The patchwork armor wasn''t going to win any style awards, but down here, function trumped fashion.


    Adjusting the weight on my back, I secured the bone-leather bundle. Each scrap I added felt like another layer between me and the abyss.


    "A poor man''s armor," I smirked. "But it''ll have to do."


    Before setting out, I swung one of the new blades experimentally, testing its weight and balance. "Not too shabby," I admitted. These would do some real damage.


    "Time to find your owner" I whispered, glancing at the severed hand resting nearby.


    Fully prepared, I set the hand and ring before me, crossing my legs as I steadied my breath. My eyes traced the pale, lifeless skin, the delicate glint of the ring still clinging to the finger. Whoever you are, I''m coming for you. I''d made it this far¡ªno way in hell was I stopping now.


    Closing my eyes, I let Exira flow through me. Its energy pulsed in rhythm with my heartbeat¡ªa powerful, elusive force. Each inhale ignited a quiet blaze within; each exhale calmed the storm of thoughts swirling in my mind.


    This wasn¡¯t the first time I¡¯d tried to seek out someone¡¯s essence, but it was the first time I was doing it after the amnesia. Still, I let the Exira work, its threads weaving and whispering, searching for a match to the essence left behind in this small, cold hand.


    Gradually, the dark cavern around me began to glow faintly as a lattice of threads took shape, each one alive with a soft, otherworldly shimmer. This was no ordinary sight; this was the realm of the Exira. Each thread represented something ¨C a life, a trace of energy, a remnant of power all connected somehow to the world around me...


    Focus...Lexi, I reminded myself, forcing myself to return my concentration to the hand. I couldn¡¯t let myself get lost in the sheer scope of what I saw. This place was vast.


    Exira revealed so much, yet all of it would only overwhelm me if I didn¡¯t direct it toward my goal.


    Taking a deep breath, I channeled all my focus on the hand. I reached out mentally, feeling the faint pulse of essence embedded in the ring and hand, seeking out any trace that would lead me to its owner. And then, gradually, I began to sense something, a thread, dim yet distinct, quivering softly as it responded to my focus.


    My pulse quickened.


    This was it.


    I focused harder, narrowing my vision until all I could see was that single, faint thread. It pulsed gently, like a heartbeat, calling out to something far beyond this cavern.


    A memory flashed¨CMom''s voice, gentle yet firm. "Let Exira guide your steps, Lexi. Don''t force it; trust it." I exhaled, letting her words ground me. Slowly, the thread glowed brighter, steadying as if acknowledging our connection.


    Opening my eyes, I rose to my feet, rolling my shoulders to shake off the stiffness. With the thread etched into my mind, I packed my gear, pocketed the ring, and spared one last glance around the cave.


    "Time to move."


    The narrow passage I followed was nothing but jagged rock and shadow, winding deeper and deeper, forcing me to stoop and sidestep sharp stones jutting from the walls. With each step, I felt that faint connection pulsing ahead, a beacon guiding me through the darkness.This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    ¡°One step closer,¡± I muttered, willing myself to stay focused. The thought that I might not be alone in this place pushed me onward with a strange mixture of dread and anticipation.


    My journey through the passage continued in silence, my steps echoing faintly off the walls. The silence felt oppressive, each breath magnified in the confined space.


    ¡°An hour of walking through this place¡­,¡± I muttered, feeling a bit of the fatigue seeping into my bones. But I pressed on, my hand occasionally brushing the cold stone walls to steady myself.


    Eventually, I found myself facing a dead-end, the pulsing thread of essence leading me straight to it. Confusion crept in. ¡°This¡­ can¡¯t be right.¡±


    I traced my fingers along the cold, unyielding wall, searching for any crack, any hidden passage. But there was nothing. Just stone.


    Frustration welled up, mingling with doubt. I took a step back, staring at the wall, feeling that faint pulse still tugging at me, urging me forward.


    Did I mess up something? Or maybe¡­ I knelt down, pressing my palm against the wall and channeling Exira into my fingertips, letting it flow outward, searching for any hidden essence that might reveal an entrance, nothing just a wall.


    Standing in front of the wall, I muttered to myself, ¡°Maybe a hidden door¡­ or maybe a sealed passage.¡±


    For a moment, hope surged through me. But the longer I stared at the stone, the more it looked unbreakable, unyielding. I tried everything that came to mind, every trick I knew with Exira, channeling energy, attacking the wall with a quick, concentrated burst ¨C but nothing made so much as a dent. With every failed attempt, the wall stayed stubbornly silent. My fists clenched, my frustration mounting as I felt the familiar pang of doubt creep in.


    "Son of a bitch!" I cursed, slamming my fist against the stone. Pain shot up my arm, but I welcomed it¡ªit was better than this maddening dead end.


    "Alright, think," I told myself, taking a slow, controlled breath. This wasn''t the first time something seemed impossible.


    Closing my eyes, I let Exira flow within me, concentrating on directing it outward, allowing the familiar warmth to wash over my limbs as I visualized it. This time, I shifted my focus from brute force to something subtler, something that required patience. I needed to feel beyond the wall, to search for any indication of space, an opening, any detail that might reveal a way forward.


    Gradually, I let Exira seep into the stone, my awareness following it. It was difficult, the stone was dense, cool, resistant ¨C but I was beginning to feel something faint, a slight change in the energy on the other side.


    "There''s something¡­," I whispered, excitement creeping in. It wasn''t directly ahead ¨C it was higher up. I tilted my head, sensing the vertical distance. Not a door ¨C a damn opening above me.


    I stepped back, assessing the situation, letting Exira gradually expand out around me. It was like I¡¯d created a small bubble of awareness, almost as if I were seeing the cave with a new sense beyond sight and sound. With Exira, I could feel everything around me in great detail, the subtle shifts in the stone, the minute air currents, even the faintest vibrations. My sphere of perception extended upward, feeling my way around the rocky walls, and finally found the spot that confirmed it.


    But now comes the hard part.


    I glanced at the wall, calculating the distance to the opening. It was easily seven or eight meters up ¨C a distance that, without some serious creativity, was impossible to reach. My hand instinctively went to the bone knives I¡¯d salvaged earlier. I studied them, noting their weight, the sharpness of their edges, and the odd comfort they provided.


    Channeling Exira into the blades, I focused on stabilizing their structure, feeling the power settle into their edges, solidifying them. I needed to be careful with the energy, too much and the blade would shatter on impact; too little and I¡¯d be left climbing barehanded. Testing my weight, I dug one blade into the wall, the bone sinking in just enough to hold firm.


    ¡°Not bad,¡± I murmured, giving it a testing tug. With a second blade, I carved out another hold a few inches higher and grinned despite myself.


    This would be my makeshift staircase. Not exactly elegant, but functional.


    "Up we go."


    I started the ascent, my fingers gripping the bone handles tightly as I climbed one step at a time, each stab of the blade met with resistance from the dense rock. My heart raced, the height growing with every foothold I created. Despite the chill of the cave, sweat beaded on my forehead, and I clenched my jaw, refusing to let myself look down. The rhythmic pattern ¨C stab, step, reach ¨C became almost meditative, each move forcing me to focus entirely on the task at hand


    "Don''t you dare slip," I warned myself, teeth gritted. The rhythmic pattern¡ªstab, step, reach¡ªbecame a mantra, blocking out the screaming protest of my muscles.


    Mom''s voice echoed in my mind again. "Patience and control, Lexi. That''s where true strength lies." I snorted.


    Halfway up, the muscles in my arms started to burn, the effort of holding myself against the wall and stabbing new footholds taking its toll. I took a deep breath, shifting my weight carefully as I made my next move. The weight of the bundle slung across my back shifted uncomfortably, but I ignored the distraction, determined to reach the top.


    After what felt like an eternity, I reached the edge. With a final heave, I pulled myself up and collapsed onto the cool stone floor, gasping for breath.


    "Made it," I panted, a weak laugh escaping me. "Hell of a workout."


    As the adrenaline started to fade, I sat up, taking in my new surroundings with a measured breath. The opening was narrow, barely enough to stand. I took a step forward, crouching as the ceiling lowered, eventually forcing me to my knees. The stone pressed in from all sides, scraping against my shoulders as I crawled forward, the rough, cold surface pressing against my palms. The air was thick and stale, damp with an earthy smell that reminded me just how far below the surface I was.


    "Almost there," I whispered, crawling through the tight space. My body ached, every muscle protesting. But a faint light ahead spurred me on.


    At last, the tunnel ended. I eased myself toward the edge, peering out into what lay beyond. Below, a larger cavern spread out, shrouded in shadow. My eyes adjusted, picking out details as I squinted into the darkness. Stone pillars lined the cavern walls, jagged and sharp as if formed in a rush of molten rock long ago. But what drew my attention most was what lay directly across from me.


    Or rather, who?


    Taking a slow breath, I slipped down from the ledge, dropping a short distance and landing with a soft thud. I straightened, dusting off my hands, but my gaze remained fixed on the figure slumped against the wall across the cavern.


    At first, it was only a vague outline ¨C a still form, almost part of the rock itself, but as I drew closer, details became painfully clear. The owner of the missing hand slumped against the wall, a pool of dark blood pooling beneath him, congealing on the rough stone floor. I felt a deep sense of dread settle in my stomach as I sighed, kneeling closer to check for a pulse.


    what¡­.


    But just as I reached out, I froze in shock, my breath hitching in my throat. Long, pointy ears protruded from beneath the matted hair, a distinct feature that marked him as something other than human. My heart raced as I processed the implications.


    Shit


    An elf¡­I don¡¯t have memories of elves being on Earth¡­


    <hr>

 INTERLUDE I : Lore Journal I

    <hr>


    Historian Mira Vyexil Journals of House Celeste


    <blockquote>


    One of the oldest surviving records of the time of CATACLYSM


    </blockquote>


    Salvaged Entry 1: The Awakening of the Earth


    "None of us saw it coming. When the Earth stirred, we thought it was just a tremor. As if we hadn''t already had enough ¡®natural disasters¡¯ to deal with. Then the sky, yes, the sky broke open like some kind of bad joke. I swear, if I hadn¡¯t seen it myself, I would¡¯ve called it absurd. But no, the ground began to shift too, and we realized we were living on a planet that was alive. Aware. And just like that, we were punished for centuries of treating it like a disposable doormat."


    Looking back, the beginning of the Cataclysm feels almost unreal. I mean, how do you even prepare for the Earth itself turning sentient? Spoiler alert: you don¡¯t. At first, the tremors were mild. We chalked it up to regular tectonic activity. "Oh, it¡¯s just the Earth doing its thing," we said. You know, the usual geologist chatter. Then, of course, came the day. Fifty years ago, and I still have nightmares about it. The tremors turned violent like the planet was waking up from the world''s worst hangover. The sky didn¡¯t just crack, it shattered.


    The Earth didn¡¯t just shift; it groaned, as if it had been asleep for eons and was now stretching, cracking its back, and saying, ¡°You humans have overstayed your welcome.¡± People who were there say they felt the ground move differently. Not like an earthquake, but like the planet was actually shrugging us off. A few survivors I interviewed described it as... unsettling. Yeah, that¡¯s one way to put it. I¡¯d have called it "Oh my gods, we¡¯re screwed."


    <hr>


    Salvaged Entry 2: The First Signs


    We should¡¯ve known something was wrong. The air, for starters, had this heaviness, like when you¡¯re about to get bad news but you don¡¯t know it yet. It pressed down on us like the atmosphere itself was giving us a warning, a slow build-up to the cosmic punchline. The birds stopped flying. That should¡¯ve been the dead giveaway pun intended. And the animals, well, they weren¡¯t exactly subtle. Restless, nervous, like they knew something we didn¡¯t. Which, frankly, they did. The trees though, that''s where it got creepy.


    Marsha Elins, a tough survivor, one of those ¡®I¡¯ve seen it all¡¯ types, told me how the forests in America started acting... off. "The trees... they started to grow in ways I''d never seen before," she said. It wasn¡¯t just the branches twisting unnaturally¡ªoh no, it was worse. She swore the leaves were watching her. Now, I don¡¯t know about you, but if I¡¯m walking through a forest and the foliage starts eyeing me, I¡¯m running. But she stuck it out. Until the roots broke free and started moving. Yeah, crawling like snakes. That¡¯s when Marsha decided it was time to pack up and leave. Smart woman.


    The reports kept pouring in.If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    Africa¡¯s deserts shifting like sand dunes with a mind of their own, swallowing entire villages whole. The Amazon? It didn¡¯t just grow, it became hungry. Vines pulling people in like they were on some kind of aggressive plant crusade. There¡¯s no real way to describe that level of bizarreness except it sucked.


    And then the animals followed suit. The predators got bigger. Some sprouted extra eyes, others grew talons sharper than steel. The prey, well, they evolved too. Horns, spikes, fangs where none had ever been before. Like nature was giving us a reality check: ¡®Survive this, if you can.¡¯


    <hr>


    Salvaged Entry 3: The Fall of Civilization


    So, you¡¯d think the whole world turning into a nightmare would be the worst part, right? Wrong.


    The real kicker was watching civilization collapse like a sandcastle in the rising tide. One-quarter of humanity just... poof. Gone. They didn¡¯t even have time to react. Cities crumbled. Buildings, with all our marvelous ingenuity, couldn¡¯t withstand the Earth¡¯s tantrum. Skyscrapers fell like toys. And let¡¯s not talk about the floods. Rivers and lakes rebelled against the dams, breaking free and swallowing whole regions.


    I met a soldier once, Lieutenant Gregor Sloan, stationed in the Australian outback. The guy survived, but barely.


    "We tried to maintain control," he said, "but the beasts came first. Mutated kangaroos..."


    And, look, I tried to keep a straight face, but mutated kangaroos? It sounded like something out of a child''s twisted wet fantasy. But he wasn¡¯t joking. They were massive. And when the land started breaking apart? Convoys, people, everything just swallowed whole. The Earth, literally and metaphorically, had had enough of us.


    Australia, like so many other places, became a no-man''s land. Entire continents poof.


    One day they were there, the next, they were nightmares on a map.


    And then the Hydra oh, we¡¯ll get to that monstrosity later claimed the entire region. Those who made it out still can¡¯t talk about it without breaking down. Heads for days, each one more terrifying than the last.


    <hr>


    Salvaged Entry 4: The Energies


    Then, amidst all the madness, humans stumbled onto something because we always find something, don¡¯t we? We realized that this weird energy, the one warping everything, could be... used. Yeah, some bright minds figured out that we could interact with it. Not me, though. I just wrote about it.


    The kids were the first to change. Ironic, right? The youngest ones adapted quickest, feeling the energy like a second heartbeat.


    Some could manipulate it, shaping it, like some kind of primal magic. People were scared of them at first, of course. Nothing new there. If something¡¯s different, humanity either fears it or tries to destroy it.


    Marla Chen, a researcher out of Beijing, documented the shift.


    "It was the children," she wrote. "They could feel it, bend it. For those who couldn¡¯t? They died." She¡¯s blunt like that. Either you evolved, or you didn¡¯t. And if you didn¡¯t, well, nature wasn¡¯t waiting around.


    <hr>


    Salvaged Entry 5: ##$!@@


    The Earth had officially reclaimed itself, and we were left with a choice to evolve or perish. I guess we managed to survive, barely. But the world we knew? It¡¯s gone. Forever. Now, it¡¯s a living, breathing thing, and we¡¯re just trying to stay on its good side.


    The Cataclysm wasn¡¯t just the world changing. It was the Earth¡¯s way of saying, ¡°You had your chance. Now it¡¯s my turn.¡± And so, here we are. A new era. A terrifying one, but hey, we made it this far, right?


    Let¡¯s see how long we last.


    <hr>

 Chapter 012 - The Elf

    <hr>


    What in nine hells¡­


    The sight of the elf¡¯s body felt like a blow, a shock that rooted me to the spot. I stared, unable to look away, as disbelief tightened my chest. The elf¡¯s figure was so still, a haunting quiet draped over him in death, his once-lively form now cold and empty.


    But what shocked me were those ears¨Cpointed, slender, unmistakably inhuman¨Cwere the most striking feature, casting everything I thought I knew into doubt. I stepped closer, almost against my will, as if seeing him up close would explain away what my mind refused to accept.


    "No... that can''t be right," I whispered, barely recognizing my own shaky voice. I was sure there were only humans on Earth. There were monsters yes, intelligent beast races yes but no Elfs¡­only in fairy tales of long forgotten past had their mentions. My memories were shattered, scattered in fragments that I could barely piece together.


    But I knew this much¨Cor at least I thought I did.


    Every instinct screamed to stay back, to keep a distance from this disturbing revelation. But curiosity, or maybe denial, pushed me forward. Trembling, I reached out, my fingers brushing against the pointed edge of his ear, as if merely touching it would somehow confirm it wasn¡¯t real. But the skin was cool, firm. The ear didn¡¯t vanish or dissolve; it was solid, undeniable.


    ¡°It¡¯s real¡­¡± I muttered, fingers jerking back. A tremor ran down my spine, unease clawing its way through me. ¡°This¡­this isn¡¯t a trick.¡±


    The words echoed hollowly in the cavern, offering no comfort. My own memories, hazy as they were, insisted that elves didn¡¯t exist, that they were nothing more than myth or legend. But here, slumped against the wall, was undeniable proof to the contrary. My hand reflexively rose to press against my temples as if I could press the confusion out of my skull.


    Fragments of memories, distorted and foggy, flickered through my mind. There had been incursions¡­ yes those invasions that happened decades ago¡­ they had different races..ughh.


    Of all the fragments of my memories, one was the clearest when the sky shattered and that¡­eye¡­ and then darkness, those events were just before I woke up here I think. And yet, everything I remembered, everything I thought I knew, felt like it was slipping away under the weight of this one encounter.


    Did an incursion happen?


    ¡°What else¡­what else do I not know?¡± I whispered, my voice taut with the strain of trying to hold onto my sanity. A tightness settled in my chest, and I took a shaky breath, but even that did little to calm me. It was like looking down into a dark abyss, knowing there was more to be uncovered, but terrified of what I might find.


    How could I trust my memories now?


    Exira flared within me, reacting to my turmoil. The energy surged wildly, filling my veins with a thrumming power that seemed to echo my thoughts, growing more unstable with every passing second. I clenched my fists, struggling to rein it in, but it felt like trying to contain a storm with my bare hands.


    "Stop... Stop Dammit," I muttered, but the surge continued¨Cchaotic, relentless. The walls seemed to close in, shadows deepening, and my mind spiraled with questions I couldn''t answer.


    What if the cataclysm had broken more than just the world¡¯s surface? Or What if¡­ I¡¯m not even on earth?...


    And then, like an icy breath, a chill radiated from my earring. The metal dragon coiled around my ear, cold against my skin, and with it came a sudden clarity, a stillness that cut through the storm of my thoughts. My pulse slowed, my breathing evened, and Exira finally settled, retreating from the edges of my mind.


    I inhaled deeply, closing my eyes for a moment, letting the strange calm settle over me like a balm. The earring¡¯s chill lingered, grounding me, reminding me that panic would only lead to destruction. Slowly, I opened my eyes, my gaze returning to the elf¡¯s lifeless body, the unsettling truth that lay in front of me.


    I wasn¡¯t going to get answers by panicking and thinking about this useless stuff. My memories were incomplete¨Cthat was clear. They were like pieces of a puzzle scattered across my mind, fragments of a past I had no control over. I wasn¡¯t whole, and the more I fought against that reality, the more I would slip.


    But every time I fought to death, fought with Exira the memories came back¡­little by little¡­


    fuu~


    ¡°Fine,¡± I whispered, exhaling slowly. ¡°Fine. Maybe there are things I don¡¯t know¡­ things I can¡¯t remember yet. But I¡¯ll find the answers.¡± I forced myself to step back from the elf¡¯s body, my gaze lingering on the pointed ears one last time. He had secrets, too, stories locked away that would never be told.


    Rest in peace, whoever you were


    As my resolve solidified, my thoughts and will seemed to converge, blending into a singular, focused purpose. I could feel Exira aligning with me, its energy condensing into a smooth, steady flow that circled around me, lending clarity to my mind and calmness to my body. It was as though my thoughts themselves were now part of Exira¡¯s current, every swirling doubt and curiosity feeding into a steady, unwavering direction.


    "Damn dragon earring saves the day again," I muttered, touching the cool metal pressed against my skin. I mentally offered a quiet thanks. Its chill had steadied me when I needed it most.


    I took a slow, deep breath, letting it fill my lungs and then exhaled, allowing the clarity Exira provided to settle into my bones. My gaze shifted back to the elf, the unyielding presence of his still form resting against the stone wall. His appearance was otherworldly handsome and ethereal, most of all unsettling even in death.


    Kneeling closer, I extended a hand, fingers brushing against his neck to check for a pulse, though I already knew the truth. His skin was icy, the chill of death settled deep. No pulse. He''d been gone for days, his life snuffed out long before I arrived.


    Slowly, I allowed my gaze to travel over his features, studying him with an intense curiosity that was only sharpened by Exira¡¯s clarity.


    His skin was pale, nearly white, a pallor that reminded me of ice or polished marble, utterly devoid of the warm tones typical of human skin.


    His face was lean and sharp, each angle almost unnaturally defined, giving him an ethereal beauty that was stark and cold. His pointed ears were longer than I¡¯d realized, more exaggerated up close, almost knife-like in their slender shape, adding to the strange, haunting allure of his appearance.Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work!


    Even slumped against the wall, the elf¡¯s height was impressive. I gauged he was at least six-foot-five, maybe even taller. In life, he must have had a striking, imposing presence, one that would have turned heads, elicited a mix of curiosity and wariness. Now, all that presence, that life, was gone, leaving only a silent form clothed in dark leather and shadow.


    Reminding just how dangerous the cave is, I¡¯m fortunate that I didn¡¯t run into any hordes or big groups else I might have joined him too.


    fuu


    The armor he wore caught my eye next. It was a peculiar kind of armor, like nothing I¡¯d ever seen before or was used to from my memories, the style was more medieval.


    Dark leather, almost black, but with a sheen that suggested a kind of reinforced quality. My fingers drifted over it, testing its resilience. To my surprise, the leather felt firm yet flexible, its surface smooth but with a hint of rough texture. I pressed a bit harder, noting how it resisted the pressure. It was crafted to withstand impact, that much was clear, but it felt like it could also absorb strikes without restricting movement.


    No tech¡­pure craft.


    Curiosity nudged me to test it further, so I unsheathed one of my bone knives, the familiar weight comforting in my hand. I gave the armor a light slice, watching as the blade skated over the surface, barely leaving a mark. I tried again, pressing a bit harder, but the leather seemed to resist even more. I¡¯m sure it¡¯s enchanted and it was specially built for someone agile, someone who needed both protection and mobility in equal measure probably for a scout type.


    It''s nice quality


    It is reinforced at key points, too: metal plating over the chest and shoulders, sections designed to cover vital areas without hindering the wearer¡¯s range of motion.


    The pants matched the armor in both color and material, a similar dark leather that looked deceptively simple yet was anything but. The plating extended down to his thighs and shins, covering areas that would be critical to protect in combat. The armor design was minimalistic, plain in its aesthetics, but there was a kind of elegance in its simplicity.


    Every piece seemed placed with purpose, crafted for someone who valued efficiency over style. That tells a lot about the creator.


    Over the armor, there was a dark leather cloak, long and plain with a hood, dark purple leather was used to reinforce the edges. Its material was thicker than I¡¯d expected, likely weatherproof, offering another layer of protection.


    The armor looks well thought out and not only pleasing to the eye but also extremely practical for hunting and exploring.


    ¡°This guy entered this cave willingly, so probably a hunting party or an explorer. Judging by the stuff I¡¯m sure it¡¯s former that means there must be more of the party and some probably still alive¡±


    My eyes trailed to his remaining hand. His fingers were long, and calloused, evidence of years spent wielding a weapon or working with skilled precision. Yet there was only one adornment on his entire body ¨C a single ring on his left hand. I examined it closely, noting its simplicity: a plain band with a single gemstone embedded in the center. The stone was dark, almost obsidian, with a faint glint that caught the dim light. I wondered if it held some significance or was merely a personal token.


    A dark leather backpack rested beside him, matching his armor¡¯s material. I reached out, fingers brushing against the leather, noting its texture. Like the rest of his gear, it was practical, designed for durability rather than aesthetics. It felt sturdy, and reinforced, like it had been built to endure rough terrain and harsh conditions.


    ¡°Well now the hard part¡­¡±


    After a few moments of silent observation, I closed my eyes and knelt by the elf¡¯s side. It felt strange, praying over a being I¡¯d only just encountered a stranger in every sense¨Cbut there was an undeniable pull that urged me to honor him.


    The quiet,only being I saw other than those ugly monsters, even in death, deserved recognition.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know who you were, or what brought you here,¡± I murmured softly, voice barely a whisper in the chilled air, ¡°but I hope you find peace, wherever you¡¯ve gone.¡±


    ¡° I would get your personal belongings to your kin and put your gear to good use. Thank you truly ¡±


    The stillness around us seemed to deepen, as if the cave itself were listening. The usual persistent drips of water, the whispers of drafts through unseen cracks, all seemed to still for a heartbeat.


    Then, breathing deeply, I steeled myself for what I had to do next. Survival required that I strip him of his armor, of anything that might serve me. My fingers hesitated at the clasps of his cloak, feeling almost like an intrusion, a final insult to his dignity. But practicality forced my hand. This armor might save my life. This armor, for all I knew, was meant to endure against things I had yet to face.


    Working carefully, I stripped the elf of his belongings, handling each item with a kind of gratitude, in the slow, deliberate motions. The dark leather cloak came off first, its weight solid in my hands, more than I¡¯d expected. Then, I unclasped the plated chest armor, marveling at the way the pieces connected. The metal didn¡¯t have the cold, lifeless shine of steel, but instead a burnished finish that seemed almost alive in the dim light. Removing it was an exercise in patience, each section coming undone with a soft, echoing click. Every time I undid a strap or latch, the quiet seemed to thicken, growing heavier.


    The pants followed, along with the shinguards, and finally the gloves. Bit by bit, he was stripped down to a plain undershirt and trousers.


    ¡°Yeah not touching your undergarments at least mine survived as well¡­I should wash, mine real quick though when i get the chance ¡°


    Shaking my head, I studied the ring, the dark gemstone resting in its center.


    Was it a token of rank? A reminder of someone he¡¯d loved? Or simply a symbol of his people?


    The gemstone seemed to hold a glint that caught even the faintest light.


    After gathering everything and putting them in either my sack of leather bundle or the backpack, I hefted the elf¡¯s body, surprised by how light it felt. The weight was almost nothing ¨C a strange contradiction given his size.


    I moved further down the cave, the steady, cool draft Exira had shown me earlier guiding my steps. Maybe there was an opening nearby, someplace where he could rest in peace rather than burning within these suffocating tunnels. I wasn¡¯t about to turn this confined place into a charred grave.


    The echo of rushing water grew louder as I walked, drowning out even my own footsteps. The sound was unmistakable¨Ca waterfall, hidden somewhere beyond the twists and turns. My heart quickened at the thought. Real water, fresh and untainted. After another turn, the source revealed itself: a small waterfall trickling from the rock wall into a pond. Relief coursed through me as I put the elf¡¯s body down, positioning him gently in a quiet corner, just away from the pool.


    A sigh escaped me as I stood back, letting my gaze linger on his form for a few more moments. Exira pulsed in my veins, a steady, calm warmth that felt almost like it was watching over me. I took a steadying breath, then closed my eyes, summoning Exira. It surged through me, strong and fierce, brightening with my intent. Extending my hand, I directed its energy toward the elf¡¯s body, letting it flow freely until it caught.


    The flames that Exira conjured were intense, yet strangely warm, igniting with a ferocity that didn¡¯t falter. They spread quickly, engulfing the elf¡¯s body, transforming it into an ethereal pyre in the darkness of the cavern. Shadows flickered along the cave walls, thrown into dancing shapes by the light of the blaze. The fire burned quickly, consuming him until nothing remained, not even ash.


    When the last of the flames died away, I stepped back, feeling an odd sense of finality. The air was still again, the cave silent as ever. I turned away, letting my eyes fall on the pile of gear I¡¯d collected¨Cthe armor, the ring, the cloak, even the sturdy leather backpack which I¡¯ve yet to open but water first.


    Only then did I turn back to the pond, ready to quench my thirst. The urge to dive in was strong, but I caught sight of my ragged, filthy reflection and held back, not wanting to defile the only clean water I¡¯d seen in¡­ well, however long it had been.


    I knelt instead, cupping the cold, fresh water in my hands and drinking deeply. Laughter bubbled out as I took each sip, the coolness spreading through me like a balm.


    Kneeling beside the items, I ran my hand over the armor¡¯s surface. The leather felt smooth, the metal plating solid beneath my fingers.


    ¡°I¡¯ll make sure to use them to their full potential ¡±


    Exira surged with odd calm as another memory came¡­


    <hr>

 Chapter 013 - Memory and new shiny stuff

    <hr>


    ¡° I¡¯ll make sure to use them to their full potential ¡±


    As the words left my mouth, Exira surged with odd calm as another memory came.


    .


    .


    The memory flickered to life like an old, cherished film.


    I was sixteen I think, seated on the floor of Aunt Nora¡¯s study, surrounded by a jumble of scrolls and strange artifacts. The air was thick with the scent of ink and something spicy that lingered in the corners.


    Aunt Nora was there, her crimson hair cascading like a waterfall around her shoulders, framing her striking features. She was known to the world as the White Saintess, a title that carried weight and reverence, but at home, she was playful, full of mischief. And god how much I miss her teasing.


    ¡°Lexi,¡± she said, a wise glint in her eye, ¡°let your Exira flow towards the sword. Let it encompass the item with the intention of reading its origin. Focus your will, and the enchants will reveal themselves to you. C''mon, try it.¡±


    I nodded, a mix of excitement and nervousness bubbling within me. ¡°Yes, Aunt Nora.¡±


    fuu


    I took deep breaths, centering myself. As I closed my eyes, I let the familiar feeling of Exira surge through me, weaving its way toward the sword placed before me. It was an ordinary-looking blade, but I was determined to finally read its enchants so Aunt Nora may start teaching me how to actually enchant the items.


    As my Exira connected with the metal, I felt a shift in my perception. The shape morphed in my mind, threads swirling like smoke around the sword, forming a spiral that beckoned me closer.


    ¡°Yes, very good, Lexi,¡± Aunt Nora encouraged, her voice a gentle nudge. ¡°Stay in that state and will your mind to see its origin, its memories.¡±


    I concentrated harder, grappling with the intent. The threads flickered, and I struggled to grasp the meaning hidden within them.


    There was a moment where I felt a sensation¨Ca sharp feeling, like something piercing through. It was so vivid, so real, yet I couldn¡¯t fully comprehend it.


    ¡°It clicked,¡± I thought, the connection snapping into place. ¡°Stabbing... or was it piercing?¡± The clarity was fleeting, like smoke slipping through my fingers. I opened my eyes to find Aunt Nora smiling at me, her expression filled with pride.


    ¡°So, how was the experience?¡± she asked, her tone encouraging.


    I hesitated, trying to find the right words. ¡°It was... not really clear, Aunt Nora. But I felt a stabbing or piercing sensation or intent from it.¡±


    Nodding, Aunt Nora¡¯s smile widened. ¡°Good! That¡¯s one of the enchants. Now, what¡¯s the word for that feeling? Not in English...¡±


    ¡°Ferro ¡­ no that¡¯s the sword right?, I think,¡± I replied, recalling the old term. ¡°Penetrans¡±


    ¡°Good! Very good, Lexi,¡± she beamed. ¡°Next, we will go through what you¡¯ve learned and then finally, some enchanting.¡±


    As I sat there, the memory intertwined with the present, and I regained a piece of my own.


    .


    .


    Why didn''t my memories come when I fought something? But why, I hadn¡¯t battled anything. All I did was pay my respects to the elf¡­ unless Exira is the one actually restoring my memories while the earring suppresses any chaos that may result from it¡­no chaos from my emotion, my desire and my will.


    Everytime I fought it was near death, desperate to survive as after every fight I accepted something about me and forged my will to move.


    My will is all that matters


    With the sudden revelation, I felt calm. I sat there for some time just sitting and doing nothing, thinking nothing as I basked in the calmness.


    With newfound clarity, I glanced down at the leather armor and gear I had collected from the elf¡¯s lifeless body. The smooth texture of the leather beneath my fingers was reassuring, a tangible connection to the skills Aunt Nora had imparted. Could I use Exira to feel the history of these items? The thought excited me, igniting a spark of determination.


    With a deep breath, I let my Exira flow once more, guiding it towards the leather, the sound of water oddly satisfying and calming. This time, I focused on reading its origin, I closed my eyes, allowing the energy to envelop me, the flow becoming smoother as I practiced.


    ¡°Restituo¡­Durabilis¡­yes that¡¯s it mild self-repair and durable along with protection very faint not enough for intent but there¡±


    Opening my eyes, I exhaled slowly, the memories lingering in my thoughts.This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it


    ¡°Thanks for this, It¡¯ll come along nicely¡± I whispered, feeling an odd connection to the fallen elf.


    Now that I got some of my memories back the armor was, okay not that strong. I ran my fingers over the engravings on the metal plating and leather surface, channeling Exira to inspect the enchantment further. It was basic. Efficient enough, sure, but without much finesse.


    ¡°Decent materials,¡± I muttered, my voice echoing slightly.


    ¡°What¡¯s with enchants? the quality of leather and raw material this armor is made of is top notch yet the enchanter botched it¡­either the owner made these enchants himself or the level of enchanter is low¡± I sighed. I couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that it should¡¯ve been more, that this piece could have held greater potential with the right enhancements.


    ¡°But since I don¡¯t have the memories of enchanting anything, just the feeling I can¡¯t tell if it should be doable easy or difficult to do¡±


    I stared at it for a long moment, trying to piece together fragments of what I knew. It wasn¡¯t much, but some things were clearer now, especially around enchanting and crafting, skills Aunt Nora had painstakingly taught me.


    The memory drifted back, sharp and clear: she¡¯d shown me how enchantments could work together, layering their effects to create a synergy that was more powerful than any individual spell.


    I smiled wryly, remembering something about the concept of set effects. Enchantments that didn¡¯t just do a job but complemented each other in such a way that the whole was greater than the sum of its parts.


    This armor had the quality for that but no such enchant, maybe some financial problems or the others can¡¯t be nitpicking too much the armor as it is, is a boon to me.


    ¡°Hmm, considering its current enchants it would be a mortal 2 ¡ï ranked gear ¡°


    The ranking systems she¡¯d explained flickered in my memory. I muttered them under my breath, feeling the familiar cadence of her teachings. ¡°Mundane, Mortal, Overmortal, Immortal, Divine¡­¡± Each tier marked not just strength, but also the range and potential of what the enchanted gear could achieve.


    The words brought a grin to my face as another fragment of memory surfaced ¨C Aunt Nora scoffing as she described how House Zhao, of all people, had formalized these rankings. I could almost hear her voice: ¡°Those Zhao bastards and their endless obsession with nirvana, with enlightenment through ranks and power.¡± She¡¯d laughed then, a sound that had always seemed so odd coming from someone the world called the White Saintess. And here she was, almost mocking those lofty ideals.


    With a soft chuckle and shaking my head, I hefted the armor. ¡°Guess the mortal tier is all we get today.¡±


    Though I was quite happy at least it had some enchants on it and very practical at that. I folded it carefully, laying it alongside the other stuff I¡¯d taken. Despite its limitations, it was still leagues better than the ragged clothes I¡¯d been wearing since the moment I woke up in this nightmare.


    I pulled at the torn shirt clinging to me. Discarding the rags felt like shedding a layer of the past few agonizing days.


    I laughed as I realized my underwear had survived most of it unscathed. ¡°One small victory,¡± I murmured to myself.


    I crouched down by the edge of the water, forming a ball using exira and dipping the remaining cloth and scrubbing it as best I could. Seeing the water ball change as it became dirty and ughh , I flinged the water at the far end of the cave, not bothering to think of it.


    Exira had really become much smoother to control with the more memories I unlocked. However, it still puts a stain on my mind using Exira for any fine work.


    Scooping water in my hands, I poured it over my face, relishing the coolness against my skin.


    Seeing the wet underwear which I was sure in hell not wearing without drying, I had an idea seeing my newfound fluidity in controlling Exira. I tried to conjure just the warmth of the flames without any flames


    I remembered Aunt Nora showing me how to focus my will, reminding me to respect Exira, not force it. ¡°Think of it like a stream, Lexi,¡± she¡¯d said. ¡°You guide it, not command it.¡±.


    Then I tried with steam, the water in my hands grew slightly warmer as I practiced, and a surge of satisfaction washed over me. I leaned back, watching the steam rise gently from my hands, and chuckled.


    "I guess all those lectures are paying off," I muttered to myself, a small smile tugging at my lips. Even here, in this desolate cave, her teachings felt close, Aunt Nora¡¯s steady voice guiding me through each step, each process. The thought brought a sense of grounding I hadn¡¯t realized I¡¯d needed.


    A shiver ran through me, but this time, it wasn¡¯t from the cold. Wearing clean clothes¨Cwell, at least my underwear¨Cwas a small but gratifying victory. It was a strange comfort, but one that reminded me of home and normalcy.


    ¡°Now I¡¯m ready to tackle the world,¡± I chuckled, knowing how ridiculous I probably sounded. The laugh slipped out without permission, something that felt almost¡­ childlike. Hadn¡¯t felt that way in ages, and yet, here I was.


    After a moment, I turned my attention to the armor laid out on the rocks, taking in the dark leather sheen of it. Now that I could examine it up close, it looked cool, the way it caught the faint light filtering in from the cave¡¯s opening above. I picked up the chest piece, feeling its surprising sturdiness despite the natural give of the leather.


    No matter how I examined it, the armor was high quality, plain but undeniably functional. ¡°Whoever made this, sure had taste,¡± I murmured, turning the piece over in my hands. Just tough, practical leather with reinforced plating where it mattered.


    Slipping the armor on was more awkward than I¡¯d expected. The size difference between me and the elf was noticeable; he had been taller, and broader, a fact that left the armor sitting a little loose around my shoulders. Not loose enough to throw me off balance, thankfully. I tightened the straps, trying to get it as snug as possible.


    ¡°Not bad,¡± I mumbled, giving an experimental roll off my shoulders and stretching out my arms. A little big, but it wasn¡¯t cumbersome. No rattling, no sliding. I shifted around, threw a few punches, and swung my arm with an imagined blade. Satisfied, I strapped on the leg armor, adjusting the buckles until they felt secure.


    The cloak was the last piece, heavy and dark with enough length to drape across my shoulders and fall well past my knees. The fabric was surprisingly soft against my skin, a strange relief after everything I¡¯d been through. Adjusting the cloak, I pulled the hood up over my head, testing its weight and coverage.


    ¡°Not bad at all,¡± I said, almost proud of how I looked now. From looking like a beggar and a hobo, I now looked somewhat decent. The cloak hung well, long enough to cover me but not so long it¡¯d trip me up in a fight. I drew the bone blade from its makeshift scabbard at my side, giving it a few test swings. Even with the new armor on, my range of motion felt decent. Nothing snagged, nothing shifted out of place.


    Satisfied, I took a long, final drink from the pond, filling myself with the water¡¯s coolness and grounding calm. Then, I returned to my spot by the edge, laying out everything else I¡¯d gathered. Now came the real task of sorting through the elf¡¯s belongings, piecing together anything useful from the haul I¡¯d stumbled upon.


    ¡°Let¡¯s see what is in the booty I gained ¡±


    <hr>

 Chapter 014 - Sorting through the booty

    <hr>


    Sitting cross-legged by the waterfall, I took a deep breath, letting the peaceful rhythm of water cascading down rock walls soothe my nerves. The sensation of the cool air, the soft padding of leather against my skin, and the gentle weight of my new armor made me feel a strange sort of peace. After so long, it felt like I was finally clothed, sheltered against the world. The quiet satisfaction seeped into my bones.


    ¡°Let¡¯s see if I find anything useful in the booty I gained ¡°


    I glanced down at the small trove of items I¡¯d collected, spread out on the ground before me. There wasn¡¯t much, but each piece held potential¨Ca backpack filled with all the things the late elf had carried, a leather bundle with bone and other small keepsakes, and two long, curved knives.


    Not exactly a bounty of treasures, but in a place like this, even the smallest advantage felt like gold. The blades were well-balanced but disappointingly plain¨Cno engravings, or enhancements, just clean, functional steel. I shrugged. They might lack enchantments, but I wasn¡¯t complaining.


    Sighing, I reached for the backpack, turning it over in my hands to take in its details. The design surprised me. It was modern, almost strangely so, with a decent locking strap mechanism that held it closed. As I flipped open the strap and unbuckled the front flap, I couldn¡¯t help but feel a slight excitement at the idea of discovering something useful or maybe even¡­familiar.


    I checked the main compartment, but before diving in, I noticed two smaller pockets at the front. Starting with the first, I unbuttoned it and reached inside, my fingers grazing something thin and papery.


    Curious, I pulled out what seemed like a parchment. It had a few words scrawled across it in a language that looked entirely alien to me. I tilted it in the faint light, trying to make sense of the unfamiliar script, but nothing clicked.


    Behind the parchment were a few photos, worn but still intact. Holding them up close, I leaned back and let the mossy light ball I¡¯d conjured illuminate them better. The first picture made me pause. The late elf, the one I¡¯d found slumped and lifeless, was captured here in a far more joyful moment. He stood with two other elves, all three of them in casual clothing and laughing, holding what looked like beer mugs. Their faces were bright with happiness, almost radiating warmth through the faded image. I couldn¡¯t help but smile at the picture, despite the pang of regret I felt. These people had a life once, friendships, laughter¡­


    My eyes fell to the next photo, and I blinked in surprise. A woman, also an elf, her beauty was undeniable, even in the dim cave light. Her blonde hair framed an elegantly angled face, and her emerald eyes glinted with life, mischief even, as she looked at the camera. I could feel my face heating up, realizing I was staring a little too hard.


    "Bro, don¡¯t go making eyes at your savior¡¯s possible girlfriend," I muttered, shaking my head. But her presence was striking, and I had to admit.


    Finally, I picked up the last photo, and my face morphed into a frown as I studied it. The same elf as the one I¡¯d found dead, alongside the blonde elf, but now he was in hunting gear, his expression focused and intense. He stood in the foreground, and behind him loomed a colossal, shadowy structure¨Ca towering black pillar that seemed to reach for the sky, visible even at what looked like a great distance. I squinted at the photo, feeling a cold shiver pass through me.


    The pillar wasn¡¯t familiar; none of my memories held any trace of a monument like this. And judging by its scale, there¡¯s no way I¡¯d forget something so enormous.


    Just the sight of it sent a jolt of unease through me.


    I tried to ignore the frantic questions bubbling up, but the more I thought about it, the more the picture began to feel like a lead weight in my hand. A pillar of black that is tall¡­ what did it mean?


    My breathing quickened as panic started to edge in, the vague thought of something missing, something I should know, whispering at the back of my mind. I closed my eyes and forced myself to breathe deeply, counting the seconds until the feeling began to ease. The chill of my earring returned, its familiar cooling sensation brushing across my mind like a calm hand on a restless shoulder. It brought me back from the edge, steadying my thoughts. Another possible memory gap. But panicking wouldn¡¯t fill it in any faster.


    I put the photos back inside the parchment and returned them to the pocket, letting out a sigh. All this place had shown me so far were memories I couldn¡¯t fully trust and glimpses of truths that made my head spin. I leaned back against the cold stone, pressing my head back and focusing on the simple rise and fall of my breath, letting the last traces of panic ebb away into the cavern¡¯s chill.


    The noise of the waterfall grew steady again, that soft, endless rhythm grounding me as I looked over the items once more.


    I reached into the other pocket, hoping for something useful, maybe even a clue. My hand closed around a small leather pouch, the edges soft and worn from years of use. I carefully pulled it out, noting how it was rolled up tight, and began to unfurl it. As the layers came undone, my nose caught a faint, salty aroma that made my stomach grumble in anticipation.


    Meat. Dried, salted strips of meat. I couldn¡¯t help the grin that spread across my face; it had been so long since I¡¯d tasted anything that remotely resembled actual food.


    ¡°Ohh thank the lords, also weren''t elves supposed to be vegetarians¡± I muttered, my voice low and a little teasing, as if the elf¡¯s spirit could still hear me.


    Without hesitation, I grabbed one of the jerky strips, eyeing it briefly before bringing it to my mouth. It was thin but substantial, preserved just enough to keep its texture and flavor intact. As my teeth sank in, I was hit with a wave of saltiness, sharp and comforting all at once. The taste of salt felt like a rare treat. Somehow, even with the slightly leathery texture, the meat was juicy, bursting with flavor as I chewed.


    I hadn¡¯t even realized how much I missed that taste¨Cthe way food, real food, could make you feel alive in ways that stale bread or dried roots never could.


    "Mhm," I mumbled, savoring the first strip longer than I probably needed to. The salt had softened the toughness of the meat, making it oddly tender despite its dried state. The tangy, preserved flavor lingered on my tongue, filling me with a strange kind of gratitude for this small comfort. It wasn¡¯t a feast, but it was nourishment, real nourishment. I felt almost¡­ normal, just sitting here eating in the quiet of the cavern, letting the flavor settle into my bones.If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.


    After a few moments of savoring, I reached for another piece, then another. By the time I was done, I had devoured three strips, feeling my energy slowly creeping back to life with each bite. It was hard to resist eating more¨Cthe flavor was so tempting, the salt still dancing on my tongue, but I forced myself to pause.


    There was a surprising number of strips, around forty-seven by my quick count, all neatly rolled and packed. They were meticulously bundled, each piece rolled tightly into itself, probably rationed for journeys or days when hunting didn¡¯t yield results. The late elf had been prepared, and now, I¡¯d have to be smart enough to ration what was left. I couldn¡¯t let hunger or nostalgia take over.


    Sighing contentedly, I reached down and grabbed some water, letting it wash down the remnants of salt and jerky that still clung to my mouth. The coolness of it felt refreshing against the salt, and I took a deep breath, feeling the odd comfort of a satisfied stomach, a feeling I¡¯d forgotten I could have.


    Sitting here, leaning back with the echo of the waterfall murmuring nearby, I felt almost like I was in some hidden oasis, a reprieve from everything, just for a while.


    As I rummaged through the pouch again, my fingers brushed against something else¨Cthree small bundles, tied tightly with a simple knot. Curiosity piqued, I pulled one of them out and carefully undid the thread, revealing a few small white grains in my palm. Salt. I let out a small laugh, Salt was more than just a spice; it was survival, preservation, and comfort.


    And somehow, this late elf had been carrying a few small bundles, each preserved like a tiny treasure. I knew I¡¯d need to use it sparingly, but it was more than welcome. I quickly checked the other bundles and grinned when I found one of them held something red, powdery, and when I tasted it, it burned with a slight kick. Spice, simple but potent. How long had it been since I¡¯d tasted something spicy?


    Setting the pouch aside, I rolled up each bundle carefully, retying the threads and stashing them safely back in the pocket.


    ¡°He dived into the cave prepared for exploration and I¡¯m sure he was not alone, a party judging by the gear¡± , feeling an odd kind of respect for the elf.


    With the pouch securely back in its pocket, I closed the button, running my fingers over it to ensure it was tightly fastened.


    After sifting through the front pockets, I turned my attention to the main compartment of the bag, tugging it open with cautious excitement.


    The first thing that met my gaze was a diary, feeling the cover was leather-hard leather.


    It was thicker than I''d expected, its cover smooth and polished yet sturdy. The pages seemed white in the dim light,it was too tempting me to just scribble on them. It had a simple locking mechanism on the side, keeping it neatly closed.


    A ribbon attached to the diary served as both a bookmark and a holder for a small dark colored pen. Setting the pen aside for now, I flipped through the pages. The first ten to fifteen were filled with dense handwriting in some foreign language.


    Here and there, I noticed small illustrations¡ªsketches, perhaps, of plants or symbols but nothing sparked any of my memories.


    As I flipped through, a few loose pieces of paper slipped from between the pages, and I carefully unfolded them. They looked like documents, with unfamiliar stamps and signatures. Both of them bore the same inked emblem ¨C a mountain-like design etched in thick, black lines. I squinted, hoping the image might trigger something, but nothing surfaced. Sighing, I set the documents aside and focused back on the pen. It was sleek, capped tightly at the top, and when I removed the cap, I saw it had a fountain design.


    well I see why not¡­


    Not being able to keep my curiosity at bay, I scribbled in the back of the diary, and felt oddly satisfied seeing the ink flow smoothly across the paper.


    Haha that was refreshing¡­look at my abstract masterpiece.


    Laughing at my antics, I kept the diary aside and pulled out a metal canteen. Its weight was a surprise, considering it sounded empty when I shook it. Maybe it was made from some unusually strong material to avoid leaks, a sturdiness that felt reassuring.


    I placed it next to the diary and continued my rummaging, feeling around the inside of the bag. There was a smaller, chained pocket sewn into the bag, hidden from casual sight. I fumbled with the clasp before finally pulling it open.


    Inside, I found a small metal cylinder, just five or six inches long, with something sloshing softly inside when I shook it.


    ¡°What could this be?¡± I murmured, examining the cylinder closely. One twist of the cap later, a rich earthy smell hit my nose. The liquid that oozed from the cylinder was dark and thick¡ªink. I capped it quickly, a little giddy with the thought of having real ink on hand.


    ¡°Great now I have both ink and paper, I will write a rising star novel¡±


    Shaking my head and laughing at the silly antics I was doing,


    I pulled out a slim, metal card next, about the size of a credit card, with a faint dragon-like logo engraved on its surface. Some words were etched below the dragon in the same foreign language as the diary.


    When I attempted to examine it using Exira, I felt an unexpected sensation ¨C a faint pulse like a heartbeat, tugging at my senses. It seemed to point me in a particular direction, as if guiding me.


    ¡°Well, I guess that sorts out which way I¡¯m going,¡± I muttered, amused but relieved to have some kind of lead, however odd it was.


    The last item I pulled out looked like another cylinder, though it was longer and much more industrial in appearance than the ink container. On one side, it had a small, circular white stone embedded in the metal. It had a hand grip carved along its side, and the opposite end was sealed shut.


    ¡°Interesting¡­¡± I murmured, running my fingers over the cool metal. I was about to put it aside when a thought struck me. Maybe it was enchanted? Using Exira, I focused on the item, noticing a soft flow of energy centered on the stone.


    I turned it over in my hands, fiddling with the design, until, quite unexpectedly, a brilliant light shot out, blinding me as it illuminated the entire cavern. My heart leaped into my throat as my vision whited out, the sudden brightness right up against my eyes.


    ¡°Arg! fuck!¡± I yelped, dropping the cylinder as my head jerked backwards strongly hitting the cave walls. Spots danced across my vision, half-cursing, half-laughing as I tried to shake off the blinding light.


    ¡°Of course¡ªof course it¡¯s a damn torch!¡± I said, laughing at my own idiocy as I rubbed at my eyes with one hand and head with another.


    ¡°Of all the ways to find out¡­fuck that hurts¡±


    It took a moment for my vision to clear, and when it did, I found myself chuckling at the absurdity of the moment. I hadn¡¯t felt such a ridiculous kind of shock in quite some time.


    Looking at the damn torch it looked and felt durable and long-lasting. I flipped it off, letting the darkness fold back in around me as my eyes adjusted.


    The cave was fully lit, all the colors and details were fully visible, best of all the brightness was just right.


    ¡°Well,¡± I muttered, grinning to myself as I had a ridiculous thought running upto the monsters and blinding them while screaming,


    ¡°Let there be Light!¡±


    <hr>

 Shattered Reflections IV : Artifacts

    <hr>


    The cave air was cool, tinged with the faint metallic tang of the forge''s dying embers. I flexed my fingers, still sore from the last few projects, and stared down at the scattered tools and materials on the workbench.


    The weight of not knowing gnawed at me


    Sure, I could do things ¨C work metal, craft artifacts, even channel Exira when I focused hard enough ¨C but the how and why still eluded me. I hated it. Hated feeling like I was fumbling around in the dark, relying more on instinct than understanding.


    I sighed, running a hand through my hair. ¡°If I¡¯m going to survive this world, I need more than just a knack for figuring things out,¡± I muttered to myself. ¡°I need answers.¡±


    That was when Aunt Nora walked in, her arms laden with shimmering materials, her expression somewhere between amused and determined. ¡°Well, aren¡¯t you looking all broody today,¡± she teased, setting her load down with a flourish. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Lexi. By the time we¡¯re done, you might actually understand what you¡¯re doing.¡±


    I looked up, raising a brow. ¡°Oh, great. Another one of your ¡®you¡¯ll thank me later¡¯ lessons?¡±


    She smirked, holding up a chunk of Oretheon. ¡°Absolutely. Sit up, kid. You¡¯re about to get schooled.¡±


    And that was how it began.


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    .


    .


    The forge was quieter than usual, the lingering warmth of the flames providing a cozy backdrop as I sat at the workbench, fidgeting with a small chunk of Sallowstone. Aunt Nora stood across from me, sorting through a pile of materials with her usual practiced ease.


    ¡°You¡¯ve been doing pretty well so far, Lexi,¡± she said, glancing at me with a smile. ¡°But you¡¯re at the stage where knowing how something works isn¡¯t enough. You need to understand why it works the way it does.¡±


    I sighed, leaning back in my chair. ¡°Is this one of those ¡®life lessons disguised as an explanation¡¯ things? Because I¡¯ve had a long day, Aunt Nora.¡±


    She smirked, holding up a chunk of shimmering Oretheon. ¡°Oh, don¡¯t be dramatic. This is important. We¡¯re talking about the ranking system for enchanted gear and artifacts. It¡¯s foundational knowledge if you want to create anything worth a damn. So sit up and listen.¡±


    I groaned but straightened in my seat. ¡°Fine. Enlighten me.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± she began, setting the Oretheon down and leaning on the workbench, her tone shifting into teacher mode. ¡°There are two key ways we classify enchanted items: Rank and Stars. Rank tells you the maximum limit of what an item can do¡ªhow much change it can bring at a physical or metaphysical level. Stars measure the quality and uniqueness of the item¡¯s effects.¡±


    She paused, waiting for me to acknowledge.


    I nodded. ¡°Okay, so ranks are about power levels, and stars are about how refined or special the item is?¡±


    ¡°Exactly,¡± she said with a satisfied smile. ¡°Ranks are pretty straightforward. We¡¯ve got five of them, going from basic to godlike. Let me dumb it down for you.¡±


    She raised her fingers one by one as she listed them off. ¡°First, there¡¯s Mundane. This is your baseline¡ªno real enchantments, just slightly better than regular stuff. Think of it as having minor effects, like keeping a blade sharp longer or keeping your bread warm.¡±Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    ¡°Wow, magical bread warmers. Truly, the pinnacle of enchanting.¡±


    She flicked my forehead lightly. ¡°Focus, Lexi. Next is Mortal. These are practical, everyday-use enchanted items that can make a noticeable difference, like a sword that never dulls or armor that slightly enhances your stamina. It¡¯s where most craftspeople operate.¡±


    ¡°Sounds boring,¡± I muttered, rubbing my forehead.


    Aunt Nora grinned. ¡°Then you¡¯ll love Overmortal. That¡¯s where things get interesting. This rank represents items that can bend or even break the normal rules of reality ¨C and one of the core identities of an overmortal gear is that they would show signs of forming an ego¡±


    I leaned forward, intrigued. ¡°Umm, an Ego ¡­. Like an old man talking¡±


    ¡°Hold your horses,¡± she said, wagging a finger, ¡°Ego is more like little mental intuitions you get from the item, like in danger it will give you warnings and stuff more like a 6th sense¡±


    ¡°Proper sentient ego is only seen in the top immortal tier or divine tier artifacts¡±


    ¡°After Overmortal comes Immortal. These are the kind of items legends are written about. Weapons that can cut through dimensions, artifacts that can manipulate time, or armor that makes the wearer invincible to certain attacks. At this rank, you¡¯re no longer just affecting the physical world but touching the metaphysical.¡±


    I blinked. ¡°And then there¡¯s Divine, I¡¯m guessing?¡±


    ¡°Correct,¡± Aunt Nora said, her expression growing more serious. ¡°Divine artifacts are on a whole other level. These are items that fundamentally alter the world around them, capable of rewriting reality itself. They¡¯re so rare that most people won¡¯t even see one in their lifetime.¡±


    ¡°Rewriting reality?¡± I repeated, incredulous.


    ¡°Yes,¡± she said, nodding. ¡°But Divine items come with their own risks. Wielding them is as much about understanding their power as it is about surviving their effects. Misuse can destroy the wielder¡ªor worse.¡±


    ¡°Now,¡± she continued, ¡°let¡¯s talk about stars. These don¡¯t measure power directly but rather the item¡¯s quality, craftsmanship, and uniqueness.¡±


    ¡°So a five-star Mundane item could be better than a one-star Overmortal item?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Exactly,¡± she said, pleased with my quick understanding. ¡°Think of it this way: a one-star item might be functional but clunky or unstable, while a five-star item is like a masterpiece. Even a mundane five-star sword could outperform a poorly made Overmortal sword in the right circumstances.¡±


    I nodded slowly. ¡°Got it. So stars determine how well something does what it¡¯s supposed to do.¡±


    ¡°And how elegantly it does it,¡± she added. ¡°The difference between a one-star and a five-star item is like the difference between a rock and a diamond. Both are hard, but only one will catch your eye and endure the test of time.¡±


    ¡°Okay, Lexi, let¡¯s simplify this further for you,¡± Aunt Nora said, her eyes twinkling mischievously. ¡°Mundane items? They¡¯re like a helpful neighbor who¡¯ll hold your ladder steady while you work. Mortal items? A friend who¡¯ll lend you a hand when you¡¯re struggling. Overmortal? That¡¯s your buddy who brings a bulldozer to clear the path for you.¡±


    ¡°And Immortal?¡± I asked, raising an eyebrow.


    ¡°Immortal is your childhood hero showing up with a magical army to fight your battles. Divine?¡± She leaned closer, her grin widening. ¡°That¡¯s the gods themselves deciding to rewrite the rules of the game in your favor.¡±


    I couldn¡¯t help but laugh. ¡°Okay, that actually makes sense.¡±


    She flicked my forehead again. ¡°It should. I¡¯ve only been teaching this for years.¡±


    As she walked me through the details, Aunt Nora¡¯s teasing never let up. ¡°I¡¯m surprised, Lexi,¡± she said with mock seriousness. ¡°You¡¯re actually paying attention for once. Usually, you¡¯re too busy daydreaming about saving the world or whatever it is you do.¡±


    ¡°Hey!¡± I protested though I couldn¡¯t hide my grin. ¡°I¡¯m taking this seriously. Kind of hard not to when you keep whacking me every time I lose focus.¡±


    ¡°Good,¡± she said, smirking. ¡°Maybe there¡¯s hope for you yet.¡±


    But as the conversation settled into a comfortable rhythm, I found myself reflecting on what she¡¯d said. The ranking system wasn¡¯t just a technical framework¡ªit was a reminder of the limitless potential and risks of enchanting.


    One day, I¡¯ll craft something that matters, I thought, clenching my fists. Something worthy of those higher ranks.


    Aunt Nora¡¯s voice broke through my thoughts. ¡°Don¡¯t get ahead of yourself, Lexi. Start small, master the basics, and work your way up. You¡¯ll get there.¡±


    I met her gaze, her calm confidence steadying my resolve. ¡°Yeah,¡± I said. ¡°One step at a time.¡±


    And with that, we returned to the workbench, ready to create something extraordinary.


    <hr>

 Chapter 015 - Venturing out

    <hr>


    Reaching back into the bag one last time, my fingers brushed against something cool and sturdy. I tugged it out and brought the torch closer, its light casting a metallic gleam over the object in my hands.


    "A mask?" I muttered, rotating it to get a better look.


    Plain and nice-looking mask. The craftsmanship was striking¨Cdesigned to cover the lower half of the face, reinforced with thin but strong metal plates that added a faint sheen across its surface. Every seam was polished smooth, each curve and line suggesting meticulous handiwork. It felt tough yet surprisingly lightweight as if meant to protect without hindering movement.


    "What''s your story?" I wondered aloud, running my thumb along the edges.


    I set the mask on my lap and let Exira flow through it, reaching out to sense any latent energy or enchantments within. Almost immediately, a word whispered from the depths of my mind: "Respira."


    It felt as if the word was woven into the very fabric of the mask. Focusing harder, another command surfaced: "Filtra Aerem."


    "A breathing enchantment?" I grinned as realization dawned. "So you filter air, huh? That''s damn handy."


    I couldn''t help but think back to toxic battlefields and suffocating camps. Maybe the previous owner had faced similar hellholes and wanted some protection. The enchantment felt strong, with no signs of wear. Whoever crafted this intended it to last.


    Placing the mask against my face, I adjusted the straps around the back of my head. The fit was snug but comfortable, the weight barely noticeable.


    "Yeah, you''ll do just fine," I said, my voice slightly muffled.


    Setting the mask aside, I looked over the rest of the gear, taking stock of everything I''d gathered, the backpack, the weapons, the strange metal card with its faint pulse of direction.


    Leaning back against the rock wall, I stared up at the dark ceiling of the cave, a smirk creeping across my face.


    "This is gonna be interesting," I mused. For the first time in ages, I wasn''t just surviving¨CI was piecing together something bigger.


    An urge surged through me to start writing, to document all of this before it slipped away. Reaching into my belongings, I pulled out the diary, flipping to a blank page near the back. Unscrewing the cap of the pen, I began jotting quick notes.


    <hr>


    Current Inventory:


    <blockquote>


    A Diary


    </blockquote>


    Leather-bound with thick pages. Early entries were filled with foreign scripts and sketches. Loose documents inside with mountain symbols stamped in ink.


    <blockquote>


    Water Canteen


    </blockquote>


    Durable metal, empty but sturdy enough to take a hit.


    <blockquote>


    Metal Card


    </blockquote>


    Engraved with a dragon and unknown script. Emits a pulsing signal when I use Exira¨Clike it''s guiding me somewhere and I believe its a key item.


    <blockquote>


    Mask


    </blockquote>


    Reinforced metal covering the lower face. Enchanted with Respira and Filtra Aerem¨Cair filtration. Good for nasty environments.


    <blockquote>


    Torch


    </blockquote>


    Small cylinder with a white stone. Uses any energy as a medium, I believe it has its own battery and needs just kickstarting to produce a bright light. Note to self: Don''t blind yourself again.


    <blockquote>


    Ink Cylinder


    </blockquote>


    Metal container filled with thick, earthy-smelling ink.


    <blockquote>


    Meat Jerky


    </blockquote>


    Forty-seven strips¨Cmake that forty-four. Gotta ration these.


    <blockquote>


    Salt and Spice Bundles


    </blockquote>


    Three small pouches¨Ctwo salt, one spice mix. Adds flavor to the otherwise bland.


    <blockquote>


    Weapons


    </blockquote>


    Pair of curved knives¨Csharp but unenchanted.


    <blockquote>


    Armor


    </blockquote>


    Light armor for torso and legs, complete with a cloak. Slightly loose but offers solid protection.


    <hr>


    Finishing the list, I leaned back against the cold stone wall, letting the pen hang from my fingers as I read over the words. There was something calming about seeing it all laid out, each item a small piece of stability in this unpredictable world. The quiet sound of the waterfall in the background seemed to ease the last bit of tension from my shoulders.


    For the first time in a while, I felt content. Everything was still, and for a moment, I allowed myself to savor that quiet, reassuring calm, mind at ease as I rested against the rock, letting myself settle in the midst of these small but hard-won victories.


    I shifted my focus to the metal card, which lay in my hand, faintly warm, pulsing as though alive. The subtle throb felt like a heartbeat, urging me forward. The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    ¡°What are you pointing me toward, huh?¡± I muttered, lifting the card closer to inspect it. The sensation intensified, tugging my focus toward a distant point, somewhere beyond the waterfall.


    Taking a deep breath, I tapped into my Exira, letting it flow from my core and channel into the card, feeling the strange energy pull at me like a compass. All right, I thought, feeling a spark of determination as I pushed myself up and adjusted the armor and cloak.


    Let¡¯s see where you¡¯re taking me.


    Glancing over at the roaring waterfall, I quickly realized the card was pointing somewhere on the other side, beyond the veil of water. The constant rush reminded me of the sheer force I¡¯d need to get through unscathed. Seeing the mist swirling, an idea came to mind. Taking a deep breath, I focused inward, gathering Exira to wrap around me in a thin layer to shield against the water.


    ¡°Ugh,¡± I groaned softly, feeling the immediate strain on my mind as I tried to mold Exira into a barrier.


    Okay, just focus, I told myself, taking a few steadying breaths. In my mind, I pictured a transparent, square-like shield above me, keeping the water at bay as I moved forward. Concentrating on the intent, I felt Exira shift, forming something just barely tangible, invisible but present.


    I took a slow, cautious step forward, and the barrier seemed to hold, pressing back the mist and water as I drew nearer to the waterfall.


    ¡°Let¡¯s hope this holds,¡± I whispered, as I approached the waterfall, peering into the surging wall of water, squinting as I stepped closer. Just as I was about to step through, a new sound pierced through the crashing noise of the falls.


    Low, guttural, unmistakable¨Cthe sound of that detestable breed of monster.


    I need to name them soon


    I froze, heart quickening as I honed my Exira, letting its energy spread outward, feeling along the edges of the space around me. The presence was clear now: one creature, lurking close, near the waterfall but on the other side.


    Probably thought it was safe there, I mused. It must be drinking.


    The energy from Exira showed me the outline¨Ca large, hunched figure, lapping up water on the far side of the falls. Judging from its shape and the faint reverberation of its sounds, it seemed to be alone, thankfully. I took another slow breath, feeling my heartbeat steady, adrenaline already starting to edge out my earlier calmness.


    ¡°Just one, huh?¡± I whispered to myself, a small grin tugging at my mouth. ¡°Might be a good time for a little experiment.¡±


    I steadied my Exira, channeling the flow until I felt a calm, measured power at my fingertips.


    Let¡¯s see if this works, I thought, shifting to focus my energy further. Knowing I had only one shot at getting the element of surprise, I stood just out of sight, concentrating as Exira reached out in a thin, delicate line toward the beast¡¯s figure in my mind¡¯s eye.


    There was a small thrill in the air, a feeling of control I hadn¡¯t felt in a while. I could feel every muscle in my body prepared, calm before the storm as I breathed out slowly.


    Letting Exira flow, Alexis stepped through the waterfall. The sensation of energy around him was like a gentle but protective barrier against the rush of water.


    The moment he crossed out of the waterfall¡¯s range, he released his hold on Exira, feeling the last traces of moisture settle over him before the shield disappeared.


    A snarl echoed from across the rocky floor as the monster took note of him, an immediate, guttural sound of hostility and warning. Before the creature could move, Alexis¡¯s Exira surged, pulsing through him and locking the beast in its place.


    The creature¡¯s limbs stiffened as if held by unseen chains, its face contorted with frustration as it strained and snarled, muscles twitching but unable to obey its urge to attack.


    ¡°Good,¡± Alexis muttered under his breath, stepping closer while keeping his focus on Exira. He watched with a steady gaze as the monster¡¯s eyes tracked his every movement, filled with both rage and fear.


    Alexis stopped a few feet away, watching the creature intently.


    Let¡¯s see how much power this thing can handle, he thought, feeling a spark of anticipation light up his senses.


    Taking a steady breath, he decided to test the raw strength of Exira, keeping his focus on controlling just how much force he¡¯d use.


    He let Exira flow through him at its most minimal, controlled state¨Cthe base level, he¡¯d decided to call it. It was just enough power to keep the creature paralyzed, though it still trembled slightly, clearly struggling against the invisible hold. Alexis observed every shake and snarl, noting how the creature¡¯s muscles strained as it fought to break free.


    ¡°It¡¯s¡­ manageable at this level,¡± he muttered, feeling a mild strain in his mind but one that felt sustainable. I could probably keep this going for a few minutes, he calculated, feeling how the slight resistance tugged at his concentration.


    The creature let out a loud, guttural snarl, louder and more frantic, its claws dragging across the stone floor in a desperate attempt to reach him.


    Alexis felt a bead of sweat trickle down his brow but kept his calm, letting his Exira flow in that steady, base-level stream. The creature¡¯s claws, razor-sharp and tipped with bone blades, scraped against the stone, grinding with an awful sound that echoed off the cave walls.


    A small, confident smirk appeared on Alexis¡¯s face as he watched. ¡°You¡¯re tougher than I thought,¡± he murmured, feeling the thrill of control flow through him.


    If I want to push it, maybe it¡¯ll show me more¡­ yeah struggle you piece of shit.


    I took a step back to gain a wider view, my eyes never leaving the monster as he observed its movements. It was still suppressed but noticeably more active now, shaking against the force of Exira, its snarls louder, its claws clawing and scraping as it tried to pull itself closer to him. Its teeth were bared, jagged, and stained, every inch of it radiating malice as it fought against his hold.


    I watched the monster with a sense of calm, keeping my Exira tight around it, my mind pulsing with the strain but still steady. The beast snarled again, louder this time, its claws dragging against the cave floor as it began to pull its body forward, inch by inch.


    Malice dripped from its eyes, burning with a focus that was locked onto me. I kept my distance, circling just out of reach, confident the Exira would hold. Nothing it does is breaking through.


    Then, with a brutal jerk, the monster twisted its body. I felt the Exira waver for a heartbeat¨Ca flicker that passed too quickly to register as a real threat.


    Just a fluke, I thought, feeling my confidence surge. I readjusted, focusing my Exira again, watching its slow, labored movements. It was shaking now, struggling under the hold, but there was a dangerous glint in its eye that hadn¡¯t been there before.


    Suddenly, with a guttural roar, the beast tore free from the Exira¡¯s grip, lunging toward me, claws extended.


    ¡°Damn!¡± I barely had a second to move as it came barreling forward. Instinctively, I threw myself backward, my heart slamming against my ribs as I saw its claws flash past, too close.


    <hr>

 Chapter 016 - Testing 1..2..3..check…

    <hr>


    The monster burst free with a savage roar, claws slashing wildly through the air. "Shit!" I barely had time to hurl myself backward as its talons sliced inches from my face. My heart pounded against my ribs¨Chow the hell did it break free? No time to dwell on that. I had to focus.


    I landed hard, skidding across the rough cave floor. Pain shot up my leg, but adrenaline drowned it out. The beast''s eyes locked onto mine, seething with fury. Its massive body trembled, muscles rippling from the strain of shattering my Exira hold.


    ¡°Close call,¡± I muttered, steadying my breath, trying to drown out the pounding in my chest. The monster''s eyes narrowed, still trained on me, furious, and locked on its target. Its body trembled slightly, likely from the strain of breaking out of the Exira.


    It won¡¯t break free again. Not if I strengthen it this time.


    Channeling my focus, I felt Exira''s energy surge, thickening in the air around us. Hold still, you bastard. With a practiced hand, I let the energy lock back around the creature, pouring in just enough strength to keep it locked down.


    The beast snarled, snapping its jaws as it tried to move but found itself frozen again, limbs trembling under the Exira¡¯s weight. I could feel it struggle, but the increased hold was taking effect, rooting it to the spot.


    ¡°That¡¯s more like it,¡± I said, watching it with renewed calm. The heartbeat in my chest still hadn¡¯t settled, but my mind was steady, and focused.


    I took a few deep breaths, my heart still racing, but I forced my body to calm. Inhale. Exhale. I shut my eyes, focusing everything on the flow of Exira pulsing through me, that strange energy I had barely started to grasp. The monster was subdued again, but I couldn¡¯t let my guard down. It broke free once. Not again. I needed more control.


    Focus. This is just a test. I can do this.


    Exira swirled around me, thick and heavy like a cloud I could shape with my will. Its strength at the base level wasn¡¯t enough¨CI knew that now. I had to push it further, and make it stronger without losing control. I steadied my breathing, shallow but controlled, forcing my heart rate down even as the adrenaline still rushed through me.


    Stay calm. Test it. Nothing else matters right now.


    I could feel the Exira¡¯s power, a steady current that I carefully built up, layering it bit by bit until it felt twice as strong as before. Strong enough to hold the monster down without exhausting myself too quickly. This was what I called level two, a balance between strength and endurance, something I could maintain¨Cthough not for long. Two minutes, maybe. I could feel the strain creeping in already, a faint pressure at the back of my mind.


    ¡°Two minutes,¡± I muttered under my breath, reminding myself. That¡¯s all I had at this level.


    I opened my eyes slowly, looking at the monster. It wasn¡¯t snarling or thrashing anymore, but its body trembled, just slightly. There was a tension there, like it was caught in a trap it couldn¡¯t understand. No movements this time, no violent surges. My hold was stronger, and it knew it.


    ¡°Good,¡± I said quietly, more to myself than anything.


    I stepped closer, cautiously, keeping my eyes on its head. The monster¡¯s gaze followed me, but it couldn¡¯t move. Its body was completely locked down by the Exira. I could feel its awareness, though¨Cit knew I was there, but it couldn¡¯t do a damn thing about it.


    ¡°Let¡¯s see how strong this really is.¡±


    I reached out, my hand hovering near the side of its head. The monster twitched, its body trembling harder now, but still, it didn¡¯t move. I knocked on its skull, the sound of a dull thud under my knuckles. The creature flinched, but it didn¡¯t react beyond that. Nothing but a prisoner now, trapped under the weight of my power.


    ¡°Yeah, you¡¯re not going anywhere,¡± I said, my voice low, and cold.


    But there was something else¨Ca flicker of doubt in the back of my mind. What if it breaks free again? The thought slipped in, unwelcome.


    No. Not this time. I could feel the strain growing in my head, a dull throb that spread with each passing second. I couldn¡¯t hold this level forever, but I didn¡¯t need to. This was a test. I could manage two minutes.


    Just two minutes.


    My hand stayed on the monster¡¯s head for a moment longer, feeling the faint tremor in its body, the helplessness in its stillness. The cold air of the cave brushed against my skin, but I barely noticed. My mind was sharp, focused, and calculating. I had to be. There would be time for questions, for looking back, but not now.


    This is working. I can control this.


    I moved back slightly, my eyes never leaving the creature¡¯s form. Its trembling continued, but the panic in its eyes had faded. There was no fight left in it, at least not for the moment. I let out a slow breath, forcing the tension in my own body to ease, even as my mind buzzed with the strain of keeping the Exira at this level. The energy was strong, but it was also volatile, and I could feel it pressing against the edges of my control like water threatening to break through a dam.


    Two minutes. That¡¯s all you¡¯ve got. Keep it together.


    I clenched my fist, feeling the energy pulse again in response. It felt good¨Cpowerful, even¨Cbut it was also dangerous. Too much and it could spiral out of control. Too little, and I¡¯d be back to where I started, with a monster ready to tear my throat out.


    ¡°Not yet,¡± I whispered. ¡°You stay right there.¡±


    The creature made no sound, no movement. Just the faint tremor running through its body. I glanced at its claws, still sharp, still capable of tearing through flesh, but useless now. The weight of the Exira was enough to keep it still, to keep it under control. But I knew better than to get comfortable. This was only level two.The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.


    I took a shallow breath, feeling the pressure building in my head again. A slight headache, nothing more for now, but it was a reminder. I couldn¡¯t stay at this level for long. The energy thrummed through me, steady but demanding. Two minutes.


    I took another deep breath, feeling my pulse steady, my control sharpening as I found my balance. My mind was in sync with the Exira now¨Cno distractions, no doubts. I opened my eyes and locked onto the monster¡¯s trembling form. Its body shook under the pressure of the energy surrounding it, but that wasn¡¯t enough. Not for these creatures. Not for this thing.


    ¡°Let¡¯s see how much you can take,¡± I muttered under my breath, feeling the cold edge of my own voice. I wasn¡¯t going to stop until this monster was nothing but a heap of flesh and blood.


    I focused, letting the Exira pulse out stronger, pushing the flow until it became more solid, more real. The air in the cave shifted, thickening with its essence, almost like you could taste it. I kept my gaze on the monster, watching, waiting for the change. It was trembling harder now, its body shivering under the weight of the energy.


    More.


    I pushed the strength up another notch. The trembling stopped. The monster went still. Perfectly still. Its eyes, wide and feral, were locked onto mine, but the fight had drained out of them. It just stared at me now, motionless. Frozen. I could feel it, like a faint hum in the back of my mind¨Cthe moment when the Exira became too much for it.


    I stopped increasing the pressure and let the energy level out. Even, controlled. I closed my eyes for a second, feeling the flow. The Exira was raw, powerful, but difficult to manage at this level. My mind reeled under the weight of it, like a hammer pounding inside my skull. If the strain before had been a faint pulse, now it was a full-on assault.


    Damn it.


    I gritted my teeth, taking deep, steady breaths, trying to keep my focus. The pressure was pushing back now, my head throbbing like I was about to break under it, but I couldn¡¯t stop. Not yet. I looked at the monster again. It was still¨Ctoo still. There was no movement now, except for its faint, shallow breaths. I watched it closely, waiting for something¨Canything.


    Seconds passed.


    Nothing.


    Then I saw it. The blood. Dark, almost black, oozing from its eyes, its nose, its mouth. It started slow, barely a trickle, but then more. The thick liquid leaked from every orifice, pooling beneath it. I watched, unblinking, as the blood dripped down its face, staining its fur, the ground turning slick and wet. There was no sound except the steady drip of blood hitting the stone.


    I clenched my fist, feeling the Exira¡¯s weight in the air around me. This was level three, a strength that was palpable, real. I had pushed the energy to the edge, and the monster couldn¡¯t handle it. I could feel the strain on my own body too, the pressure mounting in my skull, but it didn¡¯t matter. The pain didn¡¯t matter. Only this.


    ¡°Look at you,¡± I whispered, my voice cold, almost detached. The thing was barely alive, and that¡¯s exactly how it deserved to be. ¡°Weak. Pathetic.¡±


    It didn¡¯t respond, of course. It couldn¡¯t. It just stood there, a trembling, broken shell. I stepped closer, watching its chest rise and fall, each breath faint, labored. Blood poured freely now, thick and relentless, pooling under its lifeless eyes. I didn¡¯t flinch. I didn¡¯t even blink.


    This is what you deserve.


    The Exira¡¯s flow had smoothed out, stronger than ever but more controlled now. Level three strength. I could hold this¡­ for a little longer. My body was protesting, the headache growing worse with each second, but it didn¡¯t matter. Not with this thing in front of me, bleeding out like the animal it was.


    A few more seconds passed, and the monster¡¯s body gave in. Slowly, it collapsed, its legs folding beneath it until it crumpled to the floor. The blood pooled faster now, thickening in a dark, viscous puddle under its lifeless body. But I could still hear it breathing, faint and shallow. It was still alive, though just barely.


    I stared down at it, cold eyes tracing the wreckage I had caused. The once-massive beast was nothing more than a broken husk, too weak to even snarl, too broken to fight back.


    ¡°Not so tough now, are you?¡± I whispered, my voice laced with venom.


    The Exira thrummed through me, its strength flowing steady and heavy in the air. I could feel the weight of it pressing down on the monster, suffocating it, but I didn¡¯t release it. Not yet. The creature was as good as dead, but I wanted it to feel every second of this, to suffer the way it deserved.


    I took a deep breath, the air heavy and thick in my lungs. The pressure in my skull was unbearable now, each pulse of pain like a hammer slamming against the inside of my head. But I couldn¡¯t stop yet. Not now. I forced myself to step back from the monster¡¯s lifeless body, dropping into a combat stance just in case. My fingers tightened around the hilt of my sword, knuckles white with strain. One last thing.


    I exhaled slowly, releasing the Exira all at once. The energy fell away, fading like a heavy fog lifting. Instantly, the pounding in my mind began to ease, the sharp edges of pain dulling as the Exira¡¯s presence dissipated. For a moment, I stood there, taking in the strange silence that followed. No more tremors, no more snarls¨Cjust the faint echo of my own breathing.


    Focus.


    My eyes locked onto the monster, its body sprawled out in a pool of blood. It wasn¡¯t moving. Its chest barely rose, the last traces of life flickering out. I didn¡¯t move. Not yet. My attention was sharp, unwavering, watching for even the slightest sign of movement. But there was nothing. No twitch, no flinch, no sign of fight left in it.


    I walked forward slowly, each step deliberate. My boots splashed through the puddle of blood as I approached the beast, its massive form slumped on the ground. It didn¡¯t react, didn¡¯t even acknowledge my presence. Its eyes were dull, the light gone, but I could still hear the faint rasp of breath slipping from its throat. Just finish it.


    Without hesitation, I drew my sword. The cold metal glinted in the dim light as I brought the tip to the creature¡¯s head, hovering just above its skull. My grip tightened, and for a split second, I paused, feeling the weight of the blade in my hand.


    ¡°Too easy,¡± I muttered, shaking my head. ¡°You should¡¯ve put up more of a fight.¡±


    I pressed the sword down, piercing through the monster¡¯s skull in one clean motion. There was no sound, no struggle¨Cjust the final stillness that came with death. I pulled the blade free, wiping the blood off on the creature¡¯s fur. Cold eyes stared back at me, empty and lifeless.


    ¡°Good riddance.¡±


    I stepped back, glancing down at the body, a bitter chuckle escaping my lips. It reminded me of something I hadn¡¯t felt in a long time¨Csomething buried deep in the memories I barely held onto. Mom¡¯s Exira.


    I sheathed my sword, the metallic scrape echoing through the cave as my thoughts drifted back. I remembered the weight of her power, how effortlessly she had controlled it, how it had crushed me without even breaking a sweat. I¡¯m finally getting closer to that level.


    ¡°Though she did say¡­¡± I whispered, the words more to myself than anyone else, ¡°That was only five percent of her base strength.¡± I snorted, a small, humorless laugh bubbling up in my throat. ¡°Five percent¡­¡±


    For a moment, I let myself think about it¨Cwhat it would be like to reach that level, to command that kind of power without feeling like I was tearing myself apart. But the thought wasn¡¯t bitter this time. It was something else.


    I¡¯ll get there. Just wait.


    With renewed determination, I clenched my fist, the pain in my head already fading to a dull throb. I wasn¡¯t done. Not by a long shot.


    Mom. Ari. Aunt Nora. I could picture their faces, the people I needed to see again. I¡¯ll make it home soon. I promise.


    I turned away from the body, my steps steady and sure. My mind was clear, the path ahead more certain than ever. ¡°Just you wait. I¡¯m coming back.¡±


    <hr>

 Chapter 017 - Exira

    <hr>


    Back behind the waterfall, I settled in with my torch casting a small, warm circle of light around me. Leaning back against the stone wall, I took a bite of the jerky, savoring the smoky saltiness as it mixed with the cold gulp of water I¡¯d just had. I hummed a tune without thinking¡ªsome familiar melody I couldn¡¯t place. It¡¯s from my family, I thought, certain about that much. I could almost feel someone close to me humming it once, a gentle sound.


    With a small grin, I swayed my head from side to side as I took another bite. The small break felt good. After finishing off my snack, I ran my hand under the water trickling down the stone and washed away the crumbs, marking off three jerky strips in my inventory.


    I leaned back, eyes closed, trying to gather my thoughts from my little experiment.


    So now a million Drakos question, What have I really learned?


    I had to make sense of it all, somehow piece together what Exira was and what it meant.


    Exira¡­where did it even come from? I grabbed my diary and flipped to a fresh page, labeling it ¡°Exira 101.¡± Something about seeing it there in my handwriting made it feel more real. I tapped the pen against the paper, trying to find the right words.


    Memories came, faint and blurry, yet distinct enough that I could feel them. Aunt Nora¡¯s voice, explaining the basics, guiding me to connect with the strange resonance of an item. Every item has its own song, she¡¯d told me, you just have to listen. Mom¡¯s voice was there too, soft but sure, teaching me not to just use Exira, but to wield it wisely, conserving my strength, making it a part of me.


    I scribbled down phrases, catching whatever I could from those memories. Each lesson started with finding a thread of energy and building up that thread with focus and intent, guiding it until it responded. And when I was back in that cave, with a monster feasting on me, something in me had latched onto Exira without even knowing my own name. In that moment, when I was desperate, my mind and my resolve had aligned, drawing out that power like a final, raw weapon.


    Exira is the manifestation of my will, my desire, and my resolve.


    The words felt right as I wrote them down. Not ¡°fancy¡± or ¡°clever,¡± but true, and that was what mattered.


    Sitting back, I let out a breath, feeling the weight of that truth settle in. Exira is a part of me, something deeper like my essence.


    Every time I used it, I had more and more of my will hardened. Like just now I was experimenting on the damn monster, I remember myself when I just woke up her in this damn cave, I was afraid, cowering in fear, reluctant to fight the monster but now¡­


    Snapping out of my thoughts, I leaned forward, focusing on the list I needed to create. If Exira was going to keep me alive down here, I had to know exactly what it could do¡ªand what it would cost me to use it. I quickly started jotting down points, getting straight to the basics.


    ¡°Alright¡­ Level 1 or weak strength,¡± I murmured, underlining it as my thoughts turned back to the previous fights. My pen scratched across the page as I wrote:


    <ol>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Effects: At this level, Exira stuns and paralyzes any living entity it¡¯s exerted on. Simple, but effective. The creatures with weaker wills seem to crumble under it instantly, unable to resist even for a moment. ¡°Good,¡± I noted out loud, satisfaction creeping into my voice. Level 1 had been useful for holding the monsters off while I planned my next moves.</li>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Duration: I tested this one enough to know the limits pretty well¡ªat least five minutes if I¡¯m pushing it and if the target doesn¡¯t resist too much. But if other factors come into play, like the creature¡¯s strength or how much energy I have to spare, it could shift. ¡°Five minutes, give or take,¡± I muttered, adding it next to the line.</li>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Resistance: The creatures that lurk here, especially the larger lizards, seem to shake off the Level 1 effect around the one-to-two-minute mark. ¡°They¡¯ll be free sooner if I don¡¯t keep the pressure on,¡± I wrote. Not exactly reassuring, but at least knowing that timing might save me from being ambushed again.</li>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Mental strain: So far, I¡¯d barely felt any strain keeping Level 1 active. I¡¯d gotten used to its weight on my mind¡ªa manageable, familiar weight. The lack of strain let me push it further if I really needed to. Good to know.</li>


    </ol>


    Sitting back, I glanced over the list, nodding to myself. ¡°That¡¯s Level 1 sorted,¡± I murmured, feeling a small twinge of pride. Even if I hadn¡¯t fully regained my memories, I knew Exira. I¡¯d proven I could make it work for me, twist it to my needs.


    Taking a quick sip of water, I looked down at the next line I¡¯d written: ¡°Level 2 or low strength.¡± Just thinking about it brought a faint ache to my temples. Flexing my wrist to ease some of the tension, I leaned in again and started writing:


    <ol>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Effects: At this stage, Exira restricts any major movements. The creature is beyond just stunned or paralyzed¡ªit¡¯s almost¡­ immobilized. Thinking back to the monster I¡¯d tested on, I could see its claws scraping feebly against the ground, dragging itself. After a few moments under Level 2, even that small amount of movement became impossible. I remembered the look in its eyes¨Cwild and terrified, yet unable to do anything but tremble. I almost laughed, then caught myself. ¡°No point in sympathy,¡± I muttered, my hand scrawling over the page. ¡°You¡¯d do the same to me in a heartbeat, wouldn¡¯t you?¡±</li>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Mind Effects: There was something else, too, something beyond just physical control. Under Level 2, that beast hadn¡¯t been able to track me, even when I was right in front of it. I could see its confusion as it stared off into the distance, unable to sense me. It was as if Exira reached into its mind, clouding it from within. ¡°You couldn¡¯t even see me,¡± I whispered, feeling a chill of satisfaction creep up my spine. Good. That¡¯s an edge I need to keep.</li>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Mental Strain: This level wasn¡¯t without its price. There¡¯d been a faint, annoying throb at the back of my head while I held it. Not exactly comfortable. But it hadn¡¯t been bad enough to distract me, not yet. I¡¯d have to watch out if I pushed it too hard. I scribbled this down with a frown, tapping the pen against the paper as I mulled it over. If the headache worsened, I¡¯d need to be cautious. I couldn¡¯t afford to waste energy on pain.</li>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Duration: Two to two-and-a-half minutes, max. Half of what Level 1 gave me. Any longer, and I¡¯d be courting trouble, pushing myself right to the brink. I stared at the line, feeling a grim satisfaction settle in. If Level 1 was for holding creatures at bay, then Level 2 was for subduing them when I needed them completely still. Shorter, sure, but with that added strength, it was a tradeoff I could work with.</li>


    </ol>


    I flexed my hand again, feeling the faint ache. It was nothing compared to what I¡¯d been through, but the reminder was there all the same¡ªa little bit of wear every time I pushed myself further. Still, I could use it. I could control it.Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.


    Reading back through my notes, a thought crept in, almost uninvited: Would I have even been able to do this when I first woke up?


    I took a breath, letting the sound of the waterfall drown out that nagging thought.


    No need to look back. I¡¯d been afraid then, sure, cowering in the dark as those monsters circled around me.


    But now¡­


    Taking out another piece of jerky, I took a quick sip of water and chewed slowly, savoring the hint of salt that grounded me for a moment. With a deep breath, I continued, focusing on the page in front of me.


    ¡°Level 3 or high strength,¡± I muttered, underlining it. Just thinking back to this level made me uneasy, but if I wanted to know my limits, I couldn¡¯t shy away from it. I wrote with quick strokes:


    <ol>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Effects: At this stage, Exira causes total paralysis of mind and body. It¡¯s like freezing them in time. I remembered the way the creature had slumped, all movement stopping in an instant as it fell victim to this level of force. There hadn¡¯t been a single twitch. No struggling, no snarling¡ªnothing.</li>


    </ol>


    It was as if it had given up on the spot, every ounce of willpower drained from its mind. I could still see the creature¡¯s blank stare, frozen in place as the tremors faded. The thing had just¡­ stopped. No other way to put it. ¡°Completely frozen,¡± I muttered, nodding to myself. I noted, its will, its essence, bled dry. And then, like an empty shell, the monster slumped down, bleeding from its eyes, mouth, even its claws. Its body, nothing more than a husk with its mind obliterated.


    <ol>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Mental Strain: This is the worst part. Level 3 Exira feels like someone¡¯s beating on my head with a hammer, and it¡¯s not just a dull ache¡ªit¡¯s enough to blur my focus. I frowned, remembering that splitting pain. It wasn¡¯t the kind of headache that went away with deep breaths. I¡¯d felt it digging into my mind, knocking on the edges of my control, demanding every ounce of my concentration to keep from falling apart.</li>


    </ol>


    There was no room for distraction, no margin for error with Level 3. Even the faintest lapse, and I knew it could all come crashing down. ¡°Full focus only,¡± I wrote, pressing the words hard enough that the pen dug into the paper.


    <ol>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Duration: A sigh slipped out as I wrote. Barely a minute. Maybe less. It was all I could manage before the strain clawed at my mind too hard. A single minute to keep something utterly paralyzed, to empty it of thought, of resistance. Useful, yes, but dangerous. My limits were clearer than ever. If I went beyond that minute, there was no telling what kind of toll it would take on my mind.</li>


    </ol>


    Sitting back, I closed my eyes for a moment, feeling the tension in my jaw. I hadn¡¯t expected Level 3 to be so intense. I¡¯d experimented cautiously, yet the effects still rattled me. In a way, knowing just how strong it was gave me confidence. But there was a fine line between confidence and recklessness. If I was going to survive, I needed to tread carefully.


    I have limits, I reminded myself. This power is mine to wield, but only if I keep control.


    With that thought, I jotted down one last note under the list:


    Experimentation Summary: ¡°That¡¯s all I could get out of the monster,¡± I wrote. The creature had lost any value as a test subject the moment its mind was wiped clean. There was no will left in it, no essence to resist or struggle. Just a hollow, bleeding body. And I couldn¡¯t risk drawing in more of those creatures, not while I was still figuring things out.


    Sighing, I leaned back against the stone wall, rolling the stiffness from my shoulders. The weight of exhaustion settled over me, but there was a sense of satisfaction, too¡ªa knowledge of where my power could take me if I used it wisely.


    As I closed the book, I felt the need for one last note, something to capture the most important aspect of what I¡¯d learned so far.


    ¡°IMPORTANT NOTE,¡± I wrote at the bottom of the page in bold letters, underlining it twice for emphasis:


    <ol>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Anyone with a weaker will cannot evade Exira¡¯s effects¨Cthey¡¯re trapped under its hold, without question. The stronger an entity¡¯s will, the easier it is to resist and even break out. It¡¯s like a test, a ¡°Will check,¡± I mused, tapping the end of my pen. I chuckled dryly, the analogy somehow grounding me. Like a twisted little game of endurance.</li>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">True Skill: Exira is not just a weapon. It¡¯s a true skill. Once it manifests, it¡¯s not something that can be brushed aside. Once I exert it, there¡¯s no reversing it. The duration, the control¨Cthat¡¯s all down to my will.</li>


    </ol>


    Looking over my notes, I felt a strange sense of calm settle in. Exira wasn¡¯t some mystery hanging over me anymore. It was mine, a part of me I was beginning to understand, to harness.


    A faint chuckle slipped out of me as I looked over my notes one last time, savoring that sense of direction. ¡°At least now I¡¯ve got some purpose with Exira, not just swinging it around like a club.¡±


    Unga bunga magic, I mused, laughing quietly at my own joke. Brilliant.


    With a sigh, I flicked my pen closed and tucked everything away, sparing a glance at my inventory sheet.


    ¡°Right, jerkies¡­ I really need to stop going through these so quickly,¡± I muttered, knocking three off the list and making a mental note to ration them more carefully. They were a comfort, sure, but comfort was a rare commodity down here, and I¡¯d already felt the pinch of hunger creeping in once. I shook my head, shoving the bag shut.


    ¡°Get it together, Lexi,¡± I muttered, knowing this place would eat me alive if I didn¡¯t start thinking ahead.


    Hopping up, I stretched, feeling the satisfying pull in my stiff muscles. The thought of those monstrous claws, those bone-like blades I¡¯d left on the creature¡¯s corpse earlier tugged at me. I had to get those¨Canything sharp and tough enough to wound was a weapon worth scavenging. ¡°Let¡¯s see if I can¡¯t salvage something useful,¡± I said to myself, slinging my pack over my shoulder.


    The rush of the waterfall faded as I stepped out from behind it, torchlight bouncing off the damp, rocky walls. But the sight that met me was¡­ off.


    I blinked, then rubbed my eyes, the torchlight flickering around the empty space.


    The monster¡¯s corpse was gone.


    ¡°Da Fuck¡­¡±


    I rubbed my eyes, half-expecting my mind to be playing tricks on me, but when I shone the torch again, I saw nothing. No hulking, defeated body slumped where I left it. Just emptiness.


    Frowning, I stepped closer, the torch casting long shadows over the cold stone. A dark smear of blood marked where the body should¡¯ve been, dried and heavy against the ground. My gaze trailed over the blood, my pulse quickening as I noticed something else¨Ca thick, smeared trail stretching away from the spot, leading deeper into the shadows.


    Blood streaks. Drag marks.


    A chill washed over me, sending an uneasy prickle up my spine. Who¡­ or what could¡¯ve dragged that thing away? And when?


    I forced myself to breathe slowly, steadying the shaking in my hands. The blood trail stretched forward, winding into the darkness, disappearing around the bend of the narrow stone corridor. Did something come while I wasn¡¯t looking? While I was right there? The thought made my skin crawl.


    I swallowed, feeling the cold, creeping weight of dread settle in my stomach. The shadows seemed darker somehow, the silence thicker, pressing in around me. Whatever took that body, it wasn¡¯t done yet.


    And now it was on me.


    <hr>

 Chapter 018 - Unsettling encounter

    <hr>


    I lowered myself slowly to a crouch, reaching out with one hand to feel the tacky blood with my fingertips. Cold. Fresh enough to say it hadn¡¯t been gone long.


    "But this cave was empty when I checked it... wasn''t it?" I whispered to myself, a knot forming in my gut.


    The quiet pressed in, the only sound a faint, echoing drip somewhere off in the distance. Was something else down here this whole time? My stomach tightened, but I forced myself to stay still, breathing in slowly. A few deep breaths steadied me as I glanced over the dark stains again.


    The trails leading into one of the passages, were dark and eerily quiet.


    For some reason as I looked towards the passage Exira, starting surging tingling like it''s letting me know something.


    ¡°Damn it¡­¡± I muttered, standing back up slowly. I felt my pulse quicken, and every instinct told me to start backing up.


    "Fuck."


    Fortune favors the bold huh Lexi, Let¡¯s go this card is tugging in that same direction have to go anyways.


    With a torch and sword in my hands, I followed the blood trail a few feet deeper into the cave. Focusing on every detail as I moved deeper into the cave.


    "Fuuu..." I exhaled, trying to steady my nerves.


    Taking a breath as Exira flowed at a steady level, below Level 1, let¡¯s call this Level 0 yea that''s it.


    It was light enough to keep active indefinitely, and I can raise the level to 1 pretty damn fast this way.


    Only a minute had passed when the air shifted, thickening with a sickening smell that twisted my gut.


    ugh


    The stench of decay hit me like a wall, and I instinctively covered my mouth, grimacing as my stomach turned.


    Seems like I¡¯m close to some shithole of a dining area for these ugly mf monsters.


    Yeah that reminds me.


    Stopping to gather myself, I pulled out my mask and strapped it on. Immediately, the air changed. It was crisp, clean, almost like standing on a mountain cliff, where each breath came cool and sharp. I closed my eyes, inhaling deeply, letting the fresh air chase away the lingering rot.


    "Ahh, that''s better," I sighed. "Man, I''m taking a nice long vacation after I get out of this shit-stained cave."


    But then a sound drifted down the passage¨Csoft, faint crunches, the wet rip of flesh and bone, undercut by snarls that echoed along the stone. The hairs on the back of my neck prickled, and I stilled, gripping the torch tight for a moment.


    "Sounds like a goddamn feast going on," I muttered. "Of course, this damn card has to point me through this mess."


    I bit back a curse, willing myself to stay calm as I ramped Exira up to Level 1. The flow surged, steady and quiet as a shadow around me, sharpening my awareness to every creak and drip in the cave. Moving quickly, I flicked the torch off. Darkness swallowed everything, leaving only the faint hum of Exira as my guide, as I tucked it back in securely.


    There is a high chance of undergoing a fight, haaa better stretch and warm up my body. Now that I remember I think I pulled my muscles and had severe cramps¡­ it¡¯s all thanks to the adrenaline rush and Aunt Nora Artifact that I can still fight.


    I stopped in my tracks. My body felt tight and stiff, not from the tension of the moment, but from the weariness that crept in after hours and possibly days being in this cave. If a fight was coming¨Cand I knew it was¨Cmy body needed to be ready.


    No matter how strong Exira was, I couldn¡¯t afford a sluggish move. I needed to loosen up. I bounced on the spot for a moment, just light on my feet, testing the rhythm of my own breath. It was shaky.


    Too tense.


    I started with some light punches. Nothing serious, just slow jabs into the empty air, focusing on form and getting the blood moving again. Each swing felt a little more controlled, the air hissing with each punch.


    Come on, Alexis. Focus.


    Torso rotations came next, rolling my shoulders, feeling the subtle strain as the muscles stretched. I turned slowly, one way, then the other. It wasn''t much, but my heart was already thudding harder in my chest.


    Even this is taking more out of me than it should. A quiet frustration settled in. I need to push through this.


    I kicked out my legs, low front kicks that felt more like they were waking up my body than serving any combat purpose. It was functional though. My breath was already heavier, each exhale a reminder that even a simple warm-up wasn¡¯t to be underestimated. It hit harder than I wanted to admit. Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.


    My body wasn¡¯t in top shape¨Cnot after everything¨Cbut I couldn¡¯t afford to dwell on it now.


    My legs turned with the motion as I added some turning kicks, loosening up my joints, focusing on the fluidity. My breathing was ragged by now, but it wasn¡¯t the kind of exhaustion that would break me. It was a reminder, though, of how much strain my body had been through. I gritted my teeth, pushing through.


    I could feel the weight of Exira, like it was simmering beneath my skin, waiting for my command. But I held back. This was just the warm-up. Nothing more.


    Taking a deep breath as I took a few sips of water to stay hydratedI pulled my swords free from their makeshift sheathe, feeling the familiar weight settle in each hand. My heart pounded, sending that familiar rush of adrenaline through my veins as I tightened the straps on my bag


    ¡°Let¡¯s see what I¡¯m dealing with¡­and if possible just sneak through¡± I murmured, shifting my grip, mentally going over everything I might need.


    Every part of me focused inwards, centering on the pulse of Exira flowing just beneath my skin. In the stillness, I sank deeper into the Exira, letting it expand just enough to reach around me, a quiet awareness that tickled at the edges of my senses.


    The crunching sounds grew louder with each step, that horrible tearing noise mixing with the low snarls and heavy, wet chewing. I clenched my jaw, swallowing back the urge to gag as the memories of me getting eaten flashed.


    Focus, Lexi. Forget the smell, the sounds. Just¡­ tune in.


    Slowly, I let Exira reach further, feeling for any shift or tremor, any signal in the air. It was faint, but there ¨C several presences, just out of sight, their energy like weak sparks against the darkness. Not particularly strong, but alive and moving, huddled around something. More of those things? Or something worse?


    Keep it quiet. Keep it controlled.


    I stayed crouched, every muscle in my body tense as I edged forward. The passage opened up into a cavern, and as my gaze adjusted, my stomach clenched at what I saw.


    Four of those smaller, lizard-like monsters were dragging mutilated bodies, tossing them onto a grotesque heap of their own dead kin. Piled one over another, the bodies formed a sickening mass, blood and gore dripping from the heap and pooling into a dark, viscous puddle beneath it. The stink was overpowering, worse than anything I¡¯d faced yet in this cave¡ªa rotting, metallic stench that turned my stomach.


    The four creatures finished their task and then moved to the edge of the cavern, standing eerily still with their heads lowered. No snarls or shrieks, not even the raspy breathing I¡¯d come to associate with these things.


    Just... silence, as though they¡¯d been switched off.


    I fought the urge to gag, focusing on keeping my breath steady. Focus. I willed my Exira up to Level 1, fully engaging the power as I shut down the instinct to recoil. A cold surge from my earring swept through me, leaving my mind in perfect, emotionless clarity. No room for revulsion, no room for fear. Just observation.


    Scanning the scene with Exira pulsing steadily, I picked up something else, something heavy and monstrous, pulsing with a presence that felt like a heartbeat in the air. I zeroed in on the source, and my instincts flared as I caught sight of it¡ªtowering above the pile of corpses was a hulking mass, a monster that made the others look like bugs by comparison. My blood ran cold as I took in its bloated, grotesque form. It was¡­ enormous. Covered in a glistening dark green skin stretched taut over rolls of fat and twisted muscles, the creature loomed like some perverse idol in the center of this ghastly chamber.


    What the hell¡­


    Its massive hand pressed down on a fresh corpse, and with a sickening crack, the chest shattered like brittle wood. The thing leaned down, its wide, hideous maw snapping open to reveal row after row of jagged, yellowed teeth. It chomped into the corpse, sending splatters of some strange, glowing green liquid across the stone floor. The liquid sizzled upon contact, releasing a thin, hissing mist as it melted into the rock.


    Acid. My skin crawled at the sight, a primal alarm sounding in my head as I watched. I stayed as still as stone, Exira wrapped tightly within, containing even the smallest movements. One wrong step, one sound, and I¡¯d end up just like that corpse¡ªchomped and melted.


    Just then, a stray splash of the acid caught one of the smaller monsters. The liquid touched its leathery skin, and within seconds, the flesh bubbled and dissolved, peeling away in wet, gooey strips. The creature let out a high-pitched scream, twisting and writhing, but the others stayed motionless, as if locked in place. No attempts to flee, no reaction at all¡ªjust trembling with their faces pressed into the ground, like some twisted form of worship.


    What are you?


    The acid-spewing monster¡¯s presence filled the cave, a pulsing wave of raw, oppressive hunger. There was no intelligence there, no spark of cunning or malice, just pure, unthinking appetite, radiating like an aura around it. The lesser monsters shook harder, pressing their heads to the floor as the behemoth¡¯s massive hand swung out, faster than I¡¯d have thought possible. In one fluid movement, it caught the wounded creature in its grip and brought it to its slavering maw.


    No¡­ The word resounded in my mind, almost on instinct, as I watched.


    The massive monster¡¯s hand curled around its smaller kin, and with brutal efficiency, it folded the creature in half, snapping its spine with a sickening crunch. Then, with a gruesome wet sound, it shoved the twisted form into its mouth, crunching down, bone and flesh alike turning to pulp in its jaws. The crunching reverberated through the cavern, filling the air like the sound of boulders grinding together, and each bite only increased the green acid dripping from its maw.


    Watching the brutal, horrifying display, a bead of sweat trickled down my temple. The raw, guttural violence of it made something cold settle in the pit of my stomach. I¡¯d faced monsters before, but this¡­ this was different. This creature didn¡¯t just kill; it obliterated, savored, took pleasure in the utter destruction it was inflicting.


    Chills¡ªthat¡¯s what this was.


    That sharp, skin-crawling dread as every nerve in my body screamed to turn, to retreat, to get as far from this monstrosity as possible. My pulse quickened, and I made my mind to backtrack, just as quietly as I¡¯d come.


    Then¡­ silence.


    Breaking out of my thoughts, I focused back on the cave and felt my stomach drop. The creature¡¯s face was twisted in an unspeakable grin, its eyes locked directly onto mine. Gore, blood, and acid still dripped from its mouth, trailing down its bloated jaw, as its dark eyes bore into me, empty but alive with a chilling malice.


    I stayed frozen, my heart hammering as our gazes held, and in that instant, every dark instinct screamed the same thing


    Fuck


    <hr>

 Chapter 019 - Uncertain fight

    <hr>


    An uncanny silence gripped the cavern as the beast¡¯s face twisted into that horrible grin. Acid dropped steadily from its maw, sizzling on the stone below. Every instinct, every fiber of Exira screamed at me to move, so I kicked back with every ounce of strength I had, throwing myself into a quick, desperate roll to put distance between us.


    Boom.


    The floor where I¡¯d just been exploded, pierced by something fast¨Ca blur of movement. I forced myself to hold steady, swallowing down the pulse of raw fear that clawed its way up my throat. My gaze shot to the point of impact, and a sickening realization dawned on me. The monster¡¯s tongue.


    That thing had just tried to impale me with its¡­ tongue.


    A few minutes ago, I¡¯d seen it catch one of the smaller creatures the same way. That tongue was impossibly quick and coated with a deadly acid. The stone floor where it landed was now an ugly, pitted mess, the rock melting as if it were little more than wax.


    Focus, I told myself, gripping my blades. The monster loomed over me, its massive, grotesque form barely shifting, as though it were just waking up to a new level of interest in me.


    Its eyes narrowed, and it made a noise¨Csomething close to a growl that sent a chill down my spine. Then, the creature let out a roar that thundered through the cave, rattling the stone walls around me as it rose, its monstrous body filling the passage.


    ¡°Oh, hell no. Not here,¡± I muttered, watching it sluggishly lift itself up, every movement dripping with sadistic anticipation. The space was too tight. I needed room to move, to dodge, to survive.


    My gaze sharpened as I focused Exira to Level 2 for a single heartbeat, just enough to give me the push I needed. I lunged forward, my body thrumming with power, blades flashing in a single quick strike as I darted away from the monster¡¯s reach. I didn¡¯t stay to see if it hit its mark. In the next breath, I turned and sprinted, sprinting like hell back toward the open cave and the waterfall.


    For a few breaths, there was nothing but my pounding footsteps, the slap of my boots against the cold stone. Then a roar, low and furious, shook the tunnel behind me, followed by the thunderous echo of its pursuit. I poured every ounce of focus into each step, forcing myself forward as the air seemed to vibrate with its presence, a monstrous rhythm of rage closing in fast.


    Just keep going, I told myself, heart hammering against my ribs. But Exira flared in warning, and I threw myself to the side, lunging right in mid-sprint. A sizzle filled the air as a bright, sickening green liquid struck the wall next to me, melting the rock on contact.


    My pulse spiked. I stumbled, pushing off the wall to keep moving, barely in time to dodge another splash of acid that hit just behind me. My skin prickled with the heat, and then a sharp pain ripped through my back. I gasped, feeling drops of acid searing through my armor, biting deep into my skin.


    ¡°Aghhh!¡± The pain was excruciating, like someone pouring fire into my veins, burning and burrowing. Exira surged instinctively, rising to snuff out the acid¡¯s corrosive bite. The acid hissed, neutralized by Exira, but not without a cost¡ªmy head throbbed, sharp and unrelenting. I stumbled, the mental strain forcing me to clench my teeth, barely managing to keep my balance as I pressed forward.


    Keep it together, Lexi. The pain was a blaring reminder of how close I was to death, of the thin line I was running here. I bit my lip, channeling the ache into pure focus, pouring every ounce of willpower into each step.


    The path ahead opened up, the faint glint of the waterfall catching in the distance. With one last burst of speed, I propelled myself forward, feeling the creature¡¯s acidic breath right at my heels. My heart raced as I broke through the tunnel, skidding across the damp stone before launching myself into the water below, diving deep into the pond.


    I let myself sink, the cold water closing in around me, muffling the sounds of pursuit. The chill spread through me, but I welcomed it, knowing it would throw off the creature¡¯s sense of heat, mask my scent.


    As I sank into the cold depths, the chill seeped through my skin, almost numbing the burning pain on my back. Exira hummed within me, each pulse drawing me deeper into focus, allowing me to push the throbbing pain in my head to a distant echo. The steady ache was there, but dulled, like a shadow in the background.


    Above, the monster¡¯s roar reverberated through the water, distorted and twisted, echoing in waves around me. Heavy thumps shook the cave, one after another, each step closer and louder, a relentless force coming straight for me. It would be here in a matter of breaths.


    I could run.


    The thought slipped into my mind, a fleeting option that faded as soon as it appeared. There was nowhere else to go. The path I needed lay beyond that monstrosity, beyond this impossible obstacle blocking my way. I knew that if I turned now, if I gave in to the urge to flee, it would only lead me deeper into a pit of monsters just like this one.


    No, I thought, gritting my teeth. This thing wasn¡¯t just a threat¨Cit was a test, a brutal reminder of what lay ahead, and what would keep coming if I wanted to survive and grow stronger.


    The path is littered with blood, I told myself. And if I¡¯m to walk it, I¡¯d better be ready to add more.


    I took a deep breath instinctively, only to realize that I could actually breathe. I blinked, half-laughing.


    It wasn¡¯t just a filter¨Cit allowed me to breathe underwater. That discovery should have filled me with relief, but all I felt was a strange calm, a sense of focus sharpening within.This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.


    I glanced up. The creature loomed above the edge of the pond, its warped figure barely visible, a massive shadow as it stilled, sniffing the air. The sight should have sent a bolt of fear through me, but I felt nothing. Only an icy determination, a sensation that seemed to originate from the earring against my skin, a chill spreading through my blood, settling into every fiber of me.


    My goals¨Creturning home, standing beside my mother, gaining the strength to face whatever came next.


    That¡¯s what mattered.


    Nothing else.


    My vision sharpened, and a strange clarity settled over me, a quiet realization that thrummed through me with each surge of Exira. That creature above, with all its massive size and acid-coated strength, was just another obstacle. A barrier. And I would tear it down like any other.


    I wasn¡¯t afraid of it. I wasn¡¯t going to run.


    I focused harder, feeling Exira build within me, a force that swelled like a wave, rising and waiting. My gaze fixed on the edge of the pond, on the twisted, bloated form of the creature. It would never expect an attack from below.


    Noticing the monster''s hulking figure from beneath the water, I let Exira guide my senses, its energy mapping the creature''s every grotesque detail. Eyes closed, I steeled my mind, feeling the world around me fade into a void where only the beast and I existed.


    Colors dulled, sounds muted, and all that remained was the pulsating presence of the monstrosity above.


    Now.


    I slammed all my Exira at Level 3, unleashing its full force upon the creature. A searing pain sliced through my mind, but I embraced it, channeling the agony into raw power. In that heartbeat, I propelled myself upward, bursting from the water with a surge of energy. My swords ignited with purple flames, casting an eerie glow that danced across the cavern walls.


    "Fuuu..." I exhaled sharply, drawing in a breath as I swung both blades in a wide arc.


    They sliced through the monster''s legs, carving deep into the thick, rubbery flesh. Dark ichor spurted from the wounds, the stench of its blood mingling with the acidic fumes in the air.


    Blood trickled from the corners of my eyes, my vision blurring as the strain of Exira gnawed at my sanity. Biting down hard on my lip, the metallic taste grounding me, I drove both swords into the beast''s back. With a fierce twist, I tore them free, ripping open a gaping wound.


    The monster let out a deafening roar, a sound that reverberated through my bones. Its massive form teetered before crashing into the water, sending waves crashing against the cavern walls. I landed unsteadily on the slick rocks, knees threatening to buckle beneath me.


    Coughing, I struggled to steady my breath. Each inhale was a fire in my lungs, the air thick with the acrid smell of acid and decay. Something''s wrong. Exira pulsed erratically within me, and a cold dread settled in my gut. My instincts screamed¨Ca piercing alarm that cut through the haze of pain.


    Before I could react, a sudden whoosh sliced through the air. From the churning waters, the monster''s tongue whipped forth¨Ca slick, barbed appendage moving faster than thought. It coiled around my ankle with a wet slap, the acidic slime searing through armor and flesh alike.


    "Ahhh!" I gasped, a jolt of agony shooting up my leg. The world tilted as I was yanked off my feet, crashing hard onto the unforgiving stone. Desperation clawed at me as I dug my fingers into the rocky ground, nails scraping uselessly against the slick surface.


    No, no, no!


    The tongue pulled taut, dragging me toward the edge of the pool. My fingers scrambled for a hold, catching briefly on a jagged edge before slipping free. The monster''s grotesque face broke the water''s surface¨Ceyes filled with a malevolent hunger, its grin wider than should be possible.


    Panic surged, cold and suffocating. I swung my free leg, striking at the tongue, but it only tightened its grip, the acid burning deeper into my skin. The scent of charred flesh filled my nostrils, bile rising in my throat.


    "Let... go!" I snarled, raising one sword and hacking at the vile appendage. The blade bit deep, dark fluid spraying forth, but the monster didn''t relent. Instead, it gave a violent tug, pulling me into the icy depths.


    Water engulfed me, the shock stealing the breath from my lungs. The world became a distorted blur of shadows and swirling currents. Bubbles streamed from my mouth as I fought against the pull, muscles screaming in protest.


    Focus, damn it!


    I forced myself to calm, the mask filtering air even here, beneath the surface. With a surge of defiance, I summoned what remained of my Exira, channeling it into my arms. The pain in my head was a hammer, each pulse threatening to shatter my concentration.


    Through the murky water, the monster''s silhouette loomed closer, a dark mass of writhing limbs and gnashing teeth. Its wounds leaked clouds of inky blackness, tainting the water around us.


    I gripped my sword tighter, the purple flames flickering weakly in the crushing depths. With a silent snarl, I slashed again at the tongue, severing a chunk of the fleshy tether. The beast recoiled, a muffled roar vibrating through the water.


    But its grip remained.


    My lungs burned, the mask''s filtration struggling against the sheer depth and pressure. Spots danced at the edges of my vision, each movement sluggish, like wading through tar.


    This can''t be it.


    A fierce determination ignited within me. I wouldn''t die here¡ªnot dragged into the abyss by this abomination.


    Seizing the moment, I kicked free, pain lancing up my leg as torn muscles protested. I propelled myself upward, each stroke a battle against the weight of the water and the dragging pull of exhaustion.


    Above me, the surface shimmered¨Ca distorted window to safety. I reached for it, lungs screaming, the world narrowing to that single point of light.


    Then, a shadow eclipsed the glow. The monster surged upward, its jaws snapping inches from my foot. I twisted, narrowly avoiding the razor-sharp teeth, but the motion sent me spiraling off course.


    No!


    Desperation fueled my limbs. I swung my sword in a wide arc, the blade connecting with one of the creature''s eyes. A burst of dark fluid clouded the water, the monster''s roar a muted thunder.


    Using the recoil, I pushed off its massive head, forcing myself upward one last time. My hand broke the surface, followed by my body as I gasped in a ragged breath. The air was a knife in my chest, but I couldn''t stop.


    Behind me, the water erupted as the beast breached, its gaping maw snapping shut where I''d been moments before. I stumbled onto the rocky ledge, collapsing to my knees. Pain radiated from my leg, the acid''s burn relentless.


    A low growl rumbled from the pool. I looked back, meeting the monster''s one remaining eye. It glared with hatred so intense it felt like a physical blow.


    "You''re not... getting me... that easily," I panted, pushing myself to stand.


    But before I could move, the tongue lashed out once more, snaring my wrist. The slick, burning grip pulled tight, dragging me back toward the edge.


    Not again!


    I fought against it, heels digging into the stone. The beast''s strength was overwhelming, each pull relentless. My sword slipped from my grasp, clattering uselessly behind me.


    As I was pulled closer to the darkness below, a cold realization settled in.


    This was a battle I might not win.


    With one final yank, I was pulled back into the icy embrace of the water.


    Darkness enveloped me, the frigid depths swallowing my scream.


    <hr>

 Chapter 020 - A fight in dark

    <hr>


    A sharp grunt escaped me as I was yanked backward into the freezing water, my head cracking against the rocky edge on the way down.


    Damn it!


    My vision blurred, a smear of red clouding the murky water around me. Pain shot through my leg where the monster¡¯s tongue had coiled tighter, searing even through the water.


    I could feel it¨Ca slow burn gnawing away at my skin, digging deep.


    Just when I thought I couldn¡¯t bear it, a familiar chill trickled down from my earring, snapping me out of the haze. Everything sharpened, all the panic and pain shoved down into something cold and manageable.


    Survive. Get out. Kill this thing. Nothing else mattered. The Exira rose within me, a pulse of sheer defiance pushing back against the agony.


    Gripping my sword with every ounce of strength I had left, I raised it and hacked down hard at the tongue wrapped around my leg. The blade cut through with a sickening tear, and the pressure around my leg released as the tongue recoiled back into the darkness. A grunt of relief almost escaped me¨Calmost¨Cuntil I felt a new sting. It was everywhere.


    Shit. The water around me had gone acidic, thin plumes of the monster¡¯s corrosive blood mixing with the depths, biting at my skin through what was left of my armor.


    ¡°Damn you, you ugly sack of bile!¡± I cursed under my breath, kicking backward to gain some distance. But the water churned with acid, every movement leaving a faint, burning trail along my skin.


    This bastard¡¯s not going down easy.


    Just as I steadied myself, something flickered in the darkness¨Ca pair of sickly, greenish-yellow eyes glaring through the clouded water.


    You¡¯ve got to be kidding me.


    Before I could react, another slick appendage latched onto my other leg, yanking me down with brutal force.


    Hell no, not like this, I thought, clenching the sword tighter in my grip. But every inch of my body was on fire, the acid eating into my armor, my skin. Even as I struggled, the cold grip of dread settled in. I was sinking, and with every second, the monster was drawing me closer to whatever awaited in the shadows below.


    The bastard was trying to drown me in its own acidic soup.


    With a surge of determination, I forced Exira into my limbs, letting it push back the burn as best it could. The pain dulled, replaced by a focused, almost mechanical numbness.


    Stay sharp, Lexi. Don¡¯t let it drag you into the depths.


    I kicked hard, but the thing only tightened its hold, dragging me down faster. The water turned darker, shadows swallowing any trace of light above. I thrashed, feeling the acid slicing across my skin like a thousand tiny knives. My pulse hammered in my skull, but I shoved the panic down, gritting my teeth.


    Let. Go. You miserable piece of filth! I growled, wrenching my body around to bring the sword down again, aiming for where the tongue had coiled around my leg. But it was slippery, the damn thing writhing every time I tried to get a clear shot. Come on, just one good strike.


    The eyes loomed closer, staring at me with a twisted sort of hunger. Another chill radiated from my earring, icy and grounding, and in that instant, I felt everything else fade¨Cthe pain, the panic, even the cold of the water. Exira surged to a new level, my will honing in with deadly intent. I didn¡¯t need finesse. I just needed to hit hard.Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    With a snarl, I swung again, and this time the blade met flesh, cutting deep. The monster¡¯s tongue slackened, releasing me. Without wasting a second, I kicked upward, lungs screaming for air as I forced my body to rise, to fight against the pull of the depths.


    But before I could break free, I felt the familiar sting wrap around my waist. The damn creature had latched onto me again.


    You relentless son of a¡ª


    A new thought jolted through me¨Ca desperate, insane idea.


    Let it pull you, just for a second.


    I tightened my grip on my sword and let the tongue drag me back toward the monster. I could feel the acid tearing into me, burning deeper with each second, but I pushed the pain aside, focusing on the pulsing Exira within me, my only weapon now.


    The monster¡¯s eyes were close, gleaming with a twisted, insatiable malice. Its jaws opened wide, teeth glinting as I felt the suction of its mouth pulling me down. The water around me wasn¡¯t just cold; it burned. Every inch of my skin screamed in pain, the diluted acid seeping into every pore, clawing past even the Exira shield.


    My eyes squeezed shut as the raw agony rolled over me in relentless waves.


    Focus. Don¡¯t give in. Keep calm, I reminded myself, breathing through the agony as my earring emitted that familiar chill, settling the edges of my mind.


    I forced myself to stay still, letting the monster pull me closer, deeper into its lair. The pain was a relentless roar, but somewhere in that dark, burning abyss, I found a single anchor: the unyielding will to kill this thing. The rage, the instinct for survival¨Call of it melded into one purpose.


    You¡¯re not getting me, bastard.


    I felt Exira surge within me, a power rising from some hidden well of pure defiance. It grew, stronger and stronger, a torrent building with every heartbeat. My mind strained, each second dragging me closer to breaking. The monster¡¯s claws clenched, yanking me down faster, its vile eyes locked on me. I opened my own eyes, glaring right back, every ounce of my hate meeting its gaze.


    But I needed more than just strength. This wasn¡¯t about stunning it¨Cit needed to be eradicated. I remembered, then, that moment when I¡¯d managed to reach into the essence of the monster, connecting with the twisted darkness that made it what it was.


    With a deep breath, I reached out through Exira, forcing my will forward, tearing through the water to grasp at the creature¡¯s very origin.


    Darkness surrounded me. No sound, no light, just an overwhelming presence of pure malice.


    Images¨Cmemories, instincts, and rage¨Ccame at me in a frenzy, the monster¡¯s psyche trying to consume and obliterate my own. No. Not today. My mind stayed rooted, the chill from the earring grounding me, pushing back that storm of darkness.


    Then, everything froze.


    A cold force radiated out from me, meeting the monster¡¯s essence and snuffing it out in a silent, merciless wave. I gritted my teeth, locking my focus as I felt the monster¡¯s origin pulse under my grip. With a calm that felt like a blade, I crushed that darkness, shattering its connection to the beast in a brutal silence.


    My vision cleared, and there it was, the monster¡¯s face inches from mine, its expression warped in some grotesque snarl of fear and anger. Its body thrashed, but I tightened my grip on the hilt of my sword, drawing Exira into every inch of the blade, feeling the force burn along its length as cracks spread across the steel.


    "Die," I snarled, voice low, my words more of a command than anything else. The Exira pulsed, the sword humming with power, its blade barely able to contain the raw energy surging through it. Holding onto the last strands of my consciousness, I summoned every ounce of power left in me, enchanting the blade to tear apart the monster from the inside out.


    The sword¡¯s light grew until it glowed with a blinding, deadly brightness, practically vibrating in my hand. Without a second thought, I released it, letting it fly toward the monster¡¯s chest, aimed true with the intent to destroy. The blade struck home, stabbing deep, embedding itself into the creature¡¯s core.


    A heartbeat of silence followed, the water around us eerily still. Then, everything exploded.


    Exira erupted in a cataclysmic surge, ripping through the monster¡¯s body. Its chest shattered outward, chunks of flesh and bone scattering into the water like a gory storm. The blast sent shockwaves rolling through the depths, a violent, spinning torrent that dyed the entire cave in a sickening greenish-red.


    I tried to hold on, but the force of the blast slammed into me, launching me backward with the pressure of a tidal wave. My entire body screamed in agony as I was flung through the water, my skin burning anew as the acidic remains seared into every exposed inch. My mind teetered on the edge, the pain finally breaking through Exira¡¯s defenses, a relentless surge of fiery torment.


    The world spun, blood clouding my vision, the green-red storm a blur as I was tossed through the cavern. My mind faltered, every thought drowned in the flood of pure, raw pain.


    And then, silence.


    <hr>

 Chapter 021 - In the depths

    <hr>


    My eyes fluttered open, a dull numbness washing over me like a suffocating blanket.


    "Ugh..." I groaned, every muscle aching with a distant throb that echoed through my entire body. Blinking slowly, I tried to focus, but what I saw made my skin crawl.


    Darkness. Not just a shadow or a night sky¨Cbut endless, oppressive darkness stretched out in every direction. Like someone had poured ink over everything, drowning it all in this suffocating black. Somehow, though, I could still see¨Cbarely.


    Shapes loomed in faint grays, as if the dark itself had a light of its own. I was draped in a dark robe, heavier than anything I remembered wearing, almost choking in its thickness.


    ¡°What¡­ the hell?¡± I muttered, voice hoarse, and the words drifted, echoing through the void in a way that made my skin prickle. It was like the sound of my own voice didn¡¯t belong to me here. My words twisted and faded out like whispers swallowed up by the darkness itself.


    Where am I?


    Standing slowly, I glanced down, half-expecting to see solid ground, but there was only water¨Cstill, black as oil, yet I was somehow standing on it. I kicked the surface, expecting a splash, something. But the water just rippled, smooth and silent, leaving no trace of disturbance.


    ¡°This place¡­ doesn¡¯t make sense.¡± The thought crept into my mind, unwilling, as if the darkness itself had planted it there.


    Fuuu. I took a deep breath, the chill in the air clawing at my lungs. Instinctively, I reached for Exira, calling on that familiar power to ground myself, but instead, a wave of pain smashed into my skull. It felt like a hammer had driven itself right between my eyes. Shit!


    ¡°Argh!¡± I doubled over, clutching my head as my vision flared red. Blood trickled down, hot and thick, painting everything in crimson streaks. I crouched there, trying to breathe, but every heartbeat was like a sledgehammer driving deeper and deeper into my skull.


    What the hell is wrong with me?


    Slowly, the pain ebbed, retreating like a wave, leaving me shaking, bloody, and exhausted. I pushed myself upright, wiping the blood from my eyes.


    The darkness around me stayed silent, oppressive, pressing against me with a suffocating weight. But I needed to move¨Csomewhere, anywhere other than this spot that felt like it was crushing me.


    With my head still throbbing, I took a few tentative steps, feeling the slickness of the black water beneath my feet. Every step rippled out in faint waves, but there was no direction, no path, nothing but endless dark stretching out around me. Each step I took felt like walking further into an endless void.


    Is this real? The thought came unbidden, crawling up my spine. Was any of it real? The monsters, the cave, my own damn name¡ªall of it felt distant, slipping through my fingers like sand.


    ¡°No, no, I¡¯m not¡­ losing it,¡± I muttered, clenching my fists. But the doubt clawed at me, insistent, relentless. What if none of it was real? What if this was all there ever was¡ªthis void, this nothingness?


    No. Focus Lexi. I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to latch onto something, anything to steady myself. But every memory was like a faded picture, details slipping away the more I tried to hold onto them.


    Was it a cave I woke up in? Or was that just¡­ something else? My own name started to feel slippery, like I was forgetting the shape of it. The more I tried to remember, the harder it was to breathe, my chest tightening with a cold, creeping panic.


    Enough. I stopped, sucking in a breath, then bit my lip until I tasted blood, feeling the sharp sting ground me, keep me in the here and now.


    Who am I?


    The answer barely surfaced, just a whisper in the back of my mind. Alexis¡­ Artoria Drakesier. But the pain lashed out again, slamming into my skull, a spike of agony that left me reeling.


    ¡°Argh!¡± I gripped my head as the blood ran down, hot, thick, soaking my hands. It seeped from my eyes, my nose, even my mouth. Each breath was like inhaling shards of ice. But I didn¡¯t stop. I reached for Exira again, drawing it out even as it tore through my mind like a wild animal.


    Push harder. Don¡¯t stop. I clamped down on the pain, forcing the Exira to strengthen, expand, fuel me. Every cell in my body screamed, my vision warping as the red haze thickened, but I held my ground, letting the pain mold me, define me.


    ¡°I¡­ am¡­¡± The words barely escaped through gritted teeth. My vision blurred, the world swaying, spinning, but I didn¡¯t let go. Even as I felt like I was drowning in blood, I clung to that single truth, forcing it out in a guttural, hoarse scream.


    ¡°I am Alexis¡­ Artoria Drakesier! And I will¡­ reach back¡­ home¡­ Mom¡­¡±


    The darkness around me shuddered, like it had heard me. Cracks split through the void, faint, like lightning against a blackened sky. I could feel the edges of reality tearing, unraveling around me. Light seeped through the cracks, harsh, searing, as the world dissolved, splintering under the weight of my resolve.


    And then, just as quickly as it had come, the darkness shattered.


    <hr>


    ¡°Cough¡­ damn it¡­¡±


    The sound came from deep in my chest as I sputtered, choking out water, every breath burning down to my lungs. I lay sprawled out on the floor, drenched, barely able to move. My limbs felt like lead, and my left leg¡ªit burned, sharp and insistent, every nerve screaming at me.


    Slowly, I tried to piece together what had just happened. The fight, the damn monster, the water¡­ and that place. Was that real? I clenched my fists, feeling my nails dig into my palms, forcing myself to focus on the present, on the feeling of the cold cave floor under me.


    I pushed up onto my elbows, taking a good look around. It was another part of the cave, darker but quieter, with the faint, hollow echo of dripping water nearby. Not the same water source, though, I noted as my eyes adjusted to the dimness. This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.


    ¡°Great. Just fantastic.¡± I huffed, struggling to sit up fully, my body protesting every movement.


    As I settled against the cold stone wall, a wave of pain rolled over me. My left leg throbbed, the skin feeling raw, sensitive to even the slightest shift.


    A quick glance confirmed what I¡¯d suspected: my skin was pale and red, burned from the acid, patches of it tender and shiny.


    Hell, even just breathing makes it hurt.


    With a wince, I raised my hand, studying my palm. Redish pink and blotchy, but at least it wasn¡¯t falling off. The damn acid had done a number on me. I let out a sigh, forcing myself to focus, and looked down at my wrist.


    The bracelet was still there, the faint glimmer of its last charge intact.


    Thank god, I thought, relief washing over me. ¡°Alright¡­ one last save for when I really need it.¡±


    Glancing down, I took in the state of my clothes, clinging damply to my skin. The fabric had been eaten through in places, almost melted. I could feel it sticking to the burns, irritating them further, but the wetness somehow dulled the worst of the pain, cooling the fire that simmered just below the surface. Still, it was shredded, barely hanging together. Not that I was planning on giving any fashion shows down here.


    Rifling through my bag, I breathed out another sigh of relief. Everything was intact, still surprisingly dry. A few damp edges, but nothing major. The bone bundle and both swords were gone, though.


    ¡°Damn. They really served well,¡± I muttered, mentally cursing the loss. Time to think about replacements¡­ again.


    I reached out instinctively for Exira, only to stop as a sharp pain shot through my head, cutting off any attempt at focus. It was like my brain was being wrung dry, every thought twisting and snapping as I tried to concentrate.


    ¡°Guess that¡¯s a no-go for now,¡± I grumbled, pressing the heel of my palm against my temple. I¡¯ll have to give it some time.


    With my back against the wall, I took out a few jerkies from my bag. The inside of the bag was dry, which was nothing short of a miracle. I bit into one, savoring the rough, salty taste as I chewed slowly, each bite grounding me back in reality.


    Between bites, my mind drifted back to the fight, and¡­ that place. That empty darkness.


    Was that place¡­ my origin?


    The thought twisted my stomach, making me feel more unsettled than I¡¯d like to admit. I clenched my teeth, remembering the black void and the weight of those memories and feelings, all that blood and pain. It hadn¡¯t just been an illusion. No, it was¡­ something more, something darker.


    Or maybe, I thought, as a memory surfaced, it was because I tried to touch the monster¡¯s origin. A faint recollection of Mom¡¯s voice echoed in my mind, her stern tone warning me of the dangers. She¡¯d said there were consequences to connecting with the essence of a being, especially a sentient one, and even more so if that being was stronger than me. ¡°Dire consequences,¡± she¡¯d called it, her face dead serious.


    ¡°Yeah, well¡­ guess I learned that one the hard way,¡± I muttered, chewing on another strip of jerky. My head throbbed faintly as I thought back, and I took another breath to steady myself. Every beat of my heart was a dull ache, reminding me of just how far I¡¯d pushed things.


    And that place¡­ the memory of it sent a shiver through me. Just what was that? It felt like I¡¯d been staring into the edge of something¡ªmyself, maybe, or something much worse.


    I shook my head, feeling the lingering dread settle deeper. Whatever it was, I didn¡¯t want to visit it again anytime soon.


    Not if I could help it.


    huuuu


    I let out a long, tired sigh and pulled out the metal card, feeling its cool weight in my hand. The tug was unmistakable, stronger now and definitely closer. ¡°Well, well,¡± I muttered, allowing myself a half-smile. ¡°Looks like this little thing might actually lead somewhere.¡±


    I pushed myself up, gritting my teeth as a sharp ache shot through my left leg. Every time I put weight on it, the pain flared, jagged and relentless. Great. Just what I needed. I took a moment to steady myself, inhaling through clenched teeth.


    ¡°No rest for the wicked, huh?¡±


    With a quick breath, I closed my eyes and summoned Exira, letting it flow in a steady, level 0 strength throughout my body. The energy rippled, dulling the pain just enough to make movement bearable.


    Better. Not perfect, but hell, I¡¯d take what I could get.


    Slowly, I tested my footing, stepping lightly on my left leg. The pain was still there, a dull throb, but the relief Exira provided was enough to make it manageable.


    Step by awkward step, I hobbled forward, following the card¡¯s insistent pull. Can¡¯t believe I¡¯m trudging through this place in this state.


    A quick inventory ran through my head. I had the throwing knives and two of the small blades I¡¯d taken from the elf. Not much of an arsenal. And I couldn¡¯t even rely on Exira past a few seconds at level 1 strength; the last encounter had made that painfully clear.


    ¡°Yeah, nothing dangerous about this situation at all,¡± I muttered, rolling my eyes.


    But even with every rational thought telling me to stop, to find a place to rest, I kept moving. Wherever this thing is pulling me, I thought, glancing down at the card in my hand, it better be worth it.


    After what felt like an eternity of careful steps and gritted teeth, I reached a small, narrow opening in the wall. The card tugged insistently in my hand, practically vibrating.


    So it¡¯s in there¡­ or above? I looked up, squinting to make out a hole high above me, similar to the one I¡¯d found near the elf¡¯s body.


    ¡°Oh, you¡¯ve got to be kidding me,¡± I muttered, rubbing a hand over my face. The idea of climbing up there in my condition was laughable at best. And yet here I am, staring at this damn hole like an idiot.


    I looked down at my leg, still throbbing under Exira¡¯s effects. ¡°Alright, Lexi. Let¡¯s think this through.¡± I eyed the walls, rough and jagged, perfect for climbing if I had both my legs working with me. With one injured? It was going to be a gamble.


    ¡°Perfect, just what I wanted,¡± I muttered, feeling the familiar twist of frustration. ¡°Let¡¯s get one thing straight,¡± I told the darkness. ¡°The moment I get out of this hellhole, I¡¯m not climbing anything for a long, long time.¡±


    With a resigned sigh, I set my bag down, carefully adjusting the straps to secure it across my back. I tested a few handholds, feeling the stone bite into my fingers. This is gonna hurt like hell.


    As I grabbed hold, I muttered, ¡°Alright, if I¡¯m gonna do this, let¡¯s do it.¡±


    It took every ounce of grit and grim determination, but after what felt like a damn eternity¨Cten or maybe fifteen minutes? I finally heaved myself up through the opening.


    Each step was a surge of pain, every inch a reminder of how close I was to just collapsing. I¡¯d used my knives like makeshift pitons, stabbing and climbing my way up. Now, wincing and cursing under my breath, I let myself down to the floor on the other side, landing hard and feeling the shock ripple through my battered body.


    ¡°Ah¨Cfuck,¡± I hissed, clutching my side, my hand instinctively pressing against the burning throb in my leg. Barely made it up here in one piece, I thought, willing myself to stay upright.


    And then¡­ I looked up. And froze.


    There, slumped against the wall, was another figure¨Ca form that shouldn¡¯t have been there. Pointed ears, unmistakably elven features, skin a shade lighter than the last one I¡¯d found. But this one¡­ this one was different.


    This one was still breathing.


    <hr>

 Chapter 022 - Another living being

    <hr>


    I crouched down, keeping my movements slow as I reached the elf slumped against the wall. He was twitching faintly, breath shallow and irregular. As I got closer, I took in the sickly pale tone of his skin.


    I checked for a pulse, letting out a breath I hadn¡¯t realized I was holding when I found one. It was weak, but steady enough.


    Not just a hallucination, I thought, relieved. He¡¯s actually alive.


    But damn, he was cold. His skin had a dampness to it, and his clothes looked about as thin as the rags I was wearing.


    Probably hypothermic.


    Lucky bastard didn¡¯t just freeze on the spot. I set my bag down and glanced around, sizing up the situation. The cavern was big, bigger than I¡¯d initially thought. No chance of any heat lingering here for long.


    I reached for the cloak I¡¯d been wearing, wincing as it peeled away from the burns on my skin.


    ¡°Damn it,¡± I muttered, feeling the sting settle in as I eased it off. The last thing I wanted was to make things worse for myself, but leaving him like this would be a death sentence.


    ¡°Alright, buddy,¡± I whispered, settling the cloak over him. ¡°Let¡¯s warm you up.¡± Slowly, I focused my Exira, guiding the energy through the cloak, careful not to let the pulse get too strong. Every time I pushed the energy even a bit, my head pounded, the wounds had yet to heal.


    You¡¯ve got this, I told myself, forcing the warmth to build up. After a few minutes, I could feel the cloak holding the heat, radiating enough to keep the elf from turning into a corpse.


    ¡°Good enough,¡± I sighed, pulling my hands back. I took a step back and sank down against the opposite wall, keeping my eyes on him. ¡°Now what?¡±


    The elf didn¡¯t move, just lay there wrapped up, breathing shallow. I caught myself scanning the rest of the cavern, looking for anything I might have missed. I¡¯d just started to reach for my bone bundle, the one with everything I¡¯d painstakingly gathered, when the reality hit me.


    ¡°Oh, for fuck¡¯s sake,¡± I muttered, running a hand over my face. The whole damn kit is back in that other cave. Somewhere, along with the remains of that acid-spitting monstrosity, probably burning to a crisp. I couldn¡¯t help but chuckle, the irony just rich enough to take the edge off.


    ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s just perfect,¡± I said to the empty cavern.


    With a sigh, I grabbed the torch, clicking it on just enough to cast a low, steady glow around us. The light was faint, enough to see by, but it would have to do. ¡°


    So, it¡¯s just you and me now,¡± I murmured, glancing at the elf. You¡¯re alive, but I doubt you¡¯re in any shape to be helpful right now.


    Settling back, I let the silence seep in, my gaze flickering between the elf and the cave walls. There wasn¡¯t much to do now but wait, and that meant trusting that this stranger, whoever he was, would be worth the trouble.


    I shifted against the cold stone wall, wincing as I brushed my hand over my skin. It stung like hell¨Can irritating, prickling sensation that just wouldn¡¯t fade. The burns from that acid were still fresh, leaving my skin an angry shade of reddish-pink.


    Like I needed more pain right now, I thought, shaking my head.


    But oddly enough, the chill in the cave helped. The cold bit into me, numbing some of the pain. Letting out a slow breath, I settled into a meditative state, trying to calm my body down and get a handle on everything that had happened.


    Every muscle aches, every thought seems frayed around the edges.


    That fight, I mused, the acid beast¡¯s image flashing in my mind.


    I huffed, a rueful grin slipping out. ¡°Ugly as hell and then some,¡± I muttered, my voice echoing softly in the cavern.


    That acid-spewing monster was the first real elite I¡¯ve seen of this lizard race. And it wasn¡¯t just brute strength¨C intelligence and unique properties. I closed my eyes, the memories playing over again in my mind. If I¡¯d faced it head-on? No way. I wouldn¡¯t have come out unscathed.


    I rolled my shoulders, feeling the lingering burn and weight of exhaustion. \


    "Let¡¯s be honest, if I¡¯d gone all out, I¡¯d be tapping into that last charge right about now, probably using it to keep my guts inside or my leg attached." I let out a dry chuckle, letting the thought settle in. Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    "Lucky, that¡¯s all it was. Stupid luck."


    But despite everything, there was something else underneath. Something that hadn¡¯t let go since the moment I¡¯d plunged back into that water, ready to tear that bastard apart. I felt alive. Alive in a way that was sharper, more real, even with the pain clawing at my skin and the exhaustion seeping into my bones. It wasn¡¯t like any other feeling, not since...well, not in a long time.


    I let my head fall back against the wall. ¡°No sane person should feel like that,¡± I muttered.


    ¡°Umm, was I dropped as a child?,¡± I laughed softly to myself, the sound bouncing back in the silence. It was a strange, twisted humor, but it was the only thing that made me feel lighter, like some unseen weight had lifted off my shoulders.


    After a moment, I exhaled and opened my eyes, glancing across the cavern to the elf still wrapped up in my cloak, twitching faintly. I let out another small laugh, quieter this time. "


    So what¡¯s your story, huh? Guess we¡¯re both stuck down here, keeping each other company, for better or worse."


    I shook my head, closing my eyes again. In this grim, damp place, it was the small things that kept me going¨Cmaybe just barely.


    ¡­


    Time passed.


    I let out a long breath, feeling the weight of everything lighten just a bit. Sometimes just getting the thoughts out made the load feel more bearable, like releasing a tightly wound spring. My hand reached instinctively for the earring on my left ear, the only one I wore. It felt cool under my fingers, that solid, familiar metal that had somehow kept me steady through all this hell.


    ¡°Thanks, I guess,¡± I murmured, running my thumb along its edge. How many times had this thing saved me now? I couldn¡¯t even count. Every time the world felt like it was spinning out of control, or I was about to lose it completely, it would kick in. There¡¯d be this sudden chill, like icy water down my spine, and everything¨Cpain, fear, anger¨Cwould just go silent, blanked out like a smothered flame.


    I sighed, rolling my head back. Yeah, a damn double-edged sword, I thought. It wasn¡¯t all roses and salvation. With every chill, every calm it brought, I felt myself slipping further into something colder, something¡­ detached. Like I was losing a part of myself each time. The moments right after felt hollow, like all that emotional weight was scrubbed clean but at the cost of something I couldn¡¯t name. Doesn¡¯t matter, though.


    Not really, I told myself. In this hellish cave, with these damn monsters, having something that kept me sharp, kept me focused¡­ I wasn¡¯t complaining.


    But then there was¡­ that place. The Limbo, I thinks that''s the name of that place¡­the final gateway to origin.


    I felt a shudder at the memory, that void of endless black, echoing and stretching in every direction. Even thinking about it now felt surreal, like a half-remembered nightmare that didn¡¯t quite belong to me.


    It wasn¡¯t just darkness¨C I really don¡¯t remember anything else but I¡¯m damn sure touching one¡¯s mind or origin using Exira, they would be there too and at an advantage.


    I could hear my mother¡¯s voice, her warnings from years ago, every word dripping with that serious tone she only used on things that mattered. ¡°Touching a being¡¯s origin is a sacred act, Alexis. It isn¡¯t to be done lightly, and never without purpose,¡± she¡¯d told me. ¡°If you ever connect to a living being¡¯s origin, you¡¯ll be dragged in, and if you¡¯re not prepared, it can consume you.¡±


    I ran a hand over my face, exhaling. She¡¯d made it sound like some untouchable taboo, something that could cost a person everything. Yet there I was, dragged in by that acid-ugly fucking obese bastard, barely holding on.


    For a split second, I¡¯d felt¡­ in control. Just for the briefest heartbeat, I¡¯d been able to bend that darkness to my will, to command it. And then it all went to hell, and I felt like I was drowning, like it was swallowing me whole.


    ¡°Not doing that again,¡± I muttered, clenching my jaw. Unless I was better prepared, I¡¯d be an idiot to touch another origin. I¡¯d need a whole damn contingency plan, a rock-solid way to keep myself from slipping back into that nightmare.


    The elf stirred suddenly, coughing and gasping. I jolted, barely realizing I¡¯d drifted off myself.


    Blinking, I moved toward him and reached for my water bottle, uncapping it quickly.


    Steadying him in a sitting position, I lifted the bottle to his lips.


    "Easy now," I murmured, watching as he sipped in small, instinctive gulps. His breaths were shaky, and he coughed, his eyes still closed, as if he hadn¡¯t fully come yet.


    ¡°Here, take it slow,¡± I whispered, rubbing his back as he choked down another mouthful. It took a few moments, but he eventually relaxed in my hold, the coughs subsiding as he swallowed.


    I eased him back against the cave wall, making sure he was settled, his chest rising and falling in steady breaths.


    The glow from the moss cast a soft, muted light around us, painting everything in greenish hues, and I found myself studying his face. The elf¡¯s features were sharper, more angular than a human¡¯s, with those pointed ears marking him as something other than human¡ªjust like the other elf I¡¯d encountered.


    Tall, pale, with an almost ethereal look. I couldn¡¯t help but wonder what his story was, how he¡¯d ended up in this hellhole.


    The cuts and bruises on his body were visible even through his torn clothes, but none of them looked life-threatening. As I probed further with Exira, though, I could sense a faint pulse, his life force struggling to hold on, like a thread fraying at the ends. His energy was slowly fading¨Cpoison, maybe, or some kind of internal damage. Not good.


    ¡°Damn,¡± I muttered, leaning back against the wall beside him, mind racing. Poison... Another thing to add to my mental list of dangers. Everything here seemed to be designed to kill, like the whole place was hellbent on draining me down to my last breath.


    My own body wasn¡¯t holding up well either. I could feel the toll¡ªevery ache, every bruise. Weeks without real sleep, constant battles, Exira draining me every time I used it. Food was sparse, too. The jerkies helped, but they weren¡¯t much against the punishment my body had been through.


    A slight cough jerked me out of my thoughts. The elf¡¯s eyes fluttered open.


    <hr>

 Shattered Reflections V : Price of gift

    <hr>


    I closed my eyes, forcing my breathing to slow. Inhale... exhale.


    The dark cave around me faded, replaced by the steady rhythm of my heartbeat pounding in my ears. My mind was a swirling storm of fragmented images and sensations, this time I felt a ping, and reaching it a storm of memories played out in a blur until I had a memory


    .


    .


    ¡°Alexis, that¡¯s why Pariah is a class S priority threat. You don¡¯t even realize it, but you''re thankful and glad for the earring you received. Those are the karmic threads holding you.¡±


    "Lexi!"


    A shiver ran down my spine as Mom¡¯s words echoed in my mind, a chilling reminder of how easily I had been manipulated. The most frightening part wasn¡¯t the Pariah¡¯s deception, but my own reaction, being grateful for his ''gift.'' Manipulated by fate itself, and bound by threads I didn¡¯t even know existed, all because I hadn¡¯t repaid the price. The hold it had over me was firm.


    "Lexi!"


    I jolted awake from the spiral of thoughts haunting me since that encounter. How could I have let myself be so easily fooled? How had I fallen into his web so unknowingly?


    ¡°Ouch!¡± I muttered, rubbing my temple as Aunt Nora¡¯s fingers snapped against my forehead. The sharp flick pulled me out of my daze.


    Her eyes were sharp and stern only when talking and working at her craft did she take on this persona, as she sighed and crossed her arms. "I¡¯ve been calling you for a while now."


    ¡°Ouch!¡± she flicked again.


    Damn that stings¡­


    Her piercing gaze met mine, arms crossed as she exhaled sharply, clearly losing patience.


    ¡°Lexi, I need you to stay focused,¡± she said, her tone a blend of reprimand and concern.


    ¡°I know your mind¡¯s been elsewhere, but we¡¯re here for a reason. You can''t let yourself get lost in those thoughts forever, not with what we''re doing today.¡±


    I blinked, slowly pulling myself from the lingering shadows of the Pariah¡¯s manipulation. Aunt Nora always knew how to cut straight through the fog in my mind, even when I didn¡¯t realize I was stuck in it.


    She tilted her head slightly, eyes softening for a moment before her voice regained its no-nonsense edge.


    ¡°Now,¡± she continued, ¡°do you even remember why we¡¯re here together? Or were you too busy thinking about that cursed earring?¡±


    I let out a sigh, I didn''t even bother to reply knowing that would lead me into more trouble, and to her credit no one, not even her, had been able to figure out these earrings.


    I can¡¯t take them off, and neither can I use them yet I think. I did get the feeling that in due time I¡¯ll be able to use them.


    This led to the trouble that I now realized fated item or not I was supposed to have the accursed earring right now. The feeling from the earring was difficult to explain but with Exira, I get that they are waiting for some trigger, what exactly no idea.


    Not to mention the weight of recent events still clinging to me, but I forced myself to refocus.


    ¡°Yeah, I remember,¡± I replied, a faint smile tugging at the corner of my lips despite everything. ¡°We¡¯re here to craft those artifacts... for Edward, Alice, and Aunt Mel and possibly one more if any materials are left.¡±


    Nora¡¯s expression softened slightly, though a hint of a smirk played at her lips.


    ¡°Good. That means I haven¡¯t completely lost you to your brooding.¡± She stepped forward, uncrossing her arms and gesturing to the materials spread across the workbench.This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    "Let''s get to it. I¡¯m not going to do all the work while you sit there sulking."


    Aunt Nora leaned against the table, crossing her arms with a knowing smile. "Alright, Lexi," she began, her voice teasing but with a touch of challenge, "since you¡¯ve been so deep in thought, let¡¯s see if you can still remember why we''re here. What''s the crafting process I taught you again?"


    I blinked, trying to shake off the lingering thoughts of the Pariah.


    Aunt Nora¡¯s sharp gaze was on me, and I knew she wasn¡¯t going to let me off easy. Scratching the back of my head, I smirked. "Pfft, come on, Aunt Nora. You¡¯re really testing me now?"


    "Maybe I am," she replied, her smile widening. "Or maybe I¡¯m just making sure you didn¡¯t lose any brain cells during that... incident."


    Ouch, she is really savage¡­


    .


    .


    The memory shifted as another scene played out


    .


    .


    The dining room was warm and inviting, the golden glow of the chandelier casting soft light on the polished wood of the table. Outside, the chill of the evening crept in, but the thick stone walls of the manor held it at bay. I sat with Mom and Aunt Nora, the comforting aroma of tea and freshly baked biscuits filling the air.


    My body ached from head to toe, a dull reminder of the day¡¯s hunt. The tea in my hand was laced with some medicinal blend Aunt Nora had prepared ¨C its warmth seeped into my sore muscles, relaxing me with every sip. A plate of biscuits sat in front of me, their flaky texture melting into sweetness with a hint of spice. It was almost enough to distract me from the tension I felt under Mom¡¯s watchful gaze. Almost.


    The day had been¡­ eventful.


    The hunt itself was exhilarating. Tracking prey through the forest, moving with calculated precision, the thrill of taking down targets with a combination of skill and Exira. For the most part, I had done well. But when the excitement overtook me, I got overconfident.


    Too much confidence in Exira, too little focus.


    I still remember the moment everything shifted. The energy I was channeling surged uncontrollably, pulling me deeper and deeper into that strange limbo-like space. My senses dulled, my thoughts slowed, and for a terrifying few seconds, I couldn¡¯t tell where the real world ended and the power began.


    If it hadn¡¯t been for Mom...


    The image of her sharp, commanding presence cutting through the void was still fresh in my mind. She¡¯d pulled me back, her Exira wrapping around mine like an unyielding tether. Even now, I could feel the lingering effects of that limbo ¨C the cold emptiness that threatened to swallow me whole.


    I shuddered, taking another sip of tea to steady myself.


    Mom sat across from me, her posture as perfect as ever. She didn¡¯t need to say anything; her piercing gaze was enough. Aunt Nora, seated beside her, was quieter than usual, watching with a subtle smile that hinted at amusement and concern in equal measure.


    ¡°So, Alex,¡± Mom began, her tone deceptively calm. ¡°How was today?¡±


    Unknowingly, I shuddered again. I knew that tone. It was the prelude to a lesson¡ªor a lecture. Possibly both. I also knew what Mom hated most: arrogance. And today, I had been arrogant.


    ¡°I¡­ learned a lot,¡± I said carefully, setting down my cup. ¡°Made a lot of mistakes.¡±


    Mom¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change, but the slight raise of her eyebrow told me I wasn¡¯t off the hook yet.


    ¡°Alex,¡± she said, her voice steady and deliberate, ¡°on the path to attaining power, everyone makes mistakes. What¡¯s important is how much you learn from them¡ªand whether you¡¯re willing to set aside your pride to grow.¡±


    Her words hit like a hammer, as they always did. There was no venom in her tone, no harshness, but the weight of her expectations was enough to make me squirm in my seat.


    ¡°Yes, Mother,¡± I replied, my voice low.


    ¡°Exira is a mysterious power,¡± she continued, her gaze never wavering from mine. ¡°We all, even I learn something new about it every day. It¡¯s only natural for someone on this path to make mistakes. But making the same mistake, Alex will cost you dearly.¡±


    I nodded quickly. ¡°Yes, Mother.¡±


    Her eyes softened just slightly, but her posture remained firm. ¡°Good.¡±


    Aunt Nora finally chimed in, her voice lighter but no less pointed. ¡°Lexi, you¡¯ve got talent, no one¡¯s doubting that. But talent without humility? That¡¯s just a recipe for disaster.¡± She reached over and slid the plate of biscuits toward me with a teasing smile. ¡°Eat. You¡¯ll need the energy for tomorrow.¡±


    I glanced at her, grateful for the small reprieve, and picked up another biscuit. The silence that followed wasn¡¯t uncomfortable, but it gave me time to reflect. Mom was right ¨C again. Aunt Nora was right again. My overconfidence had almost led to disaster today. If Mom hadn¡¯t been there, I might still be stuck in that limbo, or worse.


    As I finished the last sip of tea, its soothing warmth spreading through my body, I looked at Mom. ¡°I¡¯ll do better,¡± I said, my voice steady this time.


    Her lips curved into the faintest hint of a smile. ¡°See that you do.¡±


    And just like that, the weight of the day felt a little lighter. The aches in my body, the sting of my bruised pride, even the fear of what might have happened ¨C it all faded, replaced by a quiet determination.


    Tomorrow will come. And with it, another chance to prove myself.


    <hr>

 Chapter 023 - Mr. Elf speaks alien

    <hr>


    ¡° Haah,¡± a soft cough snapped me out of my thoughts. I blinked, realizing the elf was waking up. Suppressing a yawn, I hadn''t noticed how tired I was.


    I grabbed my water bottle and moved closer to him. Let''s hope you''re friendly, I thought. The last thing I needed was more trouble.


    Gently, I helped him into a sitting position, slipping an arm behind his back. His body felt light, almost fragile. ¡°Easy there,¡± I murmured, supporting his weight. He coughed again, a dry rasp that echoed faintly in the cavern.


    Poor guy must be parched.


    An idea struck me. Focusing quietly, I channeled Exira at level 0 strength, letting a calming energy permeate the air around us. Maybe this will make things a bit less tense.


    I uncapped the water bottle and brought it to his lips. ¡°Here, drink,¡± I said softly. He hesitated for a moment before accepting, his hands slowly rising to support the bottle. As he drank, his sips turned from cautious to eager, draining the water hungrily. I kept a steady grip to ensure he didn''t choke.


    As he drank, I studied him more closely. His skin was unnaturally pale, almost luminescent in the soft glow of the moss that lit the cave. High cheekbones, sharp jawline, and those unmistakably pointed ears¨Cdefinitely an elf.


    Cuts and bruises marked his skin, but nothing appeared immediately life-threatening.


    He finished drinking, and I gently pulled the bottle away, capping it before setting it aside. ¡°Better?¡± I asked, not really expecting a response. He leaned back slightly, and I adjusted the cloak around him, making sure he was warm.


    Then, slowly, his eyes fluttered open.


    I froze.


    Bright emerald eyes met mine¨Cvivid, piercing, and filled with confusion. They were stunning, almost otherworldly. For a moment, I was caught off guard, my words lost. Well, damn.


    ¡°Uh...¡± I stammered, trying to find my voice. He continued to gaze at me, those green orbs reflecting the faint light of the cave. There was confusion there, but no fear or hostility.


    I realized I was still holding onto his shoulder and quickly pulled my hand back. ¡°Sorry,¡± I muttered, rubbing the back of my neck. Smooth move, Alexis.


    He glanced around slowly, taking in the cave''s surroundings¨Cthe glowing moss, the rocky walls¨Cbefore his eyes settled back on me. His brow furrowed slightly as if trying to piece together what was happening.


    ¡°It''s okay,¡± I said softly, raising my hands slightly to show I meant no harm. ¡°You''re safe.¡±


    He didn''t respond, but his posture relaxed just a fraction. I wondered if he could understand me at all.


    Probably not, I thought. Figures we''d speak different languages.


    An awkward silence stretched between us. I cleared my throat, trying to think of what to do next. ¡°Do you need anything else?¡± I asked, gesturing toward my pack. ¡°Food, maybe?¡±


    He looked at the pack, then back at me, eyes still filled with that perplexed expression. Slowly, he shook his head.


    ¡°Alright then,¡± I murmured. ¡°Just let me know.¡±


    As if that''s going to happen.


    I settled back a bit, giving him some space. The Exira''s calming effect still lingered in the air, making the atmosphere feel oddly peaceful despite the circumstances.


    He shifted slightly, winced, and brought a hand to his throat. I noticed how gaunt his fingers looked, the skin almost translucent. He must have been down here a while.


    ¡°Thirsty?¡± I asked, holding up the water bottle again. He seemed to understand, giving a slight nod. I handed it to him, and he drank more slowly this time.


    As he handed the bottle back, our eyes met again. Those emerald eyes¡ªsharp yet vulnerable. They seemed to search mine as if seeking answers.


    ¡°I''m Alexis,¡± I said, pointing to myself. ¡°Al-ex-is.¡±


    He watched me carefully, then parted his lips as if to speak. A soft, melodic sound came out¨Ca word in a language I didn''t recognize. It flowed smoothly, even though his voice was barely above a whisper.


    ¡°Sorry, I don''t understand,¡± I said, shaking my head. He frowned slightly, a hint of frustration crossing his features.


    Well, this is just fantastic. I sighed internally. Stuck in a cave with an elf I can''t communicate with. What could possibly go wrong?


    He seemed to pick up on my exasperation, his expression softening. He gestured weakly toward himself and said something else¡ªa single word that might have been his name.


    I tilted my head. ¡°Is that your name?¡± I asked, pointing at him.


    He nodded slowly.


    ¡°Alright,¡± I said with a small smile. ¡°Easier said than done.¡±


    He attempted a faint smile in return, though it looked more like a grimace. Still, it was something.


    I glanced at the cuts on his arms and the bruises along his jaw. ¡°You''re hurt,¡± I said, pointing gently to his wounds. ¡°May I?¡± I mimed wrapping a bandage around his arm.


    He looked down at his injuries as if noticing them for the first time. After a moment, he gave a slight nod.


    ¡°Okay,¡± I said, trying to sound reassuring. I rummaged through my pack and pulled out a small piece of cloth. It wasn''t much, but it would have to do.


    I moved closer, carefully wrapping the cloth around a particularly nasty cut on his forearm. He winced slightly but didn''t pull away.


    ¡°Sorry,¡± I murmured. ¡°This might sting a bit.¡±


    He watched my hands as I worked, those emerald eyes observing every movement. I could feel his gaze but tried to focus on bandaging the wound properly.


    Once done, I sat back on my heels. ¡°There. That should help for now.¡±


    He lifted his arm slightly, inspecting the makeshift bandage, then looked back at me and gave a small nod of gratitude.


    ¡°Don''t mention it,¡± I said, waving a hand dismissively. At least we''re making some progress.


    I settled down beside him, leaning against the cave wall. The silence returned but felt less awkward this time. The soft glow of the moss bathed the cavern in a gentle light, casting long shadows.


    My stomach growled softly, reminding me it had been a while since I''d eaten. I reached into my pack and pulled out a piece of jerky. Glancing at the elf, I held out another piece to him. ¡°Hungry?¡±This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    He looked at the offered food, hesitated, and then accepted it cautiously. He sniffed it briefly before taking a small bite.


    ¡°Good?¡± I asked, taking a bite of my own.


    He chewed slowly, then gave a slight nod. It was hard to tell if he actually liked it or was just being polite.


    I chuckled softly. ¡°Yeah, it''s not exactly gourmet, but it keeps you going.¡±


    We ate in relative silence, the quiet punctuated only by the distant drip of water somewhere deeper in the cave.


    As we finished, I couldn''t help but feel a bit more at ease. Having another living being nearby¨Ceven one I couldn''t fully communicate with¨Cwas a welcome change from the isolation.


    I glanced over at him. He was leaning back, eyes half-closed, the exhaustion evident on his face.


    ¡°Get some rest,¡± I said softly. ¡°We''ll figure things out when you''re feeling better.¡±


    He looked at me one last time, those emerald eyes reflecting the faint light, then closed them slowly. His breathing evened out as he drifted back to sleep.


    I sighed, leaning my head back against the wall. What have I gotten myself into? But despite the uncertainty, I felt a small flicker of hope.


    ¡°Maybe we''re not so screwed after all,¡± I muttered to myself.


    ¡°Guess we''ll find out,¡± I whispered, the soft echo of my voice fading into the depths of the cave.


    ****


    I remember sitting at Aunt Nora''s cluttered kitchen table, the scent of fresh herbs and old parchment filling the air. Sunlight streamed through the open window, casting warm patches on the worn wooden surface. I was young then¨Cfeet barely touching the ground, swinging idly as I scribbled nonsense on a scrap of paper.


    "Lexi," Aunt Nora called her voice lilting with that familiar teasing tone. She leaned against the doorway, arms crossed with a sly smile playing on her lips. "Suppose you find yourself needing to talk to someone who doesn''t speak the same language. What would you do?"


    I looked up, eyebrows knitting together. "That''s easy!" I declared, puffing out my chest a bit. "I''d use Exira! It can do anything! Like Mom"


    She chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Oh, is that so? And how would Exira help you communicate with someone who doesn''t understand your words?"


    I tapped the end of my quill against my chin, thinking hard. "Well... I''d just, you know, send my thoughts to them using Exira. Like mind-talking!"


    Aunt Nora''s eyes sparkled with amusement. "Mind-talking, hmm? Quite the talent for someone your age."


    I grinned widely. "I''m gonna be the best at Exira someday!"


    She walked over, ruffling my already messy hair. "I''m sure you will be. But not everyone can receive thoughts through Exira, especially if they don''t know how to use it themselves."


    I frowned, the confidence wavering a bit. "Then... maybe I could use Exira to make pictures in the air? Like illusions! They could see what I''m thinking!"


    She sat down beside me, her long skirt rustling softly. "A creative idea," she admitted. "But what if you''re too tired to use Exira? Or what if the place you''re in dampens your abilities?"


    I blinked. "Places can do that?"


    She nodded. "You won''t always be able to rely on it."


    I huffed, crossing my arms. "Then what am I supposed to do?"


    Aunt Nora smiled gently. "Sometimes, you have to get a bit more... traditional."


    "Traditional?" I echoed, tilting my head.


    She reached over and picked up a stick of charcoal from the table. "If you have time and access to paper or something to write with, you can start decoding their language. Take notes, listen carefully, and look for patterns."


    I wrinkled my nose. "That sounds like a lot of work."


    She laughed softly. "It can be, but it''s rewarding. You''ll learn so much more about them in the process."


    I doodled aimlessly on the paper. "What if I don''t have time? Or paper?"


    "Then," she said, tapping the charcoal against the table, "you can go caveman and communicate using drawings."


    I snorted. "Caveman?"


    "Yes," she grinned. "Draw pictures in the dirt, use gestures, act things out if you have to. It''s amazing how much you can say without words."


    I considered this, imagining myself waving my arms around like a madman to get a point across. "Won''t they think I''m weird?"


    "Perhaps," she admitted, eyes twinkling. "But better to be thought odd than to be misunderstood entirely."


    I sighed dramatically. "I guess that makes sense."


    She leaned in closer. "Communication is about more than just words, Alexis. It''s about connection. Sometimes, the effort you put into understanding someone speaks louder than any language."


    I looked up at her, absorbing her words. "Have you ever had to do that?"


    She nodded, a distant look in her eyes. "Many times. I once spent months among the Silaran tribes that took refuge here after the incursion ??? ???. We didn''t share a language, but we found other ways to communicate. By the end, we''d taught each other so much."


    "Wow," I whispered. "That sounds... kinda cool."


    "It was," she smiled softly. "And you, my dear, might find yourself in similar situations one day."


    I grinned mischievously. "Think I''ll meet aliens?"


    She laughed outright at that. "Perhaps! And when you do, you''ll know just what to do."


    I tapped the charcoal against the paper thoughtfully. "So, pay attention, look for patterns, and if all else fails, draw pictures?"


    "Exactly," she affirmed. "And remember, patience is key. Don''t get frustrated if you don''t understand right away."


    I shrugged. "I guess I can try."


    She ruffled my hair again. "That''s my Dumb Lexi."


    Shaking my head and bothering to retort, I glanced at the array of notes and doodles scattered across the table. "Maybe I should practice," I mused.


    "That''s a wonderful idea," she encouraged. "Want me to teach you some basics in decoding languages?"


    "Yes, please!" I exclaimed, enthusiasm returning full force.


    She stood up, retrieving a worn book from a nearby shelf. "Let''s start with common symbols and gestures. They''re often the foundation of any language."


    I leaned forward eagerly as she opened the book, pages filled with strange characters and diagrams. "These are used all over the world," she explained. "See this one? It represents water."


    I traced the symbol with my finger. "Looks like waves."


    "Exactly," she nodded. "And this one means ''home'' or ''shelter.''"


    I studied the simple drawing of a house. "That makes sense."


    "Once you recognize these, you can begin to piece together meanings, even if you don''t understand the spoken words."


    I grinned. "It''s like a puzzle!"


    She smiled warmly. "Yes, and you''re quite good at puzzles."


    We spent the next hour going over various symbols and gestures, the room filled with my excited chatter and her patient guidance. Every new discovery felt like unlocking a secret code.


    "You''re a quick learner," she praised.


    I beamed proudly. "Maybe I''ll become a language master!"


    "Maybe you will," she agreed. "The world could use more bridges between people."


    I tilted my head. "Bridges?"


    "Figuratively speaking," she clarified. "People who connect others, who help them understand one another."


    "Oh," I nodded. "That sounds important."


    "It is," she said softly. "Never underestimate the power of understanding."


    I yawned suddenly, the day''s excitement catching up to me. She noticed and chuckled. "Perhaps we should call it a day."


    I rubbed my eyes. "But I''m not tired," I protested weakly.


    "Of course not," she teased. "But even future language masters need their rest."


    I relented, gathering up the papers. "Can we do more tomorrow?"


    "Absolutely," she promised. "We''ll make a scholar of you yet."


    As I stood up, a thought struck me. "Aunt Nora?"


    "Yes, Alexis?"


    "Thanks for teaching me," I said earnestly. "I think... I think it''s really cool."


    She smiled that warm, gentle smile that made everything feel right. "You''re very welcome. And thank you for being such an eager student."


    I shuffled my feet, suddenly shy. "Goodnight."


    "Goodnight, dear one," she replied, placing a soft kiss on my forehead.


    I headed towards the door, pausing to look back at her. She was tidying up the table, humming a soft tune. The firelight cast a golden halo around her, and for a moment, I felt a surge of affection and gratitude.


    "Sleep well," she called without turning around.


    "Maybe Exira isn''t the answer to everything," I mused quietly. "But it''s still pretty awesome."


    I climbed into bed, the sheets cool against my skin. Staring up at the ceiling, I felt a mix of excitement and contentment. Tomorrow held new lessons, new challenges, and I was ready to take them on.


    "Watch out, world," I whispered into the darkness. "Alexis Artoria Drakesier is coming."


    ¡°Muwhhaawa!¡±


    A soft breeze rustled the curtains, and I drifted off to sleep, dreams filled with symbols, adventures, and the endless possibilities that awaited.


    <hr>

 Chapter 024 - Cavemen talk using crude drawings

    <hr>


    As I pulled the diary from my bag, I caught the elf''s eyes narrowing. His gaze flickered from the bag to the armor I was wearing.


    Ah, crap, I thought. He''s putting two and two together. Slowly, I extended the photos toward him¨Cthe ones I''d found earlier. His Gaze sharpened as I saw he had put his guard up, his body was tense and he was probably readying himself.


    Need to defuse the situation¡­


    I placed the torch closer to him, its dim light casting flickering shadows across his face. He glanced at me momentarily, suspicion and pain etched into his features before his eyes dropped back to the photos. A soft, choked sob escaped his lips.


    The sound hit me harder than I''d expected, stirring an uncomfortable knot in my chest.


    Feeling like an intruder, I stood up and grabbed my water bottle. "I''ll... just go refill this," I mumbled, not that he''d understand me. He didn''t look up as I slipped out of the cavern, his focus entirely on the memories clutched in his trembling hands.


    Outside, the air was cooler, the distant drip of water echoing softly. I knelt by a small pool, letting the bottle fill slowly. "Well, that could''ve gone better," I muttered.


    Of course, he''s upset, you idiot. You''re decked out in his dead friend''s gear.


    I splashed some water on my face, the cold seeping into my skin. It helped clear my head a bit.


    The first chance he gets, he might try to gut me, I realized. Wouldn''t blame him, either that¡¯s what I would do.


    I looked at my reflection in the rippling water. The exhaustion was clear¨Cdark circles under my eyes, cuts, and bruises in various stages of healing.


    You look like hell, I thought grimly. Running a hand through my damp hair, I sighed. "Gotta fix this mess somehow."


    Standing up, I capped the bottle and lingered for a moment, staring into the darkness. Part of me wanted to just keep walking, and avoid the inevitable confrontation. But I knew that wasn''t an option.


    Coward''s way out isn''t gonna help anyone.


    I kicked a loose pebble into the pool, watching the ripples spread out and fade. "Alright, man up," I told myself. "Go back in there and try to make things right."


    The walk back felt shorter, my footsteps echoing softly. As I approached the cavern entrance, I took a deep breath, steeling myself. Just explain it to him... somehow.


    Re-entering the cave, I saw the elf still hunched over the photos. His shoulders trembled slightly. The sight made me hesitate.


    Damn it, this isn''t easy.


    I cleared my throat softly, announcing my presence. He glanced up, eyes red but alert. There was a hardness there now, a defensive glare that hadn''t been there before.


    I raised my hands slowly, palms open. "Look, I know you probably don''t understand me, but I need you to know I didn''t... I didn''t harm him."


    Great start, Alexis. Real smooth.


    He said something in his language¨Ca sharp, clipped phrase that I couldn''t hope to decipher. But the tone was clear enough: distrust, accusation.


    "Okay, okay," I murmured, nodding slowly. I pointed to the armor I was wearing, then to the photos in his hand. "Your friend," I said softly. Then I mimed sleep, pressing my hands together against my cheek and closing my eyes. After a moment, I shook my head slowly, trying to convey the finality.


    His eyes followed my gestures, a flicker of realization crossing his face. He looked back down at the photos, his jaw tightening.


    "I found him," I continued, pointing to myself, then miming walking and stumbling upon something. "He was already gone." I pressed a fist over my heart, hoping he''d understand the gesture of respect. "I''m sorry."


    He stared at me for a long moment, the tension in the air thick enough to cut with a knife. Finally, he looked away, his gaze distant. The anger seemed to ebb slightly, replaced by a profound sadness.


    I exhaled slowly. At least he doesn''t look like he''s about to attack me. I sat down a few feet away, giving him space but staying close enough to show I wasn''t afraid.A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    "I tried to... give him a proper send-off," I added quietly, not sure why I felt the need to keep talking.


    He glanced at me, then back at the photos. Gently, he traced a finger over one of the faces, a faint smile ghosting over his lips before fading.


    The silence stretched between us. I rubbed the back of my neck, searching for something¨Canything¨Cto say or do that might bridge the gap.


    An idea sparked. I rummaged through my bag and pulled out the diary again. Flipping to a blank page, using the pen, and laying the diary open on the ground between us, I drew a simple figure¨Ca stick man with spiky hair to represent me. Next to it, I drew another figure lying down, eyes closed.


    He watched me carefully, his eyes flicking between the drawing and my face.


    I pointed to myself, then to the stick figure standing. "Me." Then I pointed to the other figure. "Your friend."


    He nodded slowly, indicating he was following so far.


    I drew a small fire beside the lying figure, with lines to represent flames. Then I gestured widely, mimicking flames rising up.


    "Fire," I said, pointing to the drawing. "I... made sure he was at peace."


    His eyes narrowed slightly, processing the information. He said something else¨Cthis time softer, the edge gone from his voice.


    I shrugged apologetically. "I wish I understood you."


    He pointed to the drawing, then to the armor I was wearing. He raised an eyebrow, waiting.


    I nodded. "Yes, I... took these from him." I patted the armor lightly, then pointed to myself and made a walking gesture. "I needed protection to survive down here." as I showed him the state of myself and the armor.


    He seemed to consider this, his gaze thoughtful. After a moment, he reached out and tapped the drawing of the fire, then placed his hand over his heart and bowed his head slightly as he spoke.


    ????? ???


    I took that as a sign of gratitude¨Cor at least acceptance. "You''re welcome," I said softly.


    We sat there in silence for a while, the tension easing little by little. I offered him some of the dried meat from my pack and this time he accepted without hesitation.


    As he ate, I couldn''t help but feel a small spark of hope. Maybe we can make this work after all.


    After some time, the elf seemed to have calmed down. He glanced over at me, his eyes clearer now, and gestured toward the diary lying beside me.


    I picked it up and handed it to him along with the pen. He motioned for me to sit next to him.


    I hesitated for a moment, then slowly moved to sit beside him, keeping Exira channeling internally at level 0, just enough to stay alert without straining myself.


    The elf opened the diary to a blank page and began writing something. When he finished, he turned the book toward me.


    Strange symbols sprawled across the page¨Can elegant, flowing script that meant absolutely nothing to me. I squinted at it, shaking my head.


    "Sorry, I can''t read this," I said instinctively, then mentally kicked myself.


    Idiot, he doesn''t understand you.


    He sighed, a hint of frustration flashing in his emerald eyes. A light cough escaped him, and he wiped a speck of blood from the corner of his mouth. Without missing a beat, he flipped to another blank page and began drawing instead.


    He sketched five stick figures standing before what looked like a cave entrance. Then he crossed out two of the figures, drawing crude monsters next to them¨Cjagged teeth and claws. I watched as he illustrated a fight, the two figures falling to the creatures.


    "Your party?" I mumbled, piecing it together. Realizing I''d spoken aloud, I snapped my mouth shut.


    Smooth, Alexis. Real smooth.


    He glanced at me but continued drawing. This time, he showed the remaining three stick figures splitting off into different passages, scratching lines through certain entry points. He coughed again, harder this time, a small fleck of blood staining the page. He wiped it away with the back of his hand, undeterred.


    I studied the drawings, trying to make sense of them. "So you got separated," I thought aloud. "And the entrance...?"


    He drew rocks blocking the cave entrance, emphasizing it with heavy strokes. Then he looked at me, his expression somber.


    "Blocked off," I murmured. "Figures."


    He wasn''t done yet. The elf drew a mountain with waves at its base, then added circles deep beneath the waves, pointing to our current location. I stared at the drawing, my brain working overtime.


    "Wait... are we underwater?" I blurted out, forgetting for a moment that he couldn''t understand me.


    He looked at me, eyes meeting mine, and nodded slowly.


    "Well, shit," I whispered, running a hand through my hair. "Trapped under the damn ocean."


    He tapped the drawing again, then pointed upwards, mimicking a climbing motion with his hand.


    I nodded. "So there''s a way up through the mountain?" I asked, half-hoping he''d miraculously understand.


    He seemed to catch my meaning, giving a slight nod.


    I let out a heavy sigh. "Great. Just when I thought this couldn''t get any worse."


    He watched me carefully, perhaps sensing my frustration. I glanced at him, noting the exhaustion etched into his features.


    "Alright," I said, nodding more to myself than to him. "Guess we''re in this together."


    He offered a faint smile, the corners of his mouth lifting ever so slightly.


    I pointed to the diary, then to the map he''d drawn. "This helps. Thanks."


    He inclined his head, acknowledging the gesture.


    An awkward silence settled between us. I fiddled with the edge of my sleeve, the fabric rough against my fingertips. "So, uh, what''s your name?" I asked out of habit, then chuckled softly at my own stupidity. "Right. Language barrier."


    He tilted his head, curious.


    I pointed to myself. "Alexis," I said slowly. "Al-ex-is."


    Understanding flashed in his eyes. He pointed to me. "Alexis," he repeated, his accent giving the name a melodic lilt.


    I smiled. "Yeah."


    He touched his chest, about to speak, but a rough cough cut him off. I waited as he caught his breath.


    He tried again. "El''Serith," he said softly.


    "el-ser-ITH," I echoed. "El''Seriith, It¡¯s nice to meet you, really"


    <hr>

 Chapter 025 - Crude information

    <hr>


    The elf suddenly broke into a violent coughing fit, his body shaking uncontrollably. "Hey, easy there," I said instinctively, moving to his side. I rubbed his back gently, grabbing the water bottle and bringing it to his lips. "Drink up," I urged, tilting it carefully so he wouldn''t choke.


    He took a few shaky sips, the coughing gradually subsiding into ragged breaths. As he leaned back against the cold cave wall, catching his breath, I noticed something that made my stomach twist¨Ca web of faint black veins creeping up the side of his neck, pulsing ominously under his pale skin.


    "What the hell is that?" I muttered under my breath.


    I reached out and pointed at his neck. "Are you... okay?" I asked, forgetting for a moment that he couldn''t understand me. His eyes followed my finger, and upon realizing what I was indicating, a shadow crossed his face.


    He offered a faint, weary smile and shook his head, dismissing my concern.


    Before I could press further, he picked up the journal lying between us, clearly avoiding the topic. Flipping to a blank page, he began to draw.


    I watched as he sketched a simple stick figure lying flat, then drew a bold X over it. The message was grim and unmistakable.


    I sighed, a knot tightening in my chest. "So it''s like that, huh?" I whispered. The weight of the situation settled heavily between us.


    He glanced at me briefly before turning to a fresh page. This time, he drew a more detailed humanoid figure. Beside it, he sketched a small circle, shading it thoroughly. Finishing, he looked up at me expectantly, tapping the shaded circle.


    I frowned, scratching the back of my head. "I don''t get it," I admitted. "What are you trying to tell me?"


    For a few minutes he frowned and then he seemed to realize my confusion. A look of determination flashed in his eyes as he flipped to another page.


    He drew five dots around the humanoid figure, then pointed emphatically at the shaded circle again. His gaze locked onto mine, urging me to understand.


    "Five... points?" I murmured, trying to piece it together. "What does that even¡ª"


    Before I could finish, he lifted his hand. Flames burst to life in his palm, red-hot and blazing. "Whoa!" I exclaimed, instinctively shielding my face. The heat washed over me, irritating my already sensitive skin.


    "That was surprising," I muttered, peering through squinted eyes. Despite the discomfort, I focused, letting Exira enhance my perception. There it was¨Can unfamiliar energy radiating from within him, manifesting as the fire dancing in his hand.


    Just as quickly as it appeared, the flame flickered out. The elf doubled over, coughing violently, a spray of blood staining his pale lips.


    "Damn it," I cursed, moving to support him. "You''re pushing yourself too hard."


    He waved me off weakly, his breathing ragged. We waited in tense silence until his coughing subsided. Sweat beaded on his forehead, but a resolute expression remained.


    "You''re one stubborn son of a..." I bit back the rest of the sentence, exhaling sharply.


    After a few moments, he returned to the drawing. He sketched a flame beside the humanoid figure, drawing a line from the flame to the figure''s head. He tapped the drawing, then pointed to his own temple.


    "Fire... mind?" I guessed aloud. "Your power comes from your mind?"


    He nodded slightly, though I couldn''t tell if he truly understood me or was just hopeful I''d catch on.


    Without missing a beat, he circled another area on the figure¨Cthis time around the chest or perhaps the core. Clenching his fist tightly, he gritted his teeth and gestured for me to pay attention.


    "Alright, show me what you''ve got," I said, leaning in.


    A subtle shift occurred. This time, the energy emanated differently¨Cless concentrated, more dispersed. Through Exira, I observed the flow originating from deep within him, spreading outward and concentrating in his clenched fist. It was similar to before, yet fundamentally different.


    Understanding hit me like a bolt. "Wait a second," I murmured. "You''re showing me two types of... energy? One from the mind, one from the body?"


    He watched my face intently, searching for any sign of comprehension.


    I pointed to the flame he''d drawn connected to the head. "Mind," I said slowly. Then I pointed to his clenched fist and the circled area on the figure. "Body."


    A spark lit in his eyes. He nodded vigorously, a relieved smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.


    "Finally, making some progress," I said with a small grin. "So you''re trying to tell me about your... pathways of power?"The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.


    He tapped the five dots he''d drawn earlier around the humanoid figure,


    He tapped his chin thoughtfully, then pointed to the five dots around the humanoid, ¡°So you have 2 of those 5 points of power¡± As I used my fingers to gesture the numbers.


    He shook his head as he drew again.


    Seeing the confusion still plastered on my face, El let out a low grunt to grab my attention. He circled the next point on the humanoid figure he''d drawn, tapping it insistently. Then he pointed directly at his eyes, widening them dramatically before glancing around the cave.


    I squinted, trying to piece it together. "Eyes? Sight?" I mumbled. "Wait, you''re saying this point affects vision?"


    He nodded eagerly, a hint of relief crossing his tired features.


    "Alright, so mind powers, physical strength, and now... enhanced vision?" I muttered, more to myself than to him. "That''s pretty damn handy."


    El offered a faint smile, seeming satisfied that I was starting to catch on. He then circled the remaining three points on the drawing and shook his head slowly, his expression turning somber. It was clear he hadn''t unlocked those abilities yet¨Cor maybe he couldn''t.


    Before I could ask¨Cor rather, gesture¨Canything else, a harsh wheeze escaped him. El doubled over, a violent coughing fit wracking his body. "Hey, easy there!" I exclaimed, moving closer. I placed a steadying hand on his back, feeling the tremors coursing through him.


    As he lowered his hand, a fit of wheezing and coughing overtook him. "Hey, easy there," I said, moving closer to support him. He hunched over, each cough wracking his frail body. I grabbed the water bottle and held it out. "Here, drink."


    He took a few sips, the coughing gradually subsiding. It was obvious that this little presentation had taken a toll on him. The dark veins creeping up his neck seemed more pronounced now, a grim reminder that time wasn''t on his side.


    I watched him carefully, a knot forming in my stomach.


    Damn it, he''s worse off than I thought. The urge to ask him a million questions burned inside me, but I held back. Communication was still a barrier, and I didn''t want to overwhelm him.


    We sat in silence for a moment, the only sounds our ragged breaths echoing softly in the cavern. I glanced down at the sketches spread out before us, my mind racing.


    Five points... but only two unlocked? And the others are still out of reach for him or there are some requirements to unlock them??


    Ahh so much I don''t know¡­wait¡­


    An idea sparked. I picked up the pen and drew a new human figure, marking five points just like before. Then, I added a sixth point, looking up at El questioningly. "Only five points?" I asked, pointing to the extra one I''d added.


    He shook his head firmly, lifting his hand with fingers spread wide¨Cemphasizing the number five. The gesture was forceful, leaving no room for doubt.


    "Alright, got it. Just five," I muttered, scratching out the extra point. "But how do you get them?"


    I circled the five points on the drawing, then looked at him expectantly. He seemed to consider my question, his eyes narrowing in thought.


    After a moment, he nodded, understanding dawning on his face. Taking the journal from me, he began to draw again. This time, he sketched a series of skulls and a stick figure wielding a sword. One by one, he crossed out the skulls as the figure appeared to defeat them.


    He paused, then randomly circled one of the skulls, shading it heavily until it seemed to glow on the page. He drew a line from the glowing skull to one of the points on the human figure.


    "Wait," I whispered, leaning in closer. "You get these points from... killing monsters?"


    He looked at me, then continued drawing. This time, he illustrated a much larger skull surrounded by what looked like flames or some kind of aura.


    "A boss?" I guessed. "An elite monster?"


    He nodded emphatically, tapping the drawing for emphasis.


    "Fantastic," I sighed. "So I have to take down big, ugly bastards to unlock these powers."


    El wasn''t done yet. He drew waves representing water and placed a point deep below them. Next, he sketched a mountain with flames and marked another point within it. Lastly, he drew an area with lightning striking down, adding a point there as well.


    He handed me the journal, watching as I examined the new drawings.


    "Locations," I murmured. "Specific places tied to these points."


    I traced my finger over the images¨Ca deep sea location, a fiery mountain, and a stormy area struck by lightning. The pattern was clear.


    "So it''s not just killing monsters," I said thoughtfully. "It''s also about going to these places."


    El nodded, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.


    I looked back at him, a mix of excitement and dread swirling in my gut. "You''re telling me that to unlock these powers, I need to face off against elite monsters and venture into godforsaken places?"


    He didn''t need to understand my words; the expression on my face said it all. He simply gave a solemn nod.


    "Great," I muttered sarcastically. "Because my life''s not complicated enough already."


    Despite my sarcasm, a spark of determination ignited within me. This was a path¨Ca dangerous, possibly suicidal path¨Cbut a path nonetheless.


    I glanced over at El. "Thanks for sharing this," I said quietly. "I appreciate it."


    He met my gaze, his emerald eyes reflecting a depth of understanding. For a moment, the language barrier didn''t seem so insurmountable.


    I took a deep breath, steeling myself. "Looks like we''ve both got our work cut out for us."


    He chuckled softly, though it quickly turned into another bout of coughing. I reached out to steady him, concerned, tightening my chest. "Easy, don''t push yourself."


    He waved off my worry, but I could see the strain wearing on him. The black veins on his neck seemed more pronounced now, a grim reminder that time wasn''t on our side.


    "Listen," I said firmly. "We need to find you help. Medicine, a healer¨Csomething."


    He looked at me with a resigned expression, then pointed back to the stick figure he''d crossed out earlier.


    "Don''t give me that," I snapped, surprising myself with the intensity. "I''m not about to watch you keel over without a fight."


    He offered a sad smile, placing a hand over his heart. "Thank you," he whispered in his own tongue, the meaning clear even if the words weren''t.


    I clenched my fists, frustration bubbling up. "Damn it, there''s got to be something we can do."


    Sighing and shaking his head El took the diary as he drew again with shaky hands.


    <hr>

 Chapter 026 - Ways to power

    <hr>


    I nodded, trying to show El that I was keeping up. He drew a stick figure on the page, shading a circle near it¨Canother power point, I assumed.


    Then he sketched arrows from the circle pointing toward the stick figure, miming an absorbing motion with his hands.


    "Wait, so... you absorb these points?" I blurted out before catching myself. Damn, he can''t understand me.


    El noticed my confusion. He nodded thoughtfully, then took the page back. He drew two human figures side by side¡ªone bold and solid, the other outlined with dotted lines. Pointing to the bold figure, he gestured between himself and me. Then he closed his eyes and pointed to the dotted figure.


    I furrowed my brow. "Invisible? Or... inside?" I mumbled.


    Is he talking about an inner self or one''s physical self and the other is something that represents???


    El watched me, eyes searching mine for any sign of understanding. I glanced back at the drawings¨Cthe solid figure must represent our physical bodies, like his enhanced strength and vision. The dotted one... could it symbolize something non-physical? The mind or spirit? The source of his flame ability?


    A light went on in my head. "So, the bold figure is physical powers, and the dotted one is mental or spiritual powers?" I asked, half hoping he''d magically understand me.


    He gave a small smile, nodding as if to encourage my line of thought.


    "Alright," I said, nodding back. "I think I''m getting it."


    He gestured for me to let him continue. I handed the journal back, and he looked at me intently, as if gauging whether I was ready for the next part.


    El pointed to one of the power points he''d drawn in front of the two figures. He mimed the flame again, indicating that this particular point was associated with fire or perhaps the mind.


    I nodded slowly. "So each point corresponds to a different ability or element," I murmured. "And we can acquire them by... absorbing these power points into either our physical or mental selves?"


    He seemed to sense my growing understanding and nodded more firmly this time.


    "That''s... actually pretty damn cool," I admitted, a hint of excitement creeping into my voice.


    He offered a faint smile, the weariness in his eyes momentarily replaced with a spark of hope.


    "So, these points¨Csome enhance physical abilities like strength and vision by granting aspects or traits like elementals or night vision and stuff¡­" I pointed to the bold figure, "and others enhance mental or elemental abilities, like your fire." I tapped the dotted figure.


    El nodded again, his expression indicating that I was on the right track.


    "Alright, got it," I said, feeling a surge of determination. "Let''s see where this goes."


    He looked relieved as if a significant barrier between us had just been bridged.


    El began by meticulously dividing the bold figure¡ªthe representation of the physical body¡ªinto distinct sections. He circled both legs, connecting them with a dotted line, and placed a single mark beside them.


    I leaned in closer. "So both legs count as one slot?" I muttered under my breath. He glanced up at me and gave a subtle nod.


    "Alright, got it," I thought.


    He moved on to circle the stomach area, adding a double line next to it. Then he marked the heart, followed by the neck or throat. Next, he drew circles over both arms, pairing them together, and then circled the mouth, nose, and a pair over the eyes. Finally, he shaded the entire body and added a number beside it.


    I counted silently. "A lot of spots huh..," I realized.


    But confusion crept in. "What the hell does all this mean?" I wondered, scratching my head. El noticed my bewilderment. He pointed to the bloodstains on the floor from his earlier coughing fits.


    "Blood?" I whispered. Then it clicked. "These points correspond to vital parts of the physical body."


    "Ten physical points," I repeated, nodding slowly. "But why are they important?"Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.


    Before I could ask, El shifted gears. He circled the flame he''d drawn earlier and lit a small fire in his hand. The sudden burst of light made me blink. Then, he crossed out several parts on the physical body diagram: the entire body, the blood, nose, and mouth, and he lightly crossed the eyes and heart.


    I frowned. "Why is he crossing those out?" I muttered. My confusion must have been obvious.


    He looked at me, then reignited the flame in his hand. Holding it steadily, he showed me his palm¡ªcompletely unburned. He gestured toward the physical body drawing and then sketched flames surrounding the entire figure.


    "Wait a minute," I said, gears turning in my head. "You''re showing me that the flame doesn''t harm you physically."


    He pointed to the crossed-out parts again and then to his hand, emphasizing that it wasn''t burned.


    Realization dawned on me. "Oh, I get it now! The power point grants new traits or aspects to the user, but it would be stupid to assign something like fire¡ªwhich naturally burns¡ªto certain physical parts of the body."


    He gave a slight nod, a hint of a smile on his lips.


    "So assigning fire to, say, the blood or the heart could be disastrous," I mused. "But if it''s properly integrated, it enhances without harming."


    El tapped the shaded circle over the entire body and then gestured around himself as if enveloped by an invisible aura.


    "An aura?" I guessed. "A protective layer?"


    He nodded, confirming my suspicion.


    "This is wild," I muttered. "So the flame power can be used to create a protective aura around the body, but you have to be careful where you channel it."


    He pointed back to the diagram, specifically at the eyes and heart, which he''d lightly crossed out earlier.


    "Assigning fire to the eyes or heart is risky," I said aloud. "But maybe not entirely off-limits if done carefully?"


    He gave a so-so gesture with his hand.


    "Alright, noted," I said. "Proceed with caution."


    I looked back at the ten physical points he''d marked. "So these are potential slots where powers can be applied," I thought. "But compatibility matters."


    El began drawing symbols next to each point¡ªsome I recognized as elemental signs, others were unfamiliar. He pointed to the arms and drew a symbol resembling strength, then to the legs and sketched speed lines.


    "So powers like enhanced strength and speed can be assigned to these parts," I concluded.


    He nodded, then pointed to the eyes and drew a small lightning bolt.


    "Vision enhancements," I said. "Maybe even lightning-based abilities."


    He smiled, clearly pleased that I was following along.


    "But how do you know which powers are safe to assign to each point?" I asked, more to myself than to him.


    He tapped his temple, indicating thought or knowledge. Then he pointed to himself and then to me.


    "Experience?" I guessed. "Or maybe intuition?"


    He shrugged, then drew a question mark beside the symbols.


    "Trial and error," I muttered. "Fantastic."


    El suddenly coughed, a harsh, grating sound that echoed in the cavern. Concerned, I reached out. "Hey, you alright?"


    He waved me off, but the strain was evident on his face.


    "Maybe we should take a break," I suggested.


    He shook his head firmly, pointing back to the diagram.


    "Stubborn, aren''t you?" I said with a smirk.


    He chuckled weakly, then pointed to the non-physical figure he''d drawn earlier¨Cthe one outlined with dotted lines. He circled it and then drew symbols around it: a flame, a wavy line that might represent water and a swirl for wind.


    "Elemental powers," I realized. "Assigned to the non-physical aspects."


    He nodded, then pointed back to the physical body and drew a barrier between the two figures.


    "A separation between physical and non-physical powers," I mused. "They operate differently."


    He pointed to the flame in his hand, then to the non-physical figure, emphasizing the connection.


    "Your fire ability comes from your non-physical power points," I said. "Whereas your strength enhancements come from the physical ones."


    Another nod.


    He gestured for me to look back at the diagram, then pointed to the crossed-out parts again.


    "Assigning incompatible powers to the wrong points can harm you," I said. "Or even be fatal."


    He tapped the crossed-out heart symbol, then mimed a heart stopping.


    "Death," I whispered. "Got it."


    A heavy silence settled between us. The weight of this new information pressed down on me.


    "Thanks for the warning," I said softly. "I''ll be careful."


    He offered a weak smile, then leaned back, clearly exhausted.


    I glanced around the cavern. "We should rest," I suggested. "You''ve pushed yourself enough."


    He didn''t protest this time, closing his eyes briefly.


    I sat beside him, lost in thought. "This whole system of powers is more complex than I imagined," I pondered. "But if I can navigate it properly, it could be a game-changer."


    I looked over at El. "You''ve risked a lot to teach me this," I said quietly. "I won''t let it go to waste."


    He opened his eyes slightly, meeting my gaze. There was a depth of understanding there, a silent acknowledgment.


    "Get some sleep," I told him. "We''ll figure out our next move when you''re feeling better."


    He nodded faintly, settling into a more comfortable position.


    I leaned back against the cold stone wall, staring up at the faint glow of the moss above. "So much for a simple survival mission," I thought wryly. "Now I''m knee-deep in mystical power dynamics."


    A sardonic grin spread across my face. "Just another day in the life, huh?"


    <hr>

 Chapter 027 - The way to escape

    <hr>


    Sighing, I rested my back against the cold, damp wall, my eyes tracing over the sketches El had painstakingly drawn. "Hmm, the power system of these elves," I muttered. "Even with just the bare basics, it could be potentially useful for me."


    My gaze settled on one particular drawing¡ªEl''s depiction of killing boss-type monsters to obtain these mysterious power points or essences. The thought struck me: that massive acid-spewing elite monster I fought earlier might have had one of these essences.


    "Damn," I whispered under my breath. "Might''ve missed out on something big there."


    There''s no saying that monsters can''t tap into this power system. After all, they''re a race too¨Cjust lacking sentient intelligence. "Maybe they''re instinctively drawn to these essences," I mused. "Or perhaps the essences influence their evolution."


    On that thought, I realized El wasn''t surprised that I was human. He was more cautious about a stranger wearing his friend''s gear. "That must mean they''re used to seeing humans," I thought aloud. "And the fact I had no knowledge of the elf power system was normal to him."


    Maybe humans and elves interacted regularly, or at least knew of each other''s existence.


    "Haa," I sighed, rubbing my temples. "I guess with time, and as more of my memories return, I''ll understand the situation more."


    Looking back at the drawings, I noticed there were two main aspects to this whole ''slotting of powers'' concept: Physical and Soul¡ªor Ethereal. The physical slots seemed to drastically change the genetic structure of the body depending on the ''slotted essence of power.'' "Hmm, essence has a nice ring to it," I thought. "Let''s call these things essences."


    The soul or mind aspect was more mysterious, sounding like it was geared towards magic and mysticism. "Figures," I muttered. "Physical enhancements and mystical abilities¡ªtwo sides of the same coin."


    I frowned, deep in thought. "I''ve killed plenty of normal monsters, yet none of them had essences." So either these essences are rare drops, or there''s a specific criterion a monster must meet to qualify. "Probably an elite or a boss would satisfy these needs," I concluded. "Great, more slaughter."


    The idea of hunting down more of those grotesque creatures didn''t exactly thrill me. But if that''s what it took to gain strength and survive, then so be it. "Survival of the fittest," I whispered. "Or maybe just the most desperate."


    I glanced over at El, who was resting peacefully. "He wasn''t shocked to see a human down here," I reflected. "Maybe humans venturing into these caves isn''t uncommon." That could mean there were settlements at worst and a city nearby at best or groups nearby¨Cpossibly even a way out of this underground maze.


    "Still," I thought, "the fact that he didn''t expect me to know about their power system suggests that it''s unique to elves¡ªor at least not commonly shared with humans." That made me wonder: would it even be possible for me to harness these essences? Or was I chasing a dead end?


    "Only one way to find out," I told myself. "But first, I need to recover and plan my next move."


    I shifted uncomfortably, the cold seeping into my bones. The burns from earlier still stung like hell, and my muscles ached from overexertion. "Can''t keep going like this," I admitted. "Need to find a safer place to rest¨Cor better yet, a way out of this damn cave."


    But the thought of those essences kept nagging at me. If I could obtain them, maybe I could accelerate my healing, enhance my abilities, or even unlock new powers. The possibilities were tantalizing.


    "Wait," a realization struck me. "If that acid monster had an essence and I didn''t even check..." I clenched my fists in frustration. "Damn it!"


    I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself. "No point in beating myself up over it now," I reasoned. "Next time, I''ll be better prepared."


    I looked back at the sketches, focusing on the section about slotting essences into the physical and ethereal parts of the body. The physical aspect seemed to alter the body at a genetic level. "That explains the drastic changes," I thought. "Probably why El is so damn strong."


    The soul or mind aspect, on the other hand, was more elusive. "Sounds like magic or some mystical crap," I mused. "Not exactly my area of expertise."


    I chuckled dryly. "Then again, waking up in an underground cave with no memories wasn''t on my to-do list either."


    I rubbed my eyes, fatigue beginning to take its toll. "I need to rest," I admitted. "But I can''t afford to let my guard down."


    My stomach growled softly, reminding me that I hadn''t eaten in a while. Digging into my pack, I pulled out a piece of dried meat. "Not exactly gourmet, but it''ll do."


    As I chewed, my thoughts drifted back to El. "He didn''t freak out when he saw me," I recalled. "Just wary because I had his friend''s gear." That likely meant humans and elves coexisted to some extent.


    "Maybe when I get out of here, I''ll find some answers," I hoped. "Assuming I don''t get myself killed first."


    I sighed, leaning my head back against the wall. "So, more elite monsters to hunt," I muttered. "More risks, more chances to die horribly," I smirked. "Just my luck."Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.


    But deep down, a part of me was excited at the prospect. The chance to grow stronger, to unlock new abilities¡ªit was tempting.


    "Guess I''m a glutton for punishment," I chuckled.


    I glanced over at El once more. "I wonder if he can be saved," I thought. The black veins creeping up his neck were a bad sign. "Maybe one of these essences could help him."


    But that was a problem for another time. Right now, I need to focus on surviving and figuring out my next steps.


    "One thing at a time," I reminded myself. "First, get out of this hellhole. Then, worry about power-ups and saving the world."


    I closed my eyes, letting the ambient sounds of the cave wash over me¡ªthe distant dripping of water, the faint rustle of unseen creatures. It was oddly soothing.


    "At least I''m not alone anymore," I thought. "Even if communication is a challenge."


    A small smile tugged at my lips. "Who would''ve thought I''d be teaming up with an elf?"


    I felt a flicker of determination ignite within me. "Alright, Alexis," I told myself. "Time to get your act together."


    Opening my eyes, I stared into the darkness ahead. The path was uncertain, fraught with danger and the unknown.


    "But hey," I whispered. "When has that ever stopped me?"


    With a final sigh, I settled into a more comfortable position, preparing to catch whatever rest I could.


    "Cough. Cough. Cough."


    El''s sudden, harsh coughing fit snapped me out of my thoughts. I looked over to see him doubled over, blood speckling the ground beneath him. "Damn it," I muttered, scrambling to his side. "Hey, take it easy." I placed a hand on his back, feeling the tremors wracking his frail frame.


    He continued to cough violently, crimson staining his pale lips. Panic surged through me. "Hold on," I said, grabbing the water bottle. I lifted it to his mouth. "Drink," I urged softly.


    He took a few shaky sips, his breathing ragged and uneven. I gently patted his back, hoping to ease his discomfort. As he began to calm down, I noticed the black veins creeping up his neck were now spreading across his face. His skin had turned a sickly shade of purple, making him look like death warmed over.


    "What the hell is happening to you?" I blurted out, then clenched my jaw in frustration. He can''t understand you, idiot.


    El took a deep, shuddering breath and reached for the paper and pen. "Whoa, maybe you should rest," I said, placing a hand on his arm. He shook his head stubbornly, determination flashing in his eyes. Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth, but he ignored it, focusing entirely on the frantic strokes of his pen.


    I watched as he drew a large circle, shading a massive diamond shape inside it to make it stand out. The way he emphasized it made me think it was glowing or important somehow. Then he sketched an enormous skull beside the circle, adding countless smaller skulls within the larger one. My stomach twisted. This can''t be good.


    He wasn''t finished. On one edge of the circle, he drew wavy lines¡ªwater, perhaps¡ªwith an arrow pointing upward. He grasped my hand suddenly, his grip surprisingly strong despite his weakened state, and pointed emphatically at the shaded diamond inside the circle.


    "Wait, what does this mean?" I asked, scanning the drawing. "Is this a place? An object?" I looked back at him, but his eyes were filled with urgency, not answers.


    He coughed again, more blood speckling the page. The sight of it sent a cold dread creeping up my spine. "Easy there," I murmured, handing him the water bottle once more. He took it with trembling hands, but his focus never left the drawing.


    "Are you trying to tell me to go here?" I pointed to the circle with the diamond.


    He nodded weakly, then tapped the massive skull and the smaller ones inside it.


    "Great," I muttered. "So it''s crawling with whatever nightmares those represent." I racked my brain, trying to piece it together. "Is this... a place filled with monsters? And you want me to go there?"


    He pointed again to the arrow by the water lines, then gestured upward.


    "An exit? Up through the water?" I guessed. "Is that our way out?"


    He gave a slight nod, his eyes pleading.


    "So you''re saying that beyond this horde of horrors, there''s a way to the surface?" I asked incredulously. "And you think we can get there?"


    He didn''t respond verbally, but the look on his face said it all. Time was running out.


    "Why the hell would we risk that?" I snapped, then immediately regretted it. "Sorry," I sighed. "I just... I don''t know if we can make it."


    He clutched my hand tighter, his skin cold and clammy. He pointed once more to the glowing diamond shape, then to himself, and finally to me.


    "You need me to get something there," I realized. "Something that can help you."


    He shook his head, then broke into another fit of coughing, this time more violent. Black veins pulsed visibly under his skin, and his complexion turned an alarming shade of purple.


    "Hold on, damn it!" I exclaimed, feeling utterly helpless. I supported him as he doubled over, blood dripping onto the cavern floor. "There''s got to be something I can do."


    He attempted a weak smile, but it quickly turned into another grimace of pain. He started to draw again, his movements frantic and less coordinated. His hand shook so badly that the lines came out jagged. He sketched a mask over the skull, then pointed to me.


    "Me?" I asked, pointing to myself.


    He nodded, then pointed to the mask and back to the drawing.


    "You want me to wear a mask? For protection?" I guessed.


    He coughed violently, unable to answer. His condition was deteriorating fast.


    "Shit," I muttered under my breath. "We don''t have time for charades."


    I grabbed the paper, trying to make sense of his scrawls. "Big scary place filled with monsters, something valuable in the center, water leading up¡ªprobably our exit¡ªand you want me to go fetch this thing to help you."


    He started coughing again, more forcefully this time. Blood spewed from his mouth, and he clutched his chest as if in immense pain.


    "El!" I shouted, panic rising in my chest. "Hold on!"


    He collapsed onto his side, his body wracked with spasms. I knelt beside him, lifting his head gently. "Stay with me, damn it!"


    His eyes flickered, the black veins now spreading across his face like a dark web. He gasped for air, each breath a tortured effort.


    "Think Alexis, think," I berated myself. "There has to be something I can do." But I knew deep down that I was out of options.


    He grasped my sleeve weakly, his eyes locking onto mine one last time. He mouthed something inaudible, his lips barely moving.


    He started violently coughing again, the sound echoing ominously in the hollow cavern.


    <hr>

 Chapter 028- Farewell El

    <hr>


    I helped El sip some water, my hand gently rubbing circles on his back as he struggled to catch his breath. I focused my Exira, letting it flow subtly to create a calming atmosphere around us. Slowly, his coughing subsided, but the sight that met my eyes made my stomach churn.


    The black veins had spread further, weaving an ominous spider web across his skin. When I touched his arm, it felt like ice¨Chis temperature had plummeted.


    "You''re freezing," I muttered, concern tightening my chest. I glanced at his face; the sickly purple hue had deepened, making him look like a shadow of himself.


    "This isn''t good."


    "Is there any way to help you?" I asked, even though I knew he couldn''t understand my words. The desperation in my voice was unmistakable.


    El coughed lightly, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. He slowly shook his head, eyes calm and resigned. Taking the diary from my hands, he began to write. Each stroke of the pen seemed to sap more of his dwindling energy.


    I watched him write for what felt like an eternity. The silence between us was filled only by the scratching of pen on paper and the distant drip of water echoing through the cavern.


    A lump formed in my throat.


    "He''s writing his final note," I realized, the thought hitting me like a punch to the gut. I could see his life force fading; Exira showed me the already faint pulse of his life dimming at an alarming rate.


    "Haa," I sighed, turning my head away. I blinked rapidly, trying to stave off the tears threatening to spill.


    "Get a grip, Lexi," I scolded myself. "You''ve known him for a few hours."


    But damn if those hours hadn''t felt like lifelines in this hellish abyss. After days¨Cor weeks¨Cin this godforsaken cave, any form of contact was a godsend. I craved the warmth of companionship like a parched man craves water.


    "Am I really about to lose the only friend I''ve found down here?" The thought was unbearable. I clenched my fists, nails digging into my palms.


    "Not fair," I muttered under my breath. "This world is a twisted joke."


    A gentle touch on my shoulder snapped me out of my spiraling thoughts. I turned to see El looking at me, a surprised expression on his face.


    Then he smiled warmly, eyes soft despite the dark veins marring his skin.


    I felt a hot flush of embarrassment. "I''m not crying, man," I blurted defensively, hastily wiping at my eyes with the back of my hand.


    "Just got some damn dirt in my eyes, that''s all."


    He chuckled softly¨Ca raspy, strained sound but genuine nonetheless. His eyes held a knowing look, and I couldn''t help but crack a small smile in return.


    "Here you are, with both your foots in your grave, and you''re worried about me."


    He patted my shoulder lightly before returning his focus to the diary. I watched as he continued to write, each word seemingly heavier than the last. Part of me wanted to snatch the pen away, to tell him to rest, but I knew this was important to him.


    "Wish I could read what you''re writing," I thought, frustration gnawing at me. "Maybe it''s a way to help you. Maybe it''s your story."


    I sighed again, rubbing the bridge of my nose. "Dammit, language barriers suck."


    I glanced around the dimly lit cave. The glow from the bioluminescent moss cast eerie shadows on the walls, making the place feel even more otherworldly. "Never thought I''d miss fluorescent lights," I mused wryly.


    El finally set the pen down, his hands trembling slightly. He closed the diary and held it out to me, his eyes meeting mine with an intensity that sent a chill down my spine.


    "For me?" I asked, pointing to myself. He nodded slowly.


    I took the diary gingerly. "Thank you," I said softly. "I''ll keep it safe."


    He leaned back against the wall, exhaustion etched into every line of his face. The black veins pulsed faintly, a grim reminder of his deteriorating condition.


    I opened my mouth to speak but closed it again, realizing how useless words were right now. Instead, I reached out and squeezed his shoulder gently.


    He looked at me, a faint smile still lingering. There was a peace in his eyes that both comforted and unnerved me. "How can you be so calm?" I wondered..


    "Useless," I muttered, kicking a loose pebble across the cavern floor. It skittered and clattered, the sound echoing hollowly.


    El watched me quietly, his gaze steady. He reached out and grabbed my hand as I passed by, stopping me mid-stride.


    I looked down at him, meeting his eyes. "What?" I asked, my voice harsher than I intended.


    He simply squeezed my hand, his grip weak but reassuring. The gesture said more than words ever could.


    I swallowed hard, feeling the sting of tears again. "You''re telling me it''s okay," I realized. "That you''re at peace with this."


    "Well, I''m not," I snapped internally. But the fight drained out of me as quickly as it had flared up. I sank back down beside him, exhaling a shaky breath.


    "Sorry," I mumbled. "I just... I hate feeling helpless."


    He nodded slowly, his eyes understanding.


    "Guess we''re both in over our heads," I said, attempting a weak smile.


    He tilted his head slightly, a curious expression crossing his face.The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    "Not that you can understand me," I added with a rueful chuckle. "But talking helps, you know?"


    Silence settled between us, but it wasn''t uncomfortable. It was the quiet of shared burdens, of mutual acknowledgement of a situation neither of us could control.


    I leaned back against the wall, staring up at the jagged ceiling. "Funny," I thought.


    "In all the stories, the hero always finds a way. There''s always some last-minute save, some miracle cure."


    But this wasn''t a story. This was a harsh reality, and it sucked.


    "You''re a good man or elf, El," I said softly. "Glad I met you, even under these messed-up circumstances."


    I settled back, the diary clutched in my hands. "I''ll read it later," I promised silently. "Maybe it''ll help me make sense of all this."


    Time seemed to blur. Minutes felt like hours, and I found myself drifting in and out of restless thoughts.


    El reached out once more, his fingers brushing against my arm. I looked over, and he pointed weakly toward the tunnel ahead.


    "You want me to go," I stated.


    He nodded, the effort visibly taxing.


    "Not without you," I said firmly.


    He shook his head, a hint of frustration in his eyes.


    "Stubborn elf," I grumbled. "You''re not getting rid of me that easily."


    He gave me a pointed look, then closed his eyes, clearly exhausted.


    I exhaled slowly. "Fine," I whispered. "We''ll rest for now."


    I leaned back against the cold stone wall, staring blankly at the scattered drawings and notes before me. El shifted beside me, his breathing shallow and ragged. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw him holding out the folded papers and photos¨Cthe ones I''d found on his fallen comrade.


    "You''re giving these back to me?" I asked softly, taking them from his trembling hands. His gaze was steady, eyes glistening with something I couldn''t quite place.


    Before I could say more, he grasped my hand, his touch cold as ice. Slowly, deliberately, he placed a ring into my palm¨Ca simple band etched with intricate designs that seemed to dance in the dim light.


    "What''s this for?" I muttered, confusion swirling in my mind. But El didn''t respond. Instead, he began muttering under his breath, strange words in a language I couldn''t understand.


    The ring in my hand started to glow, a soft light emanating from the engravings. My eyes widened. "Wait, what are you doing?"


    He coughed violently, a spatter of blood staining his lips. The black veins on his face pulsed and spread like dark tendrils. Panic shot through me.


    "Goddamn it, stop! You''re hurting yourself!"


    I moved to grab his shoulder, to shake him out of whatever he was doing, but he shook his head firmly, a warm smile playing on his lips. His eyes met mine, filled with a mix of determination and peace.


    He pointed to the blood splattered on the ground, then gestured to the ring in my hand.


    "You need my blood?" I asked. He gave a slight nod.


    Gritting my teeth, frustration boiling inside me, I pulled out my knife. "Dammit, fine. If this is what you want." I pressed the blade against my fingertip, a sharp sting as it sliced through skin. Blood welled up, dripping onto the glowing ring.


    "Buzz."


    A sizzling sound filled the air as the light from the ring intensified, then abruptly faded. The ring slipped from my grasp, landing softly on the ground. El reached out, closing my hand around it. His touch was weak, but his eyes held a serene relief.


    "What did you do?" I whispered, staring at him. "What the hell am I supposed to do with this?"


    He didn''t answer. Instead, he leaned back, his breathing slowing, eyes half-closed but still watching me.


    "El?" I said, a knot forming in my stomach. "Hey, stay with me."


    He smiled faintly, a hint of mischief in his gaze. It was like he found my confusion amusing.


    "You''re a real piece of work," I muttered, shaking my head. "Leaving me with more questions than answers."


    His hand slipped from mine, falling limply to his side. Panic surged. "No, damn it, don''t you dare." I pressed my fingers to his neck, searching desperately for a pulse. There¡ªa faint, unsteady beat.


    "Come on, man," I urged. "Don''t check out on me now."


    But he just looked at me, eyes filled with a peaceful resignation.


    "Why?" I demanded. "Why give me this?" I held up the ring, frustration, and helplessness crashing over me.


    He simply closed his eyes, his breathing shallow.


    "Fine," I snapped, shoving the ring into my pocket. "I''ll figure it out myself."


    Silence settled over us, heavy and suffocating. I sat there, anger and sorrow warring within me.


    "This isn''t fair," I whispered, clenching my fists. "First person I meet down here, and you''re..." I couldn''t finish the thought.


    I glanced down at him. His face, despite the dark veins and pallor, looked calm. At peace.


    "Thank you," I said softly, the words barely audible.


    I didn''t know what else to do. I felt useless, powerless. All the damn Exira in the world, and I couldn''t save him.


    But regrets wouldn''t change anything.


    I stood up, pacing restlessly. "I need to do something," I muttered. "Can''t just sit here."


    No response.


    I checked his pulse, pressing two fingers gently against the side of his neck. Nothing. Not even the faintest flutter. I took a deep breath, focusing my Exira to scan for any lingering traces of his life force.


    The void I felt confirmed what I already knew: he was gone.


    "Sigh."


    The sound escaped me, barely more than a whisper in the oppressive silence. I settled down next to him, the cold stone floor seeping through my clothes.


    The ring he''d given me still rested in my palm, surprisingly warm against my skin. I stared at it, a swirl of conflicting emotions churning inside me¨Cgrief, anger, confusion. Too many damn feelings at once.


    I gazed up at the dark ceiling, the jagged rocks casting twisted shadows. How long had it been since this nightmare began? Three days? Four? I couldn''t even recall anymore. Time had lost all meaning in this godforsaken place. Edward''s death flashed in my mind¨Cthe shock, the helplessness. Possibly everyone else was gone too. The horrifying conclusion settled like a weight on my chest.


    "Why can''t I access the ambient energy?" I muttered, frustration seeping into my voice. "Why is my heirloom pendant useless?" I clutched the pendant "Why, despite so many days, has no one from my house come?" The questions spilled out, each one stabbing deeper. "Why haven''t I met any other humans till now? Why..."


    "Why... Why... Why... Why... Why..." The word echoed eerily in the cavern, each repetition more strained, more desperate. It felt like the walls were closing in, the darkness pressing tighter.


    "Fuck!"


    The curse ripped from my throat, raw and unfiltered. I clenched the warm ring in my fist, the edges digging into my palm¡ªa sharp reminder of reality. "Pull it together, Alexis," I snarled at myself. "Losing it won''t help."


    I took a deep breath, forcing the chaos in my mind to settle. Whatever happens, happens. I''ve made it this far; I can keep going. I just need to focus on getting out of this shithole.


    Slipping the ring onto my right index finger, I felt a subtle warmth spread from it, coursing up my arm. "Alright," I whispered, channeling Exira through the ring. The energy flowed smoothly, more easily than before. A faint hum resonated, barely audible but vibrating through my very bones.


    My eyes grew cold, a steely determination hardening within me. "No more distractions," I told myself. "Time to find a way out."


    I stood up, casting one last glance at El''s still form. "I''ll make this right," I vowed quietly. "I won''t let your sacrifice be in vain."


    Turning away, I steeled myself against the surge of emotions threatening to overwhelm me. Grief could wait. Questions without answers could wait. Right now, survival was all that mattered.


    "Here''s to not dying today," I muttered sarcastically, At least humor was better than despair.


    <hr>

 Shattered Reflections VI : Crafting session

    <hr>


    I slumped against the cave wall, sweat dripping from my brow and mixing with the grime on my skin. My arms felt like lead, and my breaths came in ragged gasps. The fight had drained me ¨C not just physically, but mentally. I had no idea how my powers actually worked, and no clear path to prepare or progress. I was just reacting, stumbling forward with nothing but a knack for figuring things out on the fly. And I hated it.


    I hate not knowing.


    Clenching my fists, I forced myself to take a deep breath. Inhale¡­ exhale¡­ Slowly, I let the tension bleed out of me, the familiar rhythm of meditation calming my frayed nerves. As I sank deeper into myself, the sensation came again¡ªsubtle, like a whisper just out of earshot. A memory calling to me, faint but persistent.


    .


    .


    I rolled my eyes but couldn¡¯t help grinning. ¡°Alright, alright. First, we make the mold. That¡¯s the blueprint¨Cthe shape and form of whatever we¡¯re crafting.¡±


    ¡°Good, go on.¡± Aunt Nora nodded, her eyes glinting with approval.


    ¡°Then we move to the forging part, actually crafting the item into that desired shape. That¡¯s where it gets tricky depending on the material.¡±


    She leaned closer, mockingly serious. ¡°And after that?¡±


    I raised a brow, pausing for dramatic effect. ¡°Activating the material so it can be receptive to the enchantments. You coat it with an energy-conductive layer.¡±


    Aunt Nora chuckled. ¡°Not bad, keep going.¡±


    ¡°And finally, you lay down the enchantments we want on the artifact.¡± I gave her a look, half-relieved I¡¯d remembered everything.


    She gave me a small flick on the arm, smiling. ¡°Well done, Lexi. Looks like there¡¯s still some hope for you after all.¡±


    Aunt Nora tapped her chin thoughtfully, eyeing the materials we¡¯d gathered. ¡°So, Lexi, what exactly do you plan to use these artifacts for? What¡¯s the purpose behind them?¡± She glanced at me, her curiosity genuine.


    I leaned over the workbench, thinking for a moment before answering. ¡°I¡¯m aiming for something defense-based, like shields at their core, but with a little extra. I want them to have healing properties, maybe some mind-calming or relaxing enchantments too.¡± I shrugged, feeling a bit unsure. ¡°You know, something that could keep the people I care about safe and in good shape. They¡¯re workaholics and outright refuse any extravagant help¨Cone of the reasons the materials are only of decent quality.¡±


    Aunt Nora smiled, nodding approvingly. ¡°A thoughtful approach. Some people have their own pride, and their lives are entirely different from yours. Give them time, Lexi. Not like you accepting gifts from random strangers with criminal vibes.¡±


    I could feel my eye twitch. She is not going to let this go¡­


    ¡°Shields with healing and mental protection, huh? That¡¯s a nice combination. Sounds like you¡¯re looking out for them in more ways than one.¡±


    ¡°Exactly,¡± I replied. ¡°Edward and Alice¡­ they¡¯re going to need something like that. And Aunt Mel works too hard at her diner. I don¡¯t want to just protect them from physical harm, but also from, you know¡­ stress, mental strain.¡±


    ¡°Wise choice.¡± Aunt Nora¡¯s eyes twinkled with approval. ¡°Alright, so what shape are you thinking? A bracelet? A ring? What?¡±


    I glanced at the materials I¡¯d picked up earlier from the bazaar, recalling their qualities. ¡°I was actually thinking of making them into necklace-like pendants. Magical silk for the activation base ¨C it¡¯s got excellent energy conductivity, right?¡±


    She raised an eyebrow and quickly appraised the silk. ¡°Hmm, you¡¯re right. This stuff has good conductive properties. It¡¯ll serve nicely as a base for the activation layer. What about the metals?¡±


    I pointed to the pile. ¡°Mitir, Sallowstone, and Oretheon. They are all good conductors, and they¡¯re durable too. For the enchantments, I¡¯ll use two rubies and an emerald as the cores. They should bind everything together pretty well.¡±


    Aunt Nora¡¯s eyes lit up, impressed. ¡°Looks like you¡¯ve put some thought into this. Good choices all around. Let¡¯s get to work on that necklace pendant, then.¡±


    We got to work as the forge blazed to life, its intense heat filling the room until the air itself seemed to ripple and distort. The light from the molten flames cast dancing shadows across the walls, creating a warm, almost hypnotic atmosphere. Aunt Nora, ever the professional, handed me a sturdy pair of gloves, their thick leather worn with use. I slid them on and grabbed the pieces of Mitir, feeling the weight of the metal even through the gloves.


    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s get this right,¡± I muttered, placing the Mitir in the crucible and watching it slowly liquefy under the heat. The once-solid, silvery metal glistened as it began to melt, pooling at the bottom like quicksilver, every ripple of molten material mesmerizing to watch.


    ¡°Steady now, Lexi,¡± Aunt Nora¡¯s voice pulled me back to focus¡ªa calm but firm reminder. ¡°When you pour the metal into the mold, keep it even. You don¡¯t want uneven links, or else someone¡¯s gonna walk around with a lopsided necklace. That¡¯d be tragic.¡±Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.


    She shot me a teasing grin, but there was real craftsmanship behind her words.


    I smirked back, steadying my grip as I poured the shimmering liquid into the mold. Using EXIRA helped maintain tabs on things.


    The chain links began to take form as the Mitir flowed into place, the metallic surface gleaming under the flickering light of the forge. ¡°Can¡¯t have Alice walking around with a crooked piece of junk, right?¡±


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Aunt Nora chuckled, her voice rich with amusement. ¡°And poor Edward¡­ you know he¡¯d never hear the end of it if his sister¡¯s jewelry looked like something a toddler slapped together. No pressure though.¡±


    I laughed but focused on the task at hand. As the Mitir cooled, it hardened into solid chain links, each one smooth and flawless.


    The metal had a slight iridescent quality to it, catching the light and reflecting soft hues of blue and silver. Satisfied with the result, we moved on to the Sallowstone and Oretheon, both of which had slightly different textures and densities.


    We heated them carefully, melting them down to form the sockets that would eventually hold the rubies and emeralds¡ªthe heart of the enchantments.


    The Sallowstone in particular had a faint glow to it, even before being enchanted. Its natural energy resonated with something deep within me, as if it were alive, pulsing in rhythm with the forge¡¯s flames. Aunt Nora noticed it too and smiled knowingly. ¡°Always love working with Sallowstone,¡± she commented. ¡°Feels like it¡¯s got its own heartbeat, doesn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± I nodded, watching as the Oretheon and Sallowstone melded together in the socket mold. ¡°Almost makes me feel like we¡¯re forging something more than just an artifact. Like it¡¯s alive, or something.¡±


    ¡°Well,¡± Aunt Nora said thoughtfully, ¡°in a way, you¡¯re right. These materials have their own essence, their own life force. That¡¯s what makes them perfect for enchanting.¡±


    With the physical crafting finished, we moved on to processing the magical silk. It was delicate work. We ground the silk into a fine, shimmering powder, its pale strands catching the forge¡¯s light like dust caught in a sunbeam. I took my time coating the chain and socket with the powder, carefully layering it until both pieces shimmered with a subtle glow.


    ¡°This stuff is amazing,¡± I muttered, more to myself than to Aunt Nora.


    The silk clung to the metal in a way that seemed almost supernatural, fusing with it as if becoming one entity.


    ¡°You¡¯d think something like this light would just blow away, but it sticks like glue.¡±


    Aunt Nora gave a small, approving nod, inspecting the coated pieces with a practiced eye. ¡°That¡¯s the beauty of magical silk. Once processed, it¡¯s not just for show¡ªit¡¯s highly attuned to energy flow. Perfect for enchantments. Now that it¡¯s bonded to the metal, this thing¡¯s going to conduct energy like a dream.¡±


    The hardest part was done. We¡¯d shaped the raw materials into the base of something powerful, something meaningful. The satisfaction of creation filled me as the forge¡¯s warmth faded and the pieces solidified.


    Aunt Nora stretched, rubbing her arms as she eyed the work with an approving smile. ¡°Not bad, Lexi. Now, while these beauties cool down and settle, let¡¯s talk about the next step: enchantments. Got any brilliant ideas?¡±


    I leaned back, thinking about the possibilities. The excitement of what came next was palpable, but I kept it cool. ¡°Yeah, I¡¯ve got a few ideas, but let me think for a moment.¡±


    "So, I¡¯m thinking the core enchantment will be protection, like a shield that can auto-detect threats and manifest when needed. I want it to be strong, with some mild healing and a calming effect for the mind as a bonus."


    "Hmm, not bad," Aunt Nora mused, nodding thoughtfully. "That could definitely work. Now, tell me the specific enchantments. I¡¯ll apply them since you¡¯re not quite there yet with your skills. But pay attention when I¡¯m enchanting, use Exira to get a feel for the feedback."


    I took a deep breath, closing my eyes as I focused. I let my mind sink into the knowledge, recalling the lessons Aunt Nora had drilled into me over time. I could feel the threads of power slowly coming together, weaving themselves into a larger picture in my head.


    After a moment, I heard Aunt Nora¡¯s expectant voice break through the quiet. "So, Lexi, what have you come up with?"


    Huu¡­


    I took a deep breath, calling upon Exira, focusing the energy to infuse my words with intent as I spoke. ¡°Protego... no, that¡¯s not quite right... Aegis... Yes, Aegis Sentientia.¡±


    ¡°Aegis Sentientia for the core, and Sana¡­¡±


    ¡°Very good, Lexi!¡± Aunt Nora¡¯s voice rang with approval, slipping easily into her teacher mode.


    ¡°It seems all those lessons and books weren¡¯t for nothing. Aegis Sentientia will form an auto-shield, but remember, it''s not just Sana, Lexi.¡±


    I smiled slightly, appreciating her praise as she continued, ¡°Considering recent events and the fact that these are for your friends, I¡¯ll let you off easy this time. Watch closely, I''ll finish them for you.¡±


    With that, I felt her Exira surge, filling the entire room with its powerful presence. The strength was unmistakable, but unlike Mom¡¯s raw dominance, Aunt Nora¡¯s Exira commanded a sense of reverence, as if it demanded respect rather than fear.


    ¡°Lexi! Focus!¡± Her sharp voice jolted me back, and I quickly directed my Exira towards observing, letting my awareness slip into a deeper focus. Everything around us seemed to fade away, leaving only her and the items she was about to enchant.


    <table style="font-size: 1em; border-collapse: collapse; background-color: rgba(32, 0, 98, 1); border-style: solid; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 48.4496%" border="1">


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center; width: 99.8649%" colspan="2">


    ¡°Aegis Sentientia, Praesidia Inimicus, Sana Corpus, Serenare Mentem!¡±


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Aunt Nora¡¯s soft voice echoed through the air as the energy around us converged, flowing towards the three pendants in front of her.


    I watched closely, sensing the intent behind each word, each gesture, as she molded the enchantments with flawless precision, weaving them into the fabric of the items. I understood what she was doing, and felt the power behind it, but putting it into words was impossible. The glow around the items faded, leaving behind three pendants, radiating with immense power and purpose.


    Damn... even with subpar materials, she managed to turn these into an overmortal tier gear.


    .


    .


    <hr>

 Chapter 029 - El’s Gift

    <hr>


    hhaah¡­


    I watched as the flames consumed El''s remains, the fire crackling softly in the oppressive silence of the cavern.


    The heat licked at my face, but I barely felt it. "Damn it all." I clenched my fists, nails digging into my palms until the pain grounded me back to reality.


    No time for wallowing, Lexi. Get your shit together.


    I slipped the ring El had given me onto my right index finger, its unfamiliar weight a constant reminder of his final moments.


    Exira surged through me as I channeled it into the ring, and to my surprise, an inventory of its contents flashed in my mind.


    Convenient enchant I thought, arching a brow. A spatial storage ring. Finally, something that¡¯ll make carrying all this crap a little easier.


    Thank you, El for this¡­


    Time to see what I¡¯ve got, I thought, rubbing my palms together as a messy list of items appeared in my mind.


    <table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 90.0248%; background-color: rgba(32, 0, 98, 1); border-style: ridge">


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td style="width: 30.0834%">


    </td>


    <td style="width: 25.3577%">


    RING


    </td>


    <td style="width: 24.4356%">


    </td>


    <td style="width: 20.0556%">


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="width: 30.0834%">


    Dried strips of meat x 25 and Bread x 10


    </td>


    <td style="width: 25.3577%">


    Raw meat chunks x 5 ~ 3 kg each


    </td>


    <td style="width: 24.4356%">


    Water canteen x 2 [E] ~10L each


    </td>


    <td style="width: 20.0556%">


    Spices (assortment)


    Bundles box


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="width: 30.0834%">


    Diary


    </td>


    <td style="width: 25.3577%">


    Insignia


    </td>


    <td style="width: 24.4356%">


    Map I


    </td>


    <td style="width: 20.0556%">


    Pair-card


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="width: 30.0834%">


    Photos


    </td>


    <td style="width: 25.3577%">


    Spare Clothes


    </td>


    <td style="width: 24.4356%">


    Leather Armour


    </td>


    <td style="width: 20.0556%">


    keys


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="width: 30.0834%">


    Energy Crystals x5


    </td>


    <td style="width: 25.3577%">


    Spyglass


    </td>


    <td style="width: 24.4356%">


    Bow


    </td>


    <td style="width: 20.0556%">


    Arrowsx240 quiver loaded


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="width: 30.0834%">


    Ropes


    </td>


    <td style="width: 25.3577%">


    Sewing kit


    </td>


    <td style="width: 24.4356%">


    Cloaks


    </td>


    <td style="width: 20.0556%">


    Longsword


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="width: 30.0834%">


    Light Shield


    </td>


    <td style="width: 25.3577%">


    Spear


    </td>


    <td style="width: 24.4356%">


    Rings x3


    </td>


    <td style="width: 20.0556%">


    Pendants x2


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    With this new supply, I¡¯d have food and essentials covered. Finally, I could stop rationing those damn juicy jerky strips. Plus, with a ring like this, I¡¯d be able to move faster and more freely, leaving more room for anything else I might pick up along the way.


    Settling into a cross-legged position, I took out the journal I¡¯d grabbed from the previous elf, setting it on my lap. Grabbing the attached pen, I flicked it open and allowed Exira to flow through the ring again, bringing up the list once more to make notes as I inspected each item.


    First up, food supplies.


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Dried meat strips x 25. Thank gods, more jerky.</li>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Bread x 10. Actual bread. A small luxury I didn¡¯t know I¡¯d ever miss.</li>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Raw meat chunks x 5 (~3 kg each). Bigger portions for cooking if I ever find a good time.</li>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Water canteen x 2 (10L each, currently empty). Already a massive step up from my last canteen.</li>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Spice bundles.</li>


    </ul>


    ¡°Spices!¡± I couldn¡¯t help a grin, and it felt strange to realize how much excitement that word sparked. Even after everything, the thought of elevating my food beyond dried meat was honestly thrilling.


    No more bland rations, just something with actual taste. At least I had that much to look forward to.


    Setting the food entries aside, I opened the journal, scanning the entries for anything else useful. I flipped through the pages, skimming for anything that stood out, any illustrations or maps that might reveal more about this damn cave or where it led. The writing was all in a language I couldn¡¯t read, which made it feel frustratingly alien, but that didn¡¯t stop me from hoping something useful was buried in here.


    Flip, flip, flip.


    My fingers brushed across the smooth pages until I hit a section that caught my attention¨Ca map. My heart skipped, and I leaned closer. There were mountains drawn to the west and a sea alongside. The layout of the land seemed far larger than anything I¡¯d recalled seeing before, and I studied every mark, every line.


    There were notes scribbled around the edges of the sea. Dammit, I thought, narrowing my eyes. If only I could read this, but then I saw something that nearly made me laugh. A cave. Circled, under the sea.


    I sat back, shaking my head in a mix of disbelief and exasperation. ¡°So this cave really is underwater, like El said,¡± I muttered aloud, grimacing. Well, damn. This map could¡¯ve saved me a lot of guesswork if only I¡¯d gotten my hands on it earlier.


    Still, I kept going, fingers flipping through the pages quickly, looking for any other drawings or maps, anything that didn¡¯t require me to read an entire language to decipher. Unfortunately, the further I got, the less helpful it seemed.If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    Flip, flip, flip.


    I reached the end, and my heart sank. No other illustrations, no more maps. Just alien writing taunting me from the pages. I shut the journal with a sharp exhale, rubbing my temples to ease the tension building there.


    ¡°Well, guess that¡¯s that,¡± I muttered, the journal resting on my lap as I collected my thoughts. At least I¡¯d gleaned something useful¨Ca layout of the cave system, a confirmation that I was, in fact, somewhere under the sea, and a faint hope that with this new supply, I¡¯d last a little longer.


    Setting the journal aside, I flexed my fingers and closed my eyes for a moment, letting Exira flow around me, a soft, steady hum that helped keep my nerves at bay.


    "Huh," I muttered, picking up the insignia that caught my eye. It was another one of those emblems¨Cthis one depicting a castle silhouetted against a sun or moon. "Probably some sort of badge or medal from whatever organization these elves belonged to."


    Curiosity piqued, I focused Exira on the badge, letting the energy flow through me to sense any hidden enchantments.


    "Wasn''t expecting this to be enchanted," I mused. "Let''s see what secrets you''re hiding."


    Sweeping Exira more thoroughly over the insignia, I tried to derive the meanings of the enchantments. Intentions and fragments of words floated in my mind.


    "Ego... identity¨CIdentitas," I thought aloud. "So the first enchant is probably proof of their identity."


    I concentrated harder. "There''s another... hmm, something about opening... reveal... no, to open: Aperio."


    "I see," I said, turning the insignia over in my hand. The formation of runes became clearer under Exira''s influence. "Aperio Identitas. Acts as identity proof and possibly opens locks or doors for entry."


    I grabbed my journal and jotted down the details.


    <blockquote>


    Item #1: Insignia [E] (Aperio Identitas) [Passive Enchant Type]


    </blockquote>


    "Could come in handy," I noted, slipping the insignia into my pouch. Next were three dark blue rings, each adorned with a different-colored gem¡ªwhite, red, and blue.


    "Alright, let''s see what you guys do."


    Ring #1 (White):


    I picked up the white-gemmed ring and closed my eyes, focusing. Taking deep breaths, I channeled Exira to enter pseudo-attuned state.


    "Huu..."


    As I delved deeper, the intentions of the enchantments flashed by in fragments: breathe... denial... none.


    "Wait, Respiratio for breathing and Nullus for none," I realized. "And there''s another enchant... Arca¨Cstore energy."


    "So this ring allows me to not need to breathe as long as it has energy stored," I concluded, a smirk forming on my lips. "Would have been awesome if not for my mask, still a pretty solid find"


    I paused, considering. "But it''s a concentration-type enchant, meaning any other flow of energy could negate or weaken the effect. ¡°


    I scribbled down the details.


    <blockquote>


    Item #2: Breathless Ring [E] (Respiratio Nullus Arca) [Concentration Enchant Type]


    </blockquote>


    Ring #2 (Red):


    Repeating the process, I picked up the red-gemmed ring and entered the attuned state again. Intentions flowed: fire... hot... no, warmth... yes, warmth.


    "Ignis? No, that''s fire," I thought. "Foveo¨Cthat''s it. Warmth."


    "This ring keeps the user warm and probably offers protection against cold sources," I mused. "hmmm"


    I jotted it down.


    <blockquote>


    Item #3: Warmth Ring [E] (Foveo) [Passive Enchant Type]


    </blockquote>


    Ring #3 (Blue):


    One more to go. I held the blue-gemmed ring, letting Exira reveal its secrets. Intentions surfaced: purify... no, weaker... cleanse... Mundo.


    "Ah, so this ring cleanses," I realized. "Should be able to purify water for drinking, cleanse wounds "


    I added the entry.


    <blockquote>


    Item #4: Cleanse Ring [E] (Mundo) [Concentration Enchant Type]


    </blockquote>


    "Phew," I exhaled, leaning back. "Nice collection of rings El had¡­"


    But a nagging thought wouldn''t leave me alone. "El¡¯s party were fully prepared for this cave," I pondered. "So what happened..."


    I paused, memories flashing back. "The elf, when he was drawing or telling me about the Lord-class monster, he was shaking. I dismissed it at the time, but now it seems they clashed with the big bad of this place, and that led to their downfall."


    A heavy sigh escaped me. "Great. So there''s a bloody boss monster lurking somewhere down here."


    I shook my head, trying to push away the creeping dread. "No use freaking out now."


    I took a deep breath, trying to shake off the fatigue creeping into my bones.


    "Alright, what''s next?" I muttered next up was a pendant made of silver-like metal. There were no gems, just a simple silver half-moon attached to a delicate chain.


    "Interesting," I mused, turning it over in my hand. The craftsmanship was minimalist but elegant. "Probably not just for show."


    Channelling Exira, I focused on the pendant, letting the energy flow through me to read its enchantments. Fragments of intent surfaced in my mind: coolness... light... divine...


    "Wait, that''s the moon," I realized. "Luna."


    I dug deeper: gift... boon... blessings... "Benedictionis," I recalled from Aunt Nora''s lessons. "Luna Benedictionis."


    "Moon''s Blessings Pendant," I whispered. "Must be a buff-type enchantment. Enhances some aspect of the user." Healing? Regeneration? Enhanced reflexes or strength? "Maybe it boosts stealth," I pondered.


    "But if that were the case, they''d have used ''Noctis'' for the night."


    Grabbing my journal, I jotted down the details.


    <blockquote>


    Item #5: Moon''s Blessings Pendant [E] (Luna Benedictionis) [Passive Enchant Type]


    </blockquote>


    "Scribble, scribble," I muttered, the sound of pen on paper oddly comforting.


    Setting the pendant aside, I rummaged through the pouch again. Next up was a dark-rimmed monocle with a short chain and a nosepiece. The glass was a thin crystal.


    "Hmm," I examined it closely. "The design is minimalist but feels... classy. I love it, though it''s neither comfortable nor practical."


    I held it up to my eye. "Not for combat, that''s for sure," I chuckled. "But I bet it''s got some tricks."


    "Probably meant to reveal things¨Ctracks, clues, traps," I guessed.


    Fumbling with the monocle, I closed my eyes and entered the Pseudo-Attuned State (PAS), letting the intents flow through me.


    "...truth... VERITAS? No, too strong. More like reveal... appear... ''Apparere''... yes."


    Another intent surfaced: tracks... no, hidden... "Occulta."


    "Hu!" I exhaled sharply, exiting the PAS.


    "Just as I thought," I said aloud. "This enchantment allows the user to see hidden mundane aspects¨Clocate tracks, find traps"


    "Well, that''s kinda useless for me," I admitted. "Exira lets me do the same stuff, but maybe this could help me see things from a different perspective."


    I noted the entry.


    Item #6: Revealing Monocle [E] (Apparere Occulta) [Concentration Enchant Type]


    "Damn, only six items in and I already feel drained," I grumbled. "Come on, Lexi, these items are simple. Lowest combinations of enchantments."


    I could almost hear Aunt Nora''s teasing voice. "She''d sulk hearing I got tired just from this," I muttered with a smirk.


    "Hahh," I sighed, wiping away the moisture gathering in my eyes. "No time for that."


    Focusing back on the task, I pulled out the next item¡ªa small cylinder. With a light jerk, it elongated to about 30 centimeters.


    "A spyglass," I realized.


    Peering through the lens¡ªagain made of thin crystal¡ªI saw... well, nothing. It was dark, and there was nothing in the cave to zoom in on.


    "Huh," I shrugged. "Figures."


    I concentrated, sensing enchantments. "Let''s see... yeah, this feeling is familiar." The intent surfaced: unbreaking.


    "Unbreaking enchant, though it''s the lowest tier," I noted. "Well, that''s underwhelming."


    Spinning the spyglass in my palm, I wondered aloud, "It''s the most lackluster enchanted item so far. But it''ll be useful once I get out of this godforsaken den and start exploring."


    I jotted down the details.


    Item #7: Trusty Spyglass [E] (Unbreaking I) [Passive Enchant Type]


    "Let''s keep going," I encouraged myself.


    Next up was another pendant. This one was simpler, made of the same silver-like metal, but without any symbols or gems. Just a plain, smooth surface.


    "What''s your deal?" I whispered, channeling Exira once more.


    Intentions floated up: protection... barrier... shield... "Defendo," I recognized. "But what''s the context?"


    I concentrated harder. "Defensive enchantment, probably wards off minor attacks or curses."


    "Scribble~" I added the new entry.


    <blockquote>


    Item #8: Protective Pendant [E] (Defendo) [Passive Enchant Type]


    </blockquote>


    "Not bad," I nodded. "Could come in handy."


    I leaned back, stretching my sore muscles. "This is taking longer than I thought," I admitted.


    I picked up the Warmth Ring and slipped it onto my finger. A comforting warmth spread through my hand.


    "That''s better," I smiled faintly.


    Glancing at the monocle, I decided to tuck it safely into a pocket. "Might as well keep it handy."


    ¡°Still a decent amount of gear remaining to appraise¡­fuuu¡±


    I glanced back once, the fading glow of El''s makeshift pyre barely visible.


    "Rest easy, El," I whispered. "I''ll make sure your sacrifice wasn''t in vain."


    <hr>

 Chapter 030 - Appraising loot

    <hr>


    "Munch... Munch..."


    I tore into the dried meat like a ravenous wolf, the salty flavor exploding on my tongue. "Finally," I sighed, leaning back against the cold cavern wall. "Real food, or at least something close to it." I took a swig from my canteen, the water washing down the jerky and soothing my parched throat.


    "God, that''s better," I muttered, patting my stomach. It wasn''t full by any means, but at least the gnawing hunger had subsided a bit.


    Days or was it weeks?¡ªhad blurred together in this godforsaken cave. No bed, no proper rest, just endless darkness and the constant threat of something nasty lurking around every damn corner.


    My muscles ached, a dull throb that never quite went away. Overusing Exira was taking its toll, but what choice did I have? It was either that or end up as some monster''s snack.


    "Alright, Lexi," I told myself, wiping my hands on my tattered pants. "Time to see what else El left behind."


    I eyed the assortment of items spread out before me, my gaze landing on a set of dark clothing¨Ca cloak, shirt, and pants, all lined with fur on the inside. I picked up the cloak, running my fingers over the supple leather.


    "Damn, this is nice," I whispered, impressed by the craftsmanship. The material was high-quality, both sturdy and flexible. The shirt and pants matched perfectly, each piece meticulously made.


    "Nice," I whispered, impressed by the craftsmanship. The shirt and pants matched perfectly, each piece meticulously made.


    Excitement simmered as I closed my eyes and entered the Pseudo-Attuned State (PAS). The intents started to flow.


    "...shielding... Aegis?" No, the intent was too vague, too weak.


    I delved deeper, staying in PAS. "Think, Alexis, think," I muttered. Protection, maybe?


    "Protego," I whispered, and as soon as I formed the word, the connection snapped into place. A soft hum resonated from the cloak.


    But there was more. I could feel it. I went deeper, searching for additional enchantments. Filtering out Protego took effort; this was what made enchanting and appraising with PAS so damn difficult.


    "Fuuu," I exhaled, concentrating harder. New intents surfaced. Long time... eternal... no... preserving... close.


    "Enduring," I murmured. "Perpetua." That constant, unyielding endurance that harmonized with Protego.


    "There are still more enchants," I muttered. "Fuuuu."


    Taking a deep breath, I threw myself back into the state.


    "Hidden... disappearing..." My brow furrowed. "Umbra? No, that¡¯s shadow-related. Occulta? No, doesn¡¯t quite fit."


    I pushed deeper. "...Obscuro..."


    The connection intensified. "Yes, Obscuro, but it¡¯s incomplete... more of a layering technique..."


    I felt a grin form. "This gear just shot up in value with a superimposing enchant."


    "Obscuro... what follows?" I racked my brain. "Me...? No."


    The intent felt like a layer of Obscuro... Veilum. As soon as the words formed, they snapped into place.


    "Obscurio veilum," I whispered.


    "Whuu! That¡¯s exhausting." A headache throbbed behind my eyes.


    "Now that the big one¡¯s out of the way, the next intents are clearer," I said to myself. "Restituo... Unbreaking."


    "Aegis Protego Obscurio veilum Restituo Unbreaking," I recited, the full enchant rolling off my tongue just as a sharp pain knifed through my head.Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.


    "Heukk!" I gasped, grabbing my temples as the world tilted.


    Splashing water over my face, I let the coldness dull the pain. "Fuuu," I breathed out slowly.


    "Damn, Aunt Nora warned me about this. Enchanting complex gear isn¡¯t a joke."


    I chuckled weakly. "Guess I got too deep into it." Without realizing it, I¡¯d fully attuned the armor, crossing the line from pseudo-attuning. Risks of the PAS method, I reminded myself.


    Channeling Exira into the cloak, I was met with a surprise¡ªthe shirt and pants shared a link with the cloak.


    "It¡¯s a set item," I realized.


    A grin spread across my face. "Jackpot."


    I grabbed my journal, jotting down the entry with a note about the risks for future reference:


    <blockquote>


    Item #8 [ARMOR]: Noctis One-Set [E] (Aegis Protego Obscurio veilum Restituo Unbreaking) [Passive Enchant Type]


    </blockquote>


    "Next up, some weapons," I muttered, rubbing my hands together in anticipation.


    The longsword was next. It had a gleam to it even in the low light, a solid weight and a perfectly balanced feel. As I lifted it, I could sense quality. "Alright, let¡¯s see what you¡¯re made of."


    Closing my eyes, I entered the Pseudo-Attuned State (PAS) again, letting the enchantment¡¯s intentions flow to me. The first to come through was the essence of steel¡­ no, too basic. Ferro¨Cyes, that was steel in the old tongue.


    Ferro...and I think ¡­enduring... Durabilis¡­yeah.


    Next intent is it cut¡­no¡­Sharpness¡­I pushed for more¡­Acutus and it is unbreaking.


    "Ferro Durabilis Acutus Unbreaking," I recited under my breath, savoring the sound.


    "Decent for an early build," I smirked, making a mental note of its reliability. I jotted down the details in my journal.


    <blockquote>


    Item #9: Longsword [E] (Ferro Durabilis Acutus Unbreaking) [Passive Enchant Type]


    </blockquote>


    Setting the sword aside, I picked up the shield¡­


    I entered PAS again, and the intentions surfaced quickly.


    Protection¡­ shield¡­yeah that intent should be¡­Aegis.


    Then¡­huh¡­big..larger..no¡­expansion¡­ Expansio.


    "Aegis Expansio," I whispered.


    An image took shape in my mind¨Ca shield that could switch between a compact bracer form and a full shield at a moment¡¯s notice. When not in use, it would sit comfortably on my forearm. But by my command, it would rapidly expand to provide full coverage.


    "Now that¡¯s nifty," I grinned, strapping it onto my forearm. "Compact, efficient, and practical."


    I made a note of it in my journal.


    <blockquote>


    Item #10: Expanding Shield [E] (Aegis Expansio) [Passive Enchant Type]


    </blockquote>


    "Alright, what¡¯s next?" I muttered as I pulled the spear out..


    I picked it up, chuckling. "Let me guess, you expand too?" Entering PAS again, I focused on its intents.


    hmmm¡­Piercing¡­ Penetrans¡­.and¡­Durable¡­ Durabilis.


    And finally..oh its expanding¡­ Expansio.


    "Penetrans Durabilis Expansio," I whispered.


    In my mind¡¯s eye, I saw the rod transforming into a full-length spear, the tip razor-sharp, built for maximum penetration. When not in use, it would compact back into a smaller, easily portable size.


    "Noice" I nodded in appreciation, making the final entry in my notes.


    <blockquote>


    Item #11: Spear [E] (Penetrans Durabilis Expansio) [Passive Enchant Type]


    </blockquote>


    "Well, that¡¯s a solid arsenal,"


    "Sigh."


    "Guess I¡¯ll have to be extra careful moving forward." At least now, I was better prepared. I glanced down at the armor pieces, feeling a rush of gratitude and something like determination.


    "Alright. Time to suit up."


    Slipping into the Noctis armor set felt like sliding into a second skin. The cloak settled snugly around my shoulders, the fur lining adding warmth and comfort. The shirt and pants fit perfectly, like they¡¯d been made just for me.


    And no sense walking into the unknown without checking what my new gear could do.


    Focusing on the shield, I willed it to expand, watching with a satisfied grin as it unfolded into a full-sized shield, the metal gleaming even in the dim light. Retracting it back to bracer form, I flicked the spear sharply. It extended smoothly, forming into a razor-sharp weapon.


    "Alright, what''s next?" I muttered, eyeing the remaining items laid out before me. My gaze fell upon an elegantly crafted bow, its wood polished to a deep sheen and adorned with intricate carvings.


    "Let''s see what you''re hiding,muwhhhaa" I said, picking it up. The bow felt balanced, almost eager in my hands. Closing my eyes, I entered the Pseudo-Attuned State (PAS) once more.


    "Guide... that''s ''Dirige''," I whispered as the first intent surfaced. "Speed up... ''Accelerare''." The energies flowed smoothly. "And strike... ''Percute''."


    "Dirige Accelerare Percute," I recited softly. An image formed in my mind of arrows flying truer, faster, hitting harder than ever before.


    ¡°Yeah good item, it''s just that I don¡¯t think I¡¯m any good with a bow..¡±


    <blockquote>


    Item #12: Longbow [E] (Dirige Accelerare Percute) [Passive Enchant Type]


    </blockquote>


    <hr>

 Chapter 031 - Hidden shiny stuff

    <hr>


    Finishing the appraisal of the gear, I pulled everything back into the ring, then pulled the sword back out into my hand, feeling the familiar weight before slipping it back in. Out, in¡ªagain.


    I repeated the action, over and over, letting the summoning feel as natural as reaching into my own pocket. Thirty times, at least, in and out of storage. By the end, I felt that faint, insistent strain in the back of my mind, like an itch I couldn¡¯t scratch.


    Alright, thirty is about the limit for now.


    With a sigh, I noted the time it took: two full seconds. Two precious, brutal seconds¨Can eternity if I¡¯m caught in close combat.


    The sword in my hand felt right, solid, but every time I tried to picture it appearing perfectly, it still wavered. At best, it dropped an inch off-center¨Cclose enough, maybe, but not good enough. Summoning wasn¡¯t just about the mental image, Even the smallest lapse in concentration, and the weapon would be just far enough away to leave me scrambling.


    I muttered under my breath, the familiar rasp of my own voice keeping me grounded, ¡°Good luck, Lexi¡­ better shave off that time, or this sword¡¯s going to be the death of me, not the monsters.¡±


    A thought flickered through my mind, unbidden and unpleasant¡ªOr maybe I won¡¯t even get that chance.


    I leaned back against the cold stone, eyes closed, letting my mind drift to El and his group. The image of them as he portrayed them, once whole, equipped, prepared, slowly pieced itself together.


    Each of them should have been outfitted with decent gear, every weapon enchanted, every piece meticulously maintained. For a party of five, they were well-prepared and I would have to be even more vigilant¡­can¡¯t no won¡¯t go into a fight which I¡¯m 100% sure of.


    No more 50-50.


    I looked down at the ring on my hand, feeling its cold metal bite against my skin. Here I was, still breathing, still holding on, while they were nothing but dust and bloodstains.


    Maybe I¡¯m just too damn stubborn to die.


    Maybe it¡¯s a type advantage. Maybe I¡¯m just barely scraping by because of my Exira and I have to admit even what broken Exira I¡¯m using still outclasses the monsters.


    What a cheat skill.


    The thought wasn¡¯t entirely comforting, but it was true. Exira felt almost like a cheat sometimes, something that kept me one inch above the void. The power that surged through me, making my reflexes sharp and instincts keener than they had any right to be, had its own rhythm. It was like holding onto a thin thread above a pit, feeling the strength run out each time I reached for it. I couldn¡¯t rely on it forever.


    ¡°Can¡¯t really be banking on this,¡± I muttered, pressing the edge of my thumb into my palm. ¡°If I meet something really really damn strong or worse¡­ Well, it¡¯s over, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    My voice echoed against the stone walls, hollow and small in the vast space. But saying it out loud kept me steady, a faint tether to sanity. I¡¯ve seen things with power far greater than anything Exira could offer me. Some creatures, monsters from whispered myths and half-forgotten nightmares, could crush me without even seeing me as a threat.


    Sighing as I channeled Exira into the ring along with my thoughts as the enchant on it worked and a new updated list appeared in my mind.


    El''s RING


    <table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 53.2946%; background-color: rgba(32, 0, 98, 1); border-style: ridge">


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td style="width: 22.7337%">


    [FOOD and Rations]


    </td>


    <td style="width: 25.269%"> </td>


    <td style="width: 26.9342%"> </td>


    <td style="width: 25.1193%"> </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="width: 22.7337%">


    Dried strips of meat x 25 and Bread x 10


    </td>


    <td style="width: 25.269%">


    Raw meat chunks x 5 ~ 3 kg each


    </td>


    <td style="width: 26.9342%">


    Water canteen x 2 [E] ~10L each


    </td>


    <td style="width: 25.1193%">


    Spices (assortment)


    Bundles box


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="width: 22.7337%">


    </td>


    <td style="width: 25.269%"> </td>


    <td style="width: 26.9342%"> </td>


    <td style="width: 25.1193%"> </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="width: 22.7337%">


    [Items]


    </td>


    <td style="width: 25.269%"> </td>


    <td style="width: 26.9342%"> </td>


    <td style="width: 25.1193%"> </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="width: 22.7337%">


    Diary


    </td>


    <td style="width: 25.269%">


    Insignia


    </td>


    <td style="width: 26.9342%">


    Map I


    </td>


    <td style="width: 25.1193%">


    Pocket watchTaken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="width: 22.7337%">


    Photos


    </td>


    <td style="width: 25.269%">


    Spare Clothes


    </td>


    <td style="width: 26.9342%">


    Spare Leather Armour


    </td>


    <td style="width: 25.1193%">


    keys


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="width: 22.7337%">


    </td>


    <td style="width: 25.269%"> </td>


    <td style="width: 26.9342%"> </td>


    <td style="width: 25.1193%"> </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="width: 22.7337%">


    [Key Items]


    </td>


    <td style="width: 25.269%"> </td>


    <td style="width: 26.9342%"> </td>


    <td style="width: 25.1193%"> </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="width: 22.7337%">


    Energy Crystals x5


    </td>


    <td style="width: 25.269%">


    Trusty Spyglass


    </td>


    <td style="width: 26.9342%">


    LongBow [E]


    </td>


    <td style="width: 25.1193%">


    Arrowsx240 quiver loaded


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="width: 22.7337%">


    Ropes


    </td>


    <td style="width: 25.269%">


    Sewing kit


    </td>


    <td style="width: 26.9342%">


    Cloaks


    </td>


    <td style="width: 25.1193%">


    Longsword


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="width: 22.7337%">


    Expanding Shield [E]


    </td>


    <td style="width: 25.269%">


    Expanding Spear


    </td>


    <td style="width: 26.9342%">


    Revealing Monocle [E]


    </td>


    <td style="width: 25.1193%"> </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    With Exira flowing through me, I glanced back inside the ring, assessing its contents but there, at the edge of my awareness, something odd lingered.


    It was faint, almost hidden behind the familiar list, a strange shadow that didn¡¯t match anything I¡¯d put in there. I felt a pull, a tingling awareness running down my spine.


    ¡°What the¡­ that¡¯s definitely suspicious,¡± I muttered, focusing harder.


    It wasn¡¯t showing up in the ring¡¯s usual inventory; even the enchantments on the ring weren¡¯t detecting it. But I felt it, the barest outline of something, like it was caught in the fold of another plane. I tried to dig deeper, focusing Exira around it, my awareness wrapping through the storage dimension, prodding against its edge.


    At first, the strange object didn¡¯t budge, resisting, holding firm in some pocket of space like it wasn¡¯t meant to be found. But the sensation was there. As I tuned up Exira to level one, the object finally seemed to respond, stirring in that hidden space until it moved slowly, pulling free of its confines and landing in my hand.


    The strange resistance registered at the same moment that knowledge slipped into my awareness: a hidden compartment. Cleverly enchanted and masked, it was woven seamlessly into the ring¡¯s space, a trapdoor inside a trapdoor. I chuckled softly, more in admiration than disbelief.


    ¡°Now that¡¯s an impressive enchantment,¡± I murmured, feeling the weight of it in my hand. ¡°Most wouldn¡¯t even have the means to pick up on it¡­ unless they¡¯re tapped into some kind of mental, soul, or spiritual power.¡±


    Shaking my head, I shifted my focus to the object resting in my palm. To anyone else, it would look like a simple piece of junk metal¡ªplain, dull, even slightly corroded along the edges. But with Exira still running through my senses, I could feel the dense, intricate magic radiating from it, layered upon layer, until it nearly overwhelmed my vision. The enchantments seemed to be burning right into my mind, sending faint tremors up my arm.


    I blinked and turned my gaze aside, cutting off Exira abruptly. The sheer force of the enchantments was disorienting.


    This isn¡¯t just any regular fragment¡­ It¡¯s easily over mortal-tier. Maybe even immortal-tier.


    ¡°Damn,¡± I muttered, unable to stop the grin from spreading across my face.


    ¡°Aunt Nora¡¯s lessons always come through.¡± Her words on appraising enchanted items ran through my mind as I studied the artifact again. There was no mistaking it¨Cthis wasn¡¯t complete.


    Even now, I could sense the gaps in its power, like there were three more pieces to this relic that I¡¯d need to bring it fully to life. Whatever this was, I¡¯d stumbled onto something big.


    A treasure and, if I were honest, a headache of a quest.


    With a low chuckle, I slipped the fragment back into the hidden compartment, patting the ring lightly. ¡°Alright, ¡®Runic Fragment,¡¯ you¡¯ll stay safe here for now.¡±


    But then, as the cold settled back over me, my eyes drifted down to the pendant resting against my chest. My fingers found it, tracing its familiar edges. It had been with me as long as I could remember¨Can heirloom passed down through the generations in House Drakesier.


    My father¡¯s¡­ no, our House¡¯s pride.


    I let Exira flow through my hand and into the pendant, feeling its cool surface warm slightly under my touch. But nothing happened. It didn¡¯t respond, not even a glimmer. I¡¯d tried dozens of times before, pushing my energy into it, hoping to unlock the divine-tier enchantments woven into its design. But it remained stubbornly silent, a beautiful, silent thing with no intention of revealing itself.


    I know you¡¯re real, I thought, frustration bubbling up, but why won¡¯t you acknowledge me?


    I narrowed my focus, willing Exira to pulse just a bit harder. It was a technique Aunt Nora had drilled into me¨Csometimes enchantments required patience, finesse, and persistence. But no matter how carefully I channeled my energy, the pendant¡¯s response was nothing but cold silence, as if it rejected me.


    The prince of Drakesier, shut out by his own heirloom.


    My teeth clenched. I could feel my thoughts pushing in tighter, narrowing, burning with a single-minded focus. Just one hint¨Cone flash of acknowledgment¨Cand I¡¯d be closer to unlocking the power I knew it contained. The divine-tier enchantment lay dormant, locked within its depths, just waiting for a touch to bring it to life. I felt my pulse quicken as if I were teetering on the edge of something¡ª


    ¡ªand then my thoughts slipped, scattering away from the pendant like a sudden gust had swept them aside. I blinked, my focus jolting back to the dark, damp cave walls as if I¡¯d just woken from a strange trance.


    Why was I¡­?


    My gaze drifted back to the ring, the weight of the fragment still lingering in my hand¡¯s memory. I shook my head, a strange haze lifting.


    ¡°Yeah¡­ alright. Focus on what¡¯s important, Alexis.¡± I muttered, brushing the pendant back under my shirt and clenching my hands into fists to steady them.


    But as I moved away, the strange feeling of being cut off from the pendant lingered something which I could put more focus on for some reason.


    Huh¡­where was I..?


    .


    .


    <hr>

 Shattered Reflections VII : The Bazaar

    <hr>


    I closed my eyes and let out a slow, deliberate breath. Inhale¡­ exhale¡­ My heart still rattled from the day''s restless pace, began to steady. The world around me faded as I slipped deeper into myself, reaching for the calm at my core. The gentle hum of Exira buzzed faintly in my consciousness, like a whisper just out of earshot. Somewhere, just beneath the surface, a memory stirred ¨C calling out to me.


    I focused, pulling at the threads of sensation. The edges of the memory were slippery, refusing to form clearly, but I didn¡¯t push. Not yet. Patience, I reminded myself. Forcing it would only break the fragile connection. Another breath. Inhale¡­ exhale¡­ Slowly, the memory began to sharpen, its details emerging from the haze like a sunrise breaking through the mist.


    .


    .


    Grr¡­


    The engine hummed softly, a comforting melody blending with the rhythmic purr of tires on asphalt. A gentle breeze slipped through the slightly cracked window, carrying the scent of earth and greenery. I glanced outside, watching the scenery blur past¡ªa mix of vibrant greens and blues. Trees stood tall on either side of the road, their leaves swaying in a synchronized dance with the wind.


    I loved this. The peace, the serenity. But as I looked down at my wrists, at the faint, curvy stitch-like patterns that had become a part of me, a heavy sigh escaped my lips.


    A near-death experience... well, almost. The pain had been real and immense. And yet here I was, enjoying a calm ride, savoring the swaying trees and the wind. It felt weird, but oddly soothing.


    ¡°La-la, La-la-la¡­¡±


    I heard Layla humming softly, her melodic voice weaving a calming rhythm. Beside her, Ari was trying to imitate her tune, her soft, off-key humming bringing a smile to my face.


    Heh, my sister is way too cute.


    I shook my head, brushing away the lingering stress from yesterday¡¯s sparring session. There is no point in dwelling on that disaster. Instead, I decided to focus on more important things¡ªlike what color I should choose for my next outfit.


    .


    .


    .


    ¡°Look, look, brother!¡± Ari¡¯s excited voice broke through my thoughts. ¡°We reached the place! Yay! Shopping!¡±


    Her enthusiasm was infectious as our surroundings changed. The forest gave way to open farmlands, with towering mountains framing the horizon. And there, standing tall amidst it all, was The Bazaar¡ªa skyscraper so grand it pierced through the clouds, its massive form a testament to architectural brilliance.


    The farmland surrounding it was just as awe-inspiring. Aunt Nora had once told me it thrived thanks to the spirit residing within The Bazaar, its presence blessing the soil. The terraced steps of the mountain farms created a picturesque landscape, their lush greenery contrasting against the gray stone of the mountains.


    As we drove past, I watched farmers tending to their work. It was refreshing to see their diligence, and even more amusing to notice how quickly their expressions shifted when they recognized the car.


    Excitement rippled through them. Kids and adults alike huddled together, their admiration unmistakable.Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.


    Reaching the gates of The Bazaar, we passed rows of local farmers selling their fresh harvests¡ªbright vegetables, exotic fruits, and herbs I couldn¡¯t even name.


    Inside the car, Ari and Layla were practically bouncing with excitement. If the doors hadn¡¯t been locked, they probably would¡¯ve bolted straight into the market. Aunt Nora and Uncle Sebastian, on the other hand, remained composed, ignoring the girls¡¯ obvious giddiness.


    I rolled down the window further, letting the lively sounds of the market spill into the car. The distant chatter of people, the rhythmic clatter of shopping carts, and occasional bursts of laughter created a lively backdrop. Vendors shouted their specials:


    ¡°Fresh out of organic farms!¡±


    ¡°Get your melons! Nice and big!¡±


    ¡°Juiciest peaches! Taste now!¡±


    As people noticed the insignia on our car, their reactions were instantaneous. Whispers spread like wildfire. Heads turned, eyes widened, and a ripple of awareness swept through the crowd.


    ¡°...Is that Prince Alexis?!¡±


    ¡°Kyaaa! It¡¯s him!¡±


    ¡°Quick, get a picture! This is going on social media!¡±


    I felt my eye twitch.


    Just when I praised you guys¡­ And thank god we don¡¯t have paparazzi here anymore.


    Still, there was something heartwarming about their enthusiasm. Even if the attention wasn¡¯t always welcome, the genuine admiration in their faces reminded me of the connection we shared with these people.


    As the car came to a stop, the Manager of The Bazaar approached, his towering figure cutting through the crowd. He was a distinguished man, standing at 6¡¯3¡± with a well-built physique. His white three-piece suit, adorned with subtle gold patterns, contrasted sharply with the scars etched into his face. Despite his intimidating appearance, there was an air of hospitality about him.


    ¡°Welcome to The Bazaar, Your Excellencies,¡± he greeted, his voice firm yet respectful. ¡°It¡¯s an honor to see the royal family, the White Saintess, and the Harbinger all in one lifetime.¡±


    Aunt Nora stepped forward, her EXIRA radiating a pale, soothing light that bathed the area in warmth. ¡°And your reputation precedes you, Loid. Glad to see you haven¡¯t lost your touch,¡± she replied, her tone both teasing and authoritative.


    Her display had the desired effect.


    ¡°Wah!¡±


    ¡°So pretty!¡±


    ¡°I admire Her Excellency so much!¡±


    I scoffed internally. Show-off.


    Uncle Sebastian, ever the voice of reason, cleared his throat. ¡°Perhaps we should head inside and complete our shopping.¡±


    Thank you, Uncle Sebastian. Too many eyes. Let¡¯s just go in and get this over with.


    Loid, the Manager, nodded. ¡°Of course, Lord Harbinger. I will not delay you further.¡±


    Turning to me and Ari, he added, ¡°Your Highness, it is an honor to host you at our humble bazaar.¡±


    ¡°Thank you,¡± I replied, offering a polite nod. ¡°It¡¯s always a pleasure to connect with the heart of the community.¡±


    .


    .


    The Manager introduced his grandchildren, Misha and Justin, as our guides. They were twins, barely fifteen, with striking purple eyes and cyan hair.


    ¡°We greet Your Excellencies,¡± they said in unison, their youthful voices tinged with excitement.


    Cute kids, but not as cute as Ari.


    I glanced at them, appraising them silently. Their hands were smooth, lacking calluses, and their builds suggested minimal physical activity. Probably mages¡ªor crafters, considering their connection to The Bazaar.


    Exira flared lightly within me as I prodded their energies. Aunt Nora noticed my little trick but chose not to comment.


    .


    .


    .


    We entered the grand elevator, its glass walls offering a breathtaking view of the sprawling farmlands and the bustling market below.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take Her Excellencies to Amber Boutique,¡± Misha said confidently.


    ¡°And I¡¯ll escort His Excellency to Kingsmen Fine Clothing,¡± Justin added with equal poise.


    I sighed. Shopping, huh? Well, at least it¡¯s something to look forward to.


    <hr>

 Chapter 032 - Memory and preparing

    <hr>


    The memory surfaced like a whisper in the dark, slipping into my mind without warning, creeping over me like a cold mist. The scene flickered, hazy at first, then sharpened as I sank deeper into the dream.


    I was back on the training grounds, my mother¡¯s voice clear, steady, and cutting through my confusion with her usual, unyielding calm.


    ¡°Exira, at its base form, is just mental manipulation,¡± she explained, her gaze piercing, pinning me in place. ¡°It¡¯s the assertion of your will, your desires, onto others. And like all things, it¡¯s horribly inefficient until you reach Tier I.¡±


    Her words seemed to echo, layering over each other, disorienting, yet I clung to them. My mother continued, her tone almost clinical, unbothered by my barely contained frustration.


    ¡°To truly make use of Exira as more than a parlor trick, to make an impression or, at most, stun-lock an opponent, you¡¯ll need techniques,¡± she went on, her gaze steady and unrelenting. ¡°How Exira interacts with your enemy¨Cthat¡¯s up to you to test. You¡¯ll need to learn its strength, its limits, and what percentage of yourself you can give.¡±


    I wanted to say something, to tell her I understood, that I could handle it. But the words stuck in my throat.


    I haven¡¯t even faced a real enemy¡­ not one where death was just a heartbeat away.


    My mother¡¯s eyes softened briefly, a fleeting expression, then she stepped forward, her hand on her sword as she moved toward the training field. I watched her walk, her stride as smooth and purposeful as ever, the powerful calm radiating from her. She unsheathed the massive claymore on her back¨Ca weapon as imposing as she was, broad, heavy, demanding absolute precision and strength. The sight of it sent a thrill of dread through me, familiar yet deeply unsettling.


    I felt a reassuring hand on my shoulder, and I turned to see Aunt Nora, her smile warm and encouraging. She patted me on the back, her expression telling me more than words ever could.


    At least Aunt Nora¡¯s here¡­ The thought settled something in me, grounding me for the battle ahead. I could feel her quiet confidence, her belief that I¡¯d pull through.


    Taking a deep breath, I hefted my own training sword¡ªa longsword, nothing flashy, but quick, light, perfect for my speed. My fingers tightened around the hilt as I moved to stand beside my mother on the field. The weight of expectation settled on me, heavy and unshakable.


    Focus, Lexi¡­ focus, I reminded myself, steeling my mind, locking away the doubts, the fears. I fell into a familiar battle stance, feeling my body tense, then release, honing in on the instincts I¡¯d drilled into myself. Each breath slowed, grounding me, as I gathered my emotions, my will, channeling them into a single, focused point within. The familiar surge of power hummed beneath my skin, Exira stirring awake, thrumming, expanding, wrapping itself through my muscles, my veins, sharpening my senses.


    This is it, I thought. If I can¡¯t bring Exira fully under my control now, I¡¯ll never survive the real thing.


    Across from me, my mother shifted, her gaze cold and detached, like a blade held against my throat. She was watching, waiting, poised to test every boundary I could push. And I knew¡ªshe would use every ounce of strength she believed I could withstand, nothing more, nothing less. She was going to push me right to the edge, to force me to learn.


    Focus, Lexi. There¡¯s no room for error.


    I tightened my grip, took another breath, then lunged forward, feeling Exira channel through me, amplifying every motion, every reflex. My mother met me head-on, her claymore sweeping toward me with an unyielding force. I blocked, barely managing to keep my footing as the weight of her swing rattled through my bones. But I pushed back, gritting my teeth as I adjusted, pouring more of Exira into my body.


    Then, without warning, she shifted, her next strike faster, harder. I stumbled, nearly losing my balance as the impact sent me sprawling backward. Pain flared through my shoulder, and I scrambled to my feet, forcing Exira to steady me. I could feel my pulse racing, the tension building, each heartbeat louder than the last.


    ¡°Real battles will have variables beyond your control,¡± she said, her voice calm as she stepped forward, unfazed. ¡°Manipulating those variables is the only way to secure victory. Control your mind, Lexi. Control the field.¡±


    Her radiant blue eyes bore into mine, their steady, unshakable calm a stark contrast to the chaos brewing within me. There was a detached authority in her gaze, one that demanded submission, demanded obedience, and I fought against it, swallowing down the urge to falter.


    ¡°There will be pain far more intense than this,¡± she continued, her tone cold, impassive. ¡°If this level of suffering makes you lose your reason, your will to stand, then¡ª¡±


    My arms began to tremble more and more, feeling loose and difficult to move.


    Clang¡­ fuck!


    It happened so quickly that I barely registered it at first. One moment, I was gripping my sword, the clash of steel ringing in my ears, and the next, an overwhelming pressure locked me down, denying me any action.


    Thum, thum.


    My head rang like a bell, and I willed my Exira to respond, but it only managed to alleviate the headache before snuffing it out completely.


    I suppose the match ends¡­ damn¡­ wait¡­ wha¡­


    I thought the match had ended, but I caught sight of Mom¡¯s cold gaze as she moved in with a swing.


    Slice


    In the blink of an eye, a flash of pain so sharp it barely registered coursed through me.


    Thud


    Splash


    My body staggered back on instinct, locked under Mom¡¯s Exira, but it wasn¡¯t until I glanced down that my heart froze.


    My hands¡­ they were gone.


    I stared in disbelief, blood pouring from the stumps of my wrists. The reality didn¡¯t sink in at first¡ªthere was only a surreal numbness as if it were happening to someone else, not me. But then¡­ the pain hit¨Ca burning agony that shot up my arms like fire.


    Argg


    My body wanted to collapse, but it stayed frozen. The grunts tore from my throat before I could stop them, barely audible.


    Arghhh


    I wanted to scream, but all I could manage were ragged gasps, struggling to breathe through the haze of pain and her Exira still bearing down on me.


    My mind raced, grasping for some way to make sense of it, but all I could think was, How can this be happening?


    I tried to move, to do something, but all I could do was cradle the bleeding stumps, feeling the warmth of my own blood gushing down.


    Tears blurred my vision, my chest heaving as fear set in. I frantically screamed in my head for Mom to stop, for Aunt Nora to come quickly.


    Shuaa


    All my thoughts came to a halt as the presence of overwhelming Exira intensified, denying me the ability to think.


    ¡°You have improved since the last spar. However, your mentality of ending everything in one strike is nothing but a child¡¯s fantasy,¡± she said coldly. ¡°YOU ARE NOT AN ASSASSIN, ALEXIS.¡±


    ¡°Your fascination with mixing every single technique might work against novices, but any experienced opponent would lop your head off, not just your hands.¡±


    The voice grew colder and appeared closer as the presence of Exira became overbearing. I could feel my bones creaking under the pressure. But what it brought was an unnatural clarity to my mind amidst the overwhelming pain¡ªridiculous amounts of pain¡­


    ¡°Going all out against an opponent you know far outclasses you could have been a smart move, but¡ª¡±


    ¡°But you threw everything at me from the very start, showing no aces, holding no cards in reserve, no good strategy. Did you honestly expect to overwhelm me?¡±


    Splurt¡­ splurt


    Blood kept gushing out of my wounds, a grim reminder of all that had transpired. I could almost see my face pale as life drained from me, yet, screaming internally, I forced my head against the pressure to meet Mom¡¯s gaze, knowing full well she wouldn¡¯t let me go.


    ¡°Alexis.¡±


    Shuaa


    The EXIRA was even more intense now. If before it was pure physical pressure, now it was downright terrifying, filled with the killing intent of my mother¡­ no, the Ruler and Matriarch of House Drakeseir.


    ¡°There will be unknown variables in a real battle, variables far beyond your control but manipulating them will make you come out victorious. There will be pain; I guarantee it will be much more intense than what you are experiencing now. If this much makes you lose your reason, your will to stand, then¡­¡±


    Splurt¡­


    Grr


    Damn¡­ she¡­ wants an answer?¡­ fu*k, ahh!


    Gritting my teeth, I summoned whatever remained of my Exira and matched her gaze.


    ¡°Y¡­.YES!... MoTHEr!¡±


    A sharp, jarring pain tore through me, and the scene shattered¡ª


    .


    .


    I jerked awake, gasping, my body drenched in sweat, the cold air of the cave seeping into my skin. My chest heaved, each breath harsh and ragged as I looked around, grounding myself in the present, the dark, damp stone walls a stark contrast to the vivid memory that had just swallowed me whole.The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    Just a dream¡­ a memory.


    But the ache in my hands felt real, as if that incident happened recently.


    .


    .


    Splash.


    I stepped out of the water, droplets streaming down my skin as I took in the chill air. That last dive had been refreshing, a shock to the system that wiped away the fatigue of the last few days.


    After sleeping, an actual, solid sleep for once¡ªand freshening up, I could almost believe I was a different person. Almost. Muscles felt looser, my thoughts clearer. The burns that had plagued my skin were barely there anymore, just faint patches where the raw, angry red had smoothed into pale, healing flesh. I could only guess that the blessing of the moon pendant had something to do with it.


    ¡°Maybe it works without needing moonlight¡­¡± I muttered, glancing down at the pendant. ¡°Or it just has some strange condition I haven¡¯t figured out.¡±


    Shrugging off the mystery for now, I stretched my arms over my head, feeling my muscles pull and wake up. Time for a proper warm-up.


    Stretching my neck in wide, slow circles, I felt the familiar burn start in my shoulders, rippling down to my chest. Next were my arms, loosening the joints, rotating my elbows and wrists to ease out the stiffness. Each movement sparked a little reminder of the fight that had come before, the aches, the bruises. But the soreness was easing with every stretch, every breath.


    I moved through each exercise without hesitation: shoulder rotations, arm swings, leg stretches. The muscles in my legs protested, but I ignored the discomfort. I swung one leg back, then the other, feeling the strain ease into something more fluid, controlled. The steady burn crept through me, a good, grounding ache that reminded me I was still alive, still capable of movement, of fighting.


    Finishing the last of the stretches, I took a deep breath, let the air fill my lungs, and jumped back into the water, savoring the cold that stole away the heat of exertion, easing the soreness I¡¯d built up. For a few moments, I just floated, letting the weightlessness carry me, the gentle push of water against my skin a welcome balm. The pendant glinted faintly at my chest, pulsing with a cool, steady energy. I could feel its subtle work within me, knitting my body back together, fueling the healing that had started from within. I looked at my skin¨Cit was pale, healed, no angry red burns left. A small grin tugged at the corners of my mouth.


    ¡°Guess you¡¯re more useful than I thought,¡± I murmured to the pendant, giving it a quick pat.


    Finally, I pulled myself out of the water, reaching for a cloth to dry off. The damp chill of the cave settled around me, but it was familiar now, almost comforting. With quick efficiency, I toweled off and grabbed the spare clothes I¡¯d scavenged from El¡¯s stash. A bit loose, maybe, but after some adjustments, they fit well enough.


    The real excitement hit when I lifted the Notics armor set. I¡¯d modified it just enough to fit my frame, adjusting the straps, padding where necessary. Donning the armor was an experience in itself. The cool, sleek material settled over me, hugging close to my body without restricting my movement. I flexed my arms, feeling the joints respond smoothly, each movement unhindered. The weight was perfectly balanced, just enough to remind me it was there but light enough to feel like a second skin.


    ¡°Well, let¡¯s see what you¡¯re made of,¡± I said, grinning as I threw a few quick punches into the air, each one slicing through the dim, damp air of the cave. Shadowboxing in the dark, I felt the way the armor absorbed and redistributed the force of each punch, like a perfect extension of my own strength.


    ¡°Yeah¡­ this will be fun.¡±


    After testing the armor, I turned my attention back to the ring. I needed to keep practicing with it until summoning became second nature. Let¡¯s get this down, I thought, slipping into the rhythm of pulling the sword out, holding it, feeling its weight, and then slipping it back in. After a few dozen repetitions, the motion felt smoother, more instinctive. It would still take a second or two to summon, but each practice cut down the time.


    I figured it was time to test summoning smaller items, like arrows. After all, in a fight, I¡¯d need to be able to grab them on the go, rather than fumbling around with an entire quiver.


    ¡°Alright, come on, arrow¡­¡± I muttered, focusing on pulling a single arrow from the ring. My mental energy zeroed in, Exira wrapping around the image of the arrow, trying to materialize it.


    Nothing.


    I took a deep breath, then tried again, a bit more forcefully. Again, nothing. Frustration simmered beneath the surface, but I didn¡¯t let it distract me. It¡¯s just a process, I reminded myself. A skill like any other. Try again.


    Twenty minutes passed, each attempt more focused than the last. But no matter how carefully I pictured it, I couldn¡¯t summon a single arrow. I even tried storing a few arrows separately, away from the main bundle in the quiver, hoping it would make them easier to retrieve. But that just made it worse. The effort of visualizing one individual arrow was starting to exhaust me, my head throbbing from the strain.


    ¡°Hah, of course it¡¯s not that easy,¡± I grumbled, leaning against the cave wall, rubbing my temples. ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll just take the whole damn quiver out if that¡¯s what it takes.¡±


    Pulling out the entire quiver was fast enough, so it wasn¡¯t all bad. But there was something infuriating about not being able to grab a single arrow on its own. More practice, I told myself, clenching my fists. It¡¯s all about fine-tuning, control.


    With a sigh, I let myself sink back, feeling the ache settle into my bones. My thoughts flickered back to the pendant, still cool against my chest, a quiet reminder of some deeper mystery I hadn¡¯t yet unlocked. The cave was dark, silent save for the faint drip of water somewhere in the distance. But in the quiet, I felt something stir in me¡ªa sense of readiness, of anticipation for whatever lay beyond these walls.


    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯ll figure this all out,¡± I whispered to the shadows. ¡°One step at a time.¡±


    I took one last glance at my hand, the ring gleaming faintly in the dim light. The Notics armor hugged close, the pendant resting near my heart, a silent, unwavering presence. Whatever the coming battles held, I knew I was as prepared as I could be.


    Satisfied, I took a quick mental inventory, running through the artifacts and items stored within the ring. Everything''s in place.


    <table style="font-size: 1em; border-collapse: collapse; background-color: rgba(32, 0, 98, 1); border-style: solid; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 48.4496%" border="1">


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center; width: 99.8649%" colspan="2">


    Equipped Gear


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center; width: 99.8649%" colspan="2">


    ARMOUR Attuned


    Noctis ONE-SET Armour  [Mortal Tier ¡ï¡ï¡ï¡ï] (Cloak,torso,pants,boots)


    E: (Aegis Protego Obscurioveilum Restituo Unbreaking)


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center; width: 99.8649%" colspan="2">


    ATTUNED ARTIFACTS


    The sole earring ?????????


    Aunt Nora¡¯s blessed Bracer for dumb Lexi [Overmortal Tier ¡ï¡ï¡ï] (Regen, stealth)


    E : (????? ??????)


    Drakesier Heirloom [Divine Tier ????]


    E :(??????)


    El¡¯s Gift (Spatial Ring) [Mortal Tier ¡ï¡ï]


    E : (??$#$#%????)


    Moon''s Blessings Pendant [Mortal Tier ¡ï¡ï]


    E : (Luna Benedictionis)


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center; width: 99.8649%" colspan="2">


    ENCHANTED GEAR


    Mask


    Trusty Spyglass


    Warmth Ring (Foveo) [Passive Enchant Type]


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center; width: 99.8649%" colspan="2">


    WEAPONS


    Longsword [Mortal Tier ¡ï]


    E : (Ferro Durabilis Acutus Aeternum)


    Expansio Spear [Mortal Tier ¡ï¡ï]


    E : (Penetrans Durabilis Expansio)


    Expansio Shield [Mortal Tier ¡ï¡ï]


    E : (Aegis Durabilis Expansio)


    Longbow [Mortal Tier ¡ï]


    E : (Dirige Accelerare Percute)


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    El''s RING


    <table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 90.0248%; background-color: rgba(32, 0, 98, 1); border-style: ridge">


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td style="width: 30.1154%">


    [FOOD and Rations]


    </td>


    <td style="width: 26.7969%"> </td>


    <td style="width: 25.8014%"> </td>


    <td style="width: 17.3392%"> </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="width: 30.1154%">


    Dried strips of meat x 30 and Bread x 10


    </td>


    <td style="width: 26.7969%">


    Raw meat chunks x 5 ~ 3 kg each


    </td>


    <td style="width: 25.8014%">


    Water canteen x 2 [E] ~10L each


    </td>


    <td style="width: 17.3392%">


    Spices (assortment)


    Bundles box ]


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="width: 30.1154%">


    [Artifacts]


    </td>


    <td style="width: 26.7969%"> </td>


    <td style="width: 25.8014%"> </td>


    <td style="width: 17.3392%"> </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="width: 30.1154%">


    Runic Fragment


    (hidden)


    </td>


    <td style="width: 26.7969%">


    Warmth Ring [P]


    E: (Foveo)


    </td>


    <td style="width: 25.8014%">


    Breathless Ring [C]


    E: (Respiratio Nullus Arca)


    </td>


    <td style="width: 17.3392%">


    Cleanse Ring [C]


    E: (Mundo)


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="width: 30.1154%">


    Protective Pendant [E]


    E: (Defendo)


    </td>


    <td style="width: 26.7969%">


    Revealing Monocle [C]


    E: (Apparere Occulta)


    </td>


    <td style="width: 25.8014%">


    Trusty spyglass [P]


    E: (UNBREAKING I)


    </td>


    <td style="width: 17.3392%"> </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="width: 30.1154%">


    Key Items]


    </td>


    <td style="width: 26.7969%"> </td>


    <td style="width: 25.8014%"> </td>


    <td style="width: 17.3392%"> </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="width: 30.1154%">


    Diary


    </td>


    <td style="width: 26.7969%">


    Insignia x2


    </td>


    <td style="width: 25.8014%">


    Map I x2


    </td>


    <td style="width: 17.3392%">


    Metal card x2


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="width: 30.1154%">


    Photos x2


    </td>


    <td style="width: 26.7969%">


    Documents [U]


    </td>


    <td style="width: 25.8014%">


    Elf¡¯s Drawings


    </td>


    <td style="width: 17.3392%">


    keys


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="width: 30.1154%">


    [Items]


    </td>


    <td style="width: 26.7969%"> </td>


    <td style="width: 25.8014%"> </td>


    <td style="width: 17.3392%"> </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="width: 30.1154%">


    Energy Crystals x10


    </td>


    <td style="width: 26.7969%">


    Spare Clothes


    </td>


    <td style="width: 25.8014%">


    Ropes


    </td>


    <td style="width: 17.3392%">


    Sewing kit


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="width: 30.1154%">


    Cloaks [E]


    </td>


    <td style="width: 26.7969%">


    Spare Leather Armour


    </td>


    <td style="width: 25.8014%">Torch</td>


    <td style="width: 17.3392%"> </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="width: 30.1154%">


    [Armaments]


    </td>


    <td style="width: 26.7969%"> </td>


    <td style="width: 25.8014%"> </td>


    <td style="width: 17.3392%"> </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="width: 30.1154%">


    Daggers x2


    </td>


    <td style="width: 26.7969%">Arrowsx240 quiver loaded</td>


    <td style="width: 25.8014%"> </td>


    <td style="width: 17.3392%"> </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    I took out a strip of jerky and bit down, chewing slowly as I went over each detail in my mind. One last roll call before heading out.


    ¡°Alright,¡± I muttered to myself, ticking off each item on my mental list. ¡°Gear? Check.¡± I glanced down at the glinting edges of my gauntlets, adjusted the straps around my shoulders. Everything was secured and ready for quick access.


    I tore off another piece of jerky, feeling the toughness in my jaw as I chewed, savoring the salt. Food eaten? Check. The taste was a welcome shift from the bland rations I¡¯d been stuck with. It was the little things that kept you sane.


    I took a deep breath, letting my senses settle in the dim quiet of the cave. Rested? Check. After the sleep and the wash, my mind felt clearer, my body recharged. It was a rare sensation out here in these hostile lands, and I wanted to make the most of it.


    Moving to my pack, I hefted one of the water bottles, the cool weight reassuring in my grip. Each one was filled to the brim. Water bottles, all filled. Check.


    I looked out at the mouth of the cave, where shadows stretched and beckoned. The time had come. ¡°Alright, Alexis,¡± I said to myself, taking a final breath to steady the nerves that began stirring in my chest. ¡°Let¡¯s move out.¡±


    <hr>

 Chapter 033 - Delving back in

    <hr>


    Following the direction El had last pointed out. Each step echoed faintly, and I winced, knowing that stealth was my only shield down here, I kept to the shadows, the damp stone walls pressing in on either side.


    The path was rough, twisted in places, as if it had been chiseled out by claws rather than tools. The air was stale, each breath thick with the earthy scent of moss and mildew. I forced myself to ignore the tightening in my chest, the prickling awareness that this entire escape plan relied on a half-remembered sketch and whatever scraps of El¡¯s knowledge he¡¯d left behind.


    Not that I didn¡¯t trust him. Still, I couldn¡¯t shake the nagging feeling that he¡¯d ¡°forgotten¡± a few crucial details¡ªlike the reason the only escape route just happened to be near a monstrous boss-type creature.


    Because of course, it was. Apparently, if there¡¯s a hellish, near-impossible path out of this place, that¡¯s the one I get to take.


    With a sigh, I paused and pulled out the page from my ring, ducking low and lighting a torch so I could examine it under the faint orange glow. His sketch wasn¡¯t exactly what I¡¯d call reassuring. A few scattered lines, crude outlines of landmarks, but the essential details were there¡ªor at least as close to ¡°essential¡± as El¡¯s sketching skills allowed.


    ¡°Alright¡­ let¡¯s break this down,¡± I muttered to myself, squinting as I turned the paper in different angles, hoping for some hidden clarity that never materialized.


    At the center of the cave, marked with a dark, heavy line, was a large crystal of some kind. El had scrawled something like ¡°boss¡± near it, the word barely legible, the ink smudged and faint. So, the creature wasn¡¯t just near the crystal¡ªit was sort of guarding it??.


    Great. Around the crystal, he¡¯d marked little dots that I could only assume were smaller monsters, scattered like a field of mines across the cavern floor. My eyes traced the path he¡¯d drawn, a shaky line that wound around the crystal, curving in a wide arc to avoid what looked like the densest clusters of monsters.


    And then, in the far corner of the map, a single ¡®X¡¯ stood out, scratched into the rock face like a beacon of hope¡ªor maybe doom. Next to it, a faint line squiggled downward, with a small symbol that vaguely resembles waves.


    I exhaled sharply. Of course, the exit would be underwater. Because why not add the possibility of drowning to the list of dangers? Just once, I¡¯d like things to be straightforward. But no¡ªhere I was, planning to sneak past a horde of monsters, slip by a boss, and swim through some underwater passage, all without getting myself killed.


    Stuffing the paper back into the ring, I took a deep breath, trying to steady the tension in my shoulders.


    Focus, Lexi. One step at a time.


    I moved forward, my steps silent, calculated.


    The crystal would be the key landmark, unmistakable even in the dark depths of the cave. With any luck, I could stay far enough from the boss and its minions to avoid detection.


    And if I couldn¡¯t¡­ Well, that wasn¡¯t a scenario I wanted to dwell on.


    Then, up ahead, a faint sound caught my attention¡ªa low, rumbling noise, the kind that could easily be mistaken for shifting earth, if not for the strange, rhythmic quality.


    I froze, instinct taking over as I dropped into a crouch, my body pressed low against the rough ground. Notics armor responded instantly, amplifying the silence of my movements, blending me into the shadows.


    I strained my ears, focusing on the sound. It was faint, barely audible, but unmistakable¡ªgrowls, deep and guttural, layered with a faint scraping that could only mean claws against the stone. My heartbeat quickened, a rush of adrenaline flooding my veins, sharpening my senses. The monsters were close, possibly just around the next bend, and by the sound of it, they weren¡¯t alone.


    Slowly, carefully, I inched forward. Every step felt measured, and deliberate, each one bringing me closer to the source of the noise.


    Crouched in the darkness, I could feel every heartbeat thrumming in my ears, each one a steady countdown to the clash I knew was coming.


    The passage was cold and damp, pressing in around me, amplifying every distant snarl, every scrape of claws on stone. I stretched my senses to their limit, Exira coursing through my body, sharpening my awareness until every sound, every flicker of movement, was like a spark against my nerves.


    Sounds are getting close. Probably more than one.


    The rumble of their growls echoed, growing louder with each passing second.


    No wait¡­ the monsters are running toward me¡­hmm


    Moving forward, still crouched, I eased my way into a slightly more open section of the cave. Here, I had room to maneuver, space to strike without getting boxed in. I let Exira expand, feeding it through my limbs, flooding my eyes, and strengthening the very core of my senses until it felt as if my body had become one seamless weapon, honed, lethal. Taking a deep breath, I steadied myself, my focus sharpening to a razor¡¯s edge.Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.


    Not cheesing the fight with Exira¡­well not unless I can manage, I¡¯ll just hone my weapons with Exira.


    Just skill. Just the blade and what I can do with it.


    With Exira humming in my veins, I slowly unhooked my torch, snuffing it out in one swift motion and sliding it back into my belt. I dropped my sword quietly on the ground and slipped out the rod I¡¯d kept sheathed on my back. With a quick flick of my wrist, the rod extended, morphing smoothly into a spear, the weight solid and familiar in my grip. I took a deep breath, steadying my heartbeat, feeling every muscle tense, every nerve sing with anticipation.


    Taking a few deep breaths, I calmed my mind and centered myself, entering a battle trance


    Stretching my arm back, I shifted into a throwing posture, muscles coiled, body aligned, every inch of me primed to strike. Exira pulsed through the spear, crackling in faint purple sparks along the shaft, sharpening the weapon¡¯s edge, and strengthening its weight.


    Seconds stretched into eternity as I waited, every sense focused, every ounce of my will channeling into that one point of release.


    Then¡ªmovement.


    A burst of noise erupted from the passageway to my side as two hulking forms dashed into view, their mottled skin glistening in the dim light, fangs bared, claws extended, tearing forward with mindless aggression. They hadn¡¯t seen me yet, their eyes fixed forward.


    Fuuu~


    I released the spear, my breath catching as it left my hand, Exira propelling it forward with deadly speed.


    Swish.


    The spear flew, leaving a faint purple trail as it arced through the air, embedding itself with a crackling burst straight into the chest of the first creature. The impact was enough to lift it off its feet, sending it crashing back against the cave wall with a sickening thud. The spear pinned it there, sparking with Exira¡¯s power, the creature¡¯s limbs twitching in spasms as the glow faded from its eyes.


    Now¡­fuu


    The second monster froze, staring at its fallen kin, momentarily stunned by the sudden death. I didn¡¯t waste a second. Grabbing my sword from the ground, I poured Exira into the blade, feeling it hum to life, a faint violet glow emanating along its edge as I bolted toward the creature.


    It turned, its eyes narrowing, a snarl escaping its throat as it swiped at me with a heavy claw. The swing was fast, but I was faster, ducking under it, my shield rising instinctively to meet the attack.


    Clang.


    Sparks flew as claws met metal, the impact reverberating up my arm, but I held steady, forcing the creature off balance.


    I didn¡¯t hesitate, switching my grip on the sword, and sliding seamlessly into a thrusting stance. I drove the blade forward, Exira¡¯s power burning along its edge as it sank deep into the creature¡¯s flesh.


    A howl tore from its throat, an ear-splitting wail that filled the cavern, raw and furious, but I didn¡¯t let up. I twisted the blade, cutting deeper, severing muscle, shattering bone, until the fight in the creature faded, its weight collapsing to the ground with a final shudder.


    Its corpse slumped at my feet, lifeless, blood pooling around it. I exhaled sharply, adrenaline still surging, my grip tightening on the hilt as I scanned the shadows.


    Then, a low growl echoed through the cave, rough and ragged, dragging my attention back to the first creature. It was still alive¡ªor barely. The monster had managed to wrench itself free from the spear, stumbling forward, blood pouring from the wound in its chest. Its breaths came in weak, wheezing gasps, but its eyes were locked on me, burning with the last embers of defiance.


    It staggered forward, its body heaving, mouth open in a snarl that was half-roar, half-dying scream.


    Alright, I thought, shifting into a battle stance, sword raised, eyes steady on my opponent. One more time.


    Hold¡­


    The creature lunged, throwing its entire weight into one last desperate attack, claws extended, teeth bared in a furious snarl.


    Now


    I sidestepped, sliding my foot forward in a half-circle, keeping my balance as I pivoted, swinging my blade in a swift, clean arc. The edge sliced through its neck, smooth and fast, the blade¡¯s Exira-infused glow leaving a faint trail in the air as it passed.


    Slash. Thud.


    The monster¡¯s head rolled, hitting the ground with a heavy, final thump, its eyes staring blankly into nothingness. Its body followed, collapsing into a lifeless heap, the last remnants of rage flickering out like a snuffed candle.


    I took a deep breath, letting the tension seep from my muscles as the cave fell silent once more. The echoes of the fight faded, leaving only the faint drip of water and the dull throb of my heartbeat pounding in my ears. The entire battle had lasted mere moments¡ªa flash of movement, steel, and Exira¡ªbut the weight of it lingered, pressing down on me.


    I retrieved the spear from where it was still embedded in the wall, wiping the blood off on my sleeve before retracting it back to its compact form.


    Hmm¡­fuu did well I think¡­


    I glanced down at the corpses, their twisted forms lying motionless on the stone floor, the faint smell of blood and death hanging in the air.


    The creatures hadn¡¯t stood a chance. But then again, neither would I if I had been a fraction of a second slower if I¡¯d hesitated even once.


    I wiped my sword and sheathed it, my gaze traveling across the darkened cavern. No sound, no movement. I let my guard down just a fraction, but the sense of unease remained, a lingering reminder that this was just the start.


    The boss monster El had warned about still lay ahead, waiting, somewhere in the depths of the cave, guarding that crystal and the only way out.


    <hr>

 Chapter 034 - Another Elite battle

    <hr>


    Wiping the blood off my sword, I took a steadying breath, letting the last traces of adrenaline ebb from my veins. I slipped the blade back into its sheath, the faint metallic hiss echoing softly in the silence of the cave.


    Reaching into my ring, I pulled out the torch and struck it to life, a weak, white glow spilling out to illuminate the scene.


    The bodies of the two monsters lay twisted and still on the stone floor, their massive forms casting long shadows against the walls. I crouched down beside them, letting my gaze roam over their corpses, every detail coming into focus. Something about their injuries seemed¡­ wrong.


    ¡°Wait¡­¡± I muttered, leaning in closer.


    The injuries weren¡¯t all mine. Some were shallow, slicing across sinew and muscle, clearly intended to wound, not kill. Others ran jagged and deep, almost surgical in their precision. These weren¡¯t the chaotic marks of a creature in a frenzy¡ªthey were deliberate.


    ¡°What the hell¡­?¡± All the injuries were deep but not deep enough for them to die or become unable to move.


    Something was playing with them¡­


    As I recalled my recent encounter with the acid spewing lizard elite¡­he was too playing and ordering the normal lizard monsters¡­


    Frowning, I adjusted the torch, angling it to get a better look. The first monster had a particularly nasty slice along its shoulder, deep enough to expose the bone.


    The second monster had claw marks running down its side, as though something had raked it with claws twice as large as its own. These weren¡¯t defensive wounds. They weren¡¯t the marks of a creature fighting for its life.


    Yeah, something probably an Elite class was playing with them or maybe punishing them.


    They were running, did the Elite let them run or did they escape¡­


    NO¡­did the elite let them go purposely¡­


    A chill settled over me, prickling the skin along my arms as I processed the implications.


    Facing another elite. Or maybe something even worse.


    I swallowed, feeling my heart quicken, my pulse hammering against my ribs as the thought of another encounter sank in.


    Great, I thought, feeling the familiar weight of dread settle over me. As if this place wasn¡¯t bad enough.


    fuuu


    Taking a deep breath to steady myself, I forced the rising anxiety back down. Now wasn¡¯t the time to dwell on hypothetical threats; I needed to stay sharp and focused on the here and now.


    ¡°Let¡¯s finish the task at hand first,¡±


    I glanced back down at the corpses, the raw, brutalized flesh stark against the cold stone floor.


    Waste nothing, I reminded myself.


    Okay, the bones are super helpful taking all of those¡­get to work Lexi¡­


    Crouching beside the first monster, I pulled out my small but sharp knife and set to work, slicing through tough sinew and thick muscle, pulling free the largest, sturdiest bones.


    The claws came next, thick and curved, each one nearly as long as my hand. I separated them carefully, my blade slipping between cartilage and bone with practiced ease, each claw clicking softly as I stored it in the ring.


    The process was quick but methodical, each piece was carefully examined before I stowed it away. As I worked, I kept my senses stretched, Exira pulsing faintly in the back of my mind, a silent alarm ready to jolt me into action at the slightest hint of movement. The silence in the cave felt unnatural, almost oppressive as if the darkness itself was watching, waiting.


    My eyes darted to the passage, the faint glow of the torch casting wavering shadows that twisted and danced along the walls.


    Stay focused, I reminded myself, forcing my attention back to the task. Anything that can keep you alive is worth the effort.


    Once I¡¯d gathered everything useful from the corpses, I wiped the blade clean on the edge of my sleeve and sheathed it, straightening up and scanning the scene one last time. The bodies lay gutted and hollowed, stripped of anything that could serve a purpose.


    The smell of blood and decay hung thick in the air, mingling with the earthy dampness of the cave, creating a scent that clawed at the back of my throat. I forced myself to ignore it, pushing the torch forward to light my path as I moved cautiously toward the darkened passage ahead.


    Thanks, El for the ring¡­no carrying luggage around is a lifesaver.


    With every step, I stretched Exira out, letting it expand like a net around me, attuning to every faint vibration, every subtle shift in the air. My heart hammered in my chest, the weight of my discovery pressing heavily on my mind.


    The memory of those wounds¡ªintentional, a mark of something that hunted not for sustenance but for control¡ªlingered like a dark shadow in my thoughts.


    fuu


    A faint shiver ran down my spine, and I tightened my grip on the torch, casting a wary glance back over my shoulder. The corpses were now mere shadows in the distance, twisted and indistinct, half-obscured by the darkness. I forced myself to keep moving forward, ignoring the prickling sensation at the base of my neck.


    One step at a time, I reminded myself, my voice a faint whisper in the dark.


    Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    I kept my breathing low, controlled, each breath slow and steady as I moved forward in the dark, Exira flowing outward like a net around me. The torch remained tucked away, its light too much of a risk, too obvious a beacon in this murky abyss. Only Exira guided me now, tendrils of awareness extending into the shadows, feeling every inch of the space ahead, catching the faintest shifts in the air.


    A sound reached me¡ªquiet at first, but unmistakable. A wet, sickening crunch, followed by the slurp of flesh and bone being ripped apart. I froze, every nerve on edge, and turned Exira up to level one, amplifying my senses further, sharpening them to deadly precision.


    As I crept closer, the sounds grew louder, more visceral, echoing off the stone walls until each bite, each squelch of torn flesh, seemed to vibrate through my bones.


    I moved with deliberate caution until I reached the edge of a wide opening in the cave. Staying low, I pressed myself against the rock wall and peered around the corner. The scene before me made my stomach twist.


    Corpses littered the ground¡ªbroken, twisted bodies, their limbs bent at unnatural angles, their flesh torn and mangled. And in the center of it all stood a towering creature, its frame lean and muscular, like some twisted mockery of a human. Its long, bony arms ended in serrated bone blades jutting from its elbows, their edges glistening with fresh blood. It stood upright, unnervingly humanoid, but its head was elongated, a grotesque snout filled with mismatched, jagged teeth, each one glinting with bits of flesh as it chewed.


    Yellow eyes, cold and predatory, swept over the corpses before settling on me with a terrible, focused intensity.


    My heart plummeted. An elite. Damn it, an elite. I felt a chill crawl up my spine, a primal part of me screaming to turn and run. But there was no time.


    The creature let out a guttural hiss, its tongue lashing out wildly as it tossed aside the corpse it had been feeding on, the body skidding across the stone floor like a discarded rag.


    It lowered its head, glaring at me with a feral intensity, those yellow eyes burning with savage intelligence.


    ¡°Shit!¡± was all I managed to get out before it lunged.


    The ground shattered and exploded where I¡¯d been standing, chunks of rock exploding outward as I rolled to the side, barely dodging the strike. I sprang to my feet, bringing my shield up just in time to deflect another swing. The force of the impact surged through my arm, a raw shock of pain that numbed my fingers as I staggered back, trying to put distance between us.


    ¡°Damn it,¡± I muttered, tasting blood as I felt the sting of a fresh wound. A quick glance down revealed a thin slash across my stomach, blood seeping through the torn fabric. I tightened my grip on my sword, forcing myself to ignore the throbbing ache.


    The creature¡¯s bone blades extended from its elbows like twin scythes, gleaming in the dim light, and I cursed my luck.


    Of course, I had to run into an elite monster with the skill to wield those blades like a natural weapon. Its movements were fast, precise, every swing measured, every lunge calculated.


    I circled it, keeping low, trying to read its movements. My mind raced, calculating the best approach, my senses heightened by Exira¡¯s influence. I felt the familiar strain start to press against my mind, but I pushed it down, forcing myself to focus.


    No time for hesitation. If I don¡¯t get this right, I¡¯m dead.


    fuuu


    The creature lunged again, and I parried with my shield, absorbing the impact. Sparks flew as its blade clashed with metal, a high-pitched shriek that set my teeth on edge. I struck back, swinging my sword toward its midsection, but it dodged, slipping just out of range with an agility that seemed impossible for something so massive.


    I cursed under my breath, barely managing to sidestep as it retaliated, its blade narrowly missing my face.


    Blood pounded in my ears, my pulse racing as I blocked another attack.


    ¡°Fine. You want to dance? Let¡¯s dance,¡± I growled, pouring more Exira into my body, and pushing it to level two. The power coursed through me, dulling the pain, sharpening my reflexes, and turning each movement into a fluid, lethal strike.


    Fuuu


    With Exira coursing through me I felt time slowing down, I could perceive all but it is difficult to maintain since using Exira at level two actively felt like someone hammering on my head.


    fuuu


    The creature lunged again, its blades coming at me from both sides in a pincer-like maneuver. I threw my shield up, catching one blade while sidestepping to avoid the other. I had been honing my sword with Exira ever since the fight began and sensing an opportunity, I swung my sword in a downward arc, aiming for its torso. The blade hissed with purple energy, crackling as it sliced through the air, and for a split second, I saw an opening.


    Haaaa¡­got you fucker¡­


    I struck, and my sword connected, cutting a deep gash along its side. The creature let out a guttural scream, staggering back, but before I could press the advantage, it twisted, swinging its remaining blade toward me. I barely had time to block, the impact sending me reeling back, the breath knocked from my lungs.


    ¡°Not¡­good enough,¡± I spat, wiping blood from the corner of my mouth as I adjusted my stance.


    The creature snarled, yellow eyes blazing with rage as it lunged at me again, closing the distance in a single bound. I brought up my shield to block, but this time I was ready.


    As its blade clanged against my shield, I pushed Exira to level three ignoring the increased pain in my head, as I felt the raw, intense power surge through me, every nerve humming with energy.


    Channeling more into my sword, the blade igniting with a fierce, violet glow, crackling with energy as I twisted, slashing with everything I had.


    The blade connected, biting deep into the creature¡¯s flesh, slicing clean through its left arm. The severed limb fell to the ground with a sickening thud, blood spraying across the stone floor in thick, dark arcs. The creature howled in agony, its eyes wide with rage and pain, but it didn¡¯t back down. Instead, it lashed out, a wild, frenzied swing that I barely blocked in time, the force reverberating through my entire body.


    Gritting my teeth, I pushed back, holding steady against its onslaught. The creature¡¯s strength was monstrous, every strike heavy, each one a battering force that strained my shield and my endurance.


    But I didn¡¯t let up. I couldn¡¯t afford to. One mistake, and I¡¯d be dead.


    With a surge of Exira, I steadied myself, pouring every ounce of focus into my next move. I waited for the right moment, feeling the creature¡¯s rhythm, its patterns, reading the tension in its muscles as it prepared to strike again.


    The instant it moved, I channeled Exira into a final, devastating blow, the power surging down my arm, through my sword, amplifying the force until it was nearly unbearable.


    My blade arced through the air, connecting with the creature¡¯s torso with a fierce, brutal impact. The violet energy of Exira exploded on contact, a crackling burst that sent shockwaves through the creature¡¯s body. It went rigid, its eyes widening in shock as the light in them began to fade.


    Like a puppet with its strings cut, it slumped to the ground, its body convulsing once before going still, the last remnants of life slipping away.


    I stood over the corpse, breathing heavily, my chest rising and falling in sharp, ragged breaths.


    The cave was silent once more, the only sounds were my own heartbeat and the faint crackle of Exira fading from my blade. I let out a long, shaky breath, the tension slowly easing from my muscles as the reality of my survival sank in.


    ¡°Finally,¡± I muttered, wiping sweat from my brow as I took one last look at the fallen creature, its twisted form slumped on the stone floor, lifeless.


    Falling down on the floor as I breathed heavily, The fight though barely lasted a few minutes had burned through my endurance. Every muscle felt like they were burning, Forcing myself to sit I took out my water bottle and took slow small gulps of water. As I felt my body calming down I downed the water.


    Haaa¡­.haaaaa


    Still breathing heavily as I had a thought why the fuck did I not placed the elite under Exira lock and then finished it.


    Dumb Lexi indeed¡­


    <hr>

 Patreon Announcement!!!

    <hr>


    Hello Dear Readers!


    I''d like to thank you all for the support, especially those of you who have left comments, as well as those who have followed and favorited!, I love to read your comments and respond to them so do go wild in the comments section, and some honest reviews would be nice too.


    So I''ve recently been up editing the backlog that I do have to make them ready for Patreon, currently we are at 30 chapters ahead of Royal Road but I can promise you all this, So for the time Twisted Destiny is on Rising Stars, I''ll be posting double chapters every single day for those of you who sign up to Patreon.This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    The goal is to have 40 - 50 chapters ahead of Royal Road by the end of my RS run!  (I hope  ?^>?<^ ?)


    I really enjoy writing this story, and whilst it may not be perfect (far from it), I have come to love it so yeah it would be a dream come true to write full time and not worry about studying DSA anymore (man I have started hating completive coding .....TT.TT)


    Twisted Destiny will be a long novel, just the book 1 is around 100+ chapters long and most of my chapters are 2K average.


    I mean its better to set your sights high, This dumb author can hope.... ?^>?<^ ?


    Thanks again everyone


    ¡Ä,,,¡Ä


    (  ?? ¡¤ ? ?)


    /    ¤Å? Love u all~


    <hr>

 Chapter 035 - Harvesting and Thoughts

    <hr>


    "Damn," I muttered, my voice echoing faintly in the silent cave. My muscles screamed in protest, the lack of proper diet and nutrients was already a pain and now with constant exhaustion and injuries, I¡¯m sure whether I survive or not I¡¯ll be a walking skeleton.


    I closed my eyes, willing the spasms to ease, letting my body remember what it felt like to relax.


    "Just... breathe," I whispered to myself, each word a struggle. Minutes passed in a haze of labored breaths and searing pain. Slowly, agonizingly, the burning sensation began to ebb, and my muscles loosened, control returning to me bit by bit.


    I again pulled out a canteen and took a few sips of water, the cool liquid soothing my parched throat. I dug out a strip of jerky, tearing off a piece and chewing slowly, each bite grounding me, restoring a fragment of my strength.


    The taste was bland, almost cardboard-like, but I didn''t care. Food was fuel, and I needed every bit of energy I could get.


    As I rested, I forced myself to look at the creature I''d killed. Now that I wasn''t fighting for my life, I could take it in fully.


    The elite''s form was lean, far more so than the usual hulking beasts I''d encountered. Its body was compact, almost athletic, with taut muscles rippling under mottled gray skin.


    It was built for speed and precision rather than brute strength and also the last elite I faced was more towards the ability route while this one was on the physical route.


    Great¡­ that just increased my odds of being a snack¡­


    "Fucking hell," I breathed, my gaze tracing the length of its bone blades. Serrated edges gleamed dully in the faint light, each blade nearly as long as I was tall.


    If I hadn''t managed to block or dodge when I did if my focus had slipped for even a second... I shook my head, trying to dispel the gruesome image of my own head rolling across the floor.


    Yeah truly a dance with death¡­yet I feel so good¡­am I weird in the head¡­


    I glanced down at my stomach, where the creature''s blade had left its mark. The armor was torn, a jagged gash marring the dark material. But to my surprise, the fibers were slowly reweaving themselves, a faint shimmer of enchanted energy dancing along the edges.


    My skin beneath was mending too, the wound sealing itself, though faint traces of blood still smeared the area.


    "Nice," I muttered, a hint of a smile tugging at my lips despite the lingering pain.


    The Unbreaking enchantment was doing its job, working in tandem with the armor''s restorative properties. The realization lifted my spirits¡ªa small but crucial reminder of how far I''d come, how much this armor had already saved my ass.


    Phew~ It feels much better and¡­entertaining no..thrilling now that I¡¯m in better gear and can engage in proper combat¡­


    I leaned back against the rough stone wall, chewing thoughtfully on another piece of jerky.


    My thoughts drifted to the armor itself. It was an incredible find, beyond anything I could have imagined scavenging in this hellhole, and seeing its potential, Yeah I¡¯m 100% upgrading you when I get the chance noctis¡­


    I glanced back at the creature, my eyes lingering on the menacing bone blades once more. And yet, I thought, shivering slightly, even with all of this, it was close. Too close.


    That damn thing¡¯s agility, its precision¡ªif I hadn¡¯t had Exira amplifying my reflexes, my stomach wound might¡¯ve been my last. Just like when I hadn¡¯t noticed the initial slash, the same could¡¯ve happened to my neck. I could practically feel the cool touch of a blade against my skin, slicing through before I even registered the attack.Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.


    I looked away, suppressing a shiver. This elite was different from the others I¡¯d faced. This one was pure physicality, a creature that relied on speed, skill, and those damn bone blades.


    It''s good that I finished the bastard fast enough¡­ I¡¯m sorely lacking in the endurance department right now¡­


    I forced myself to refocus, pushing aside the flash of past terror. That was then; this was now.


    Here, I¡¯d won. Barely, maybe, but a win was a win.


    After finishing the meager meal. Rest time was over. I had to move ahead.


    I pushed myself to my feet, rolling my shoulders to ease the last traces of tension. My body still felt heavy, weighed down by the residual strain of Exira, the headache was still there but I could feel it will subside in a few moments.


    Taking out my torch, I cast its light over the corpse. The shadows stretched and shifted as the white glow washed over the creature''s grotesque form. It was taller than I''d realized, its elongated limbs and jagged bone blades giving it a menacing silhouette even in death.


    I knelt beside it, studying the details one last time. Its claws were sharp, honed to deadly points, and I considered taking a few as keepsakes, or perhaps materials for crafting.


    Standing over it, I couldn¡¯t help but wonder how many more were out there. Elites like this one, lurking in the shadows, waiting to rip apart anything foolish enough to cross their path. My armor would only protect me so much, and Exira, as powerful as it was, had its limits. Pushing it to level three had nearly drained me, and I couldn¡¯t count on that kind of strength for every fight.


    My martial prowess was something I still took pride in, even now, with only fragments of my memories left.


    The image of the battle flickered in my mind, and with it, a half-formed memory¡ªa flash of myself in training, swift, deadly, unstoppable. It was strange, almost surreal.


    I couldn''t remember the details, but I knew¡ªdeep down¡ªthat Alexis before amnesia would''ve handled this monster without breaking a sweat. I was missing so much crucial information, experiences, and techniques.


    I chuckled quietly, the sound hollow in the silence. ¡°Guess I used to be something,¡±


    I crouched beside the creature¡¯s head, tilting the torch to get a closer look at its face. It was ugly in a way that felt almost deliberate, designed to evoke fear, every inch of its elongated skull a nightmare-made flesh. Its jaws were wide, impossibly so, and filled with teeth, each one a serrated, jagged edge, all mismatched and cruelly sharp.


    I could only imagine what it would¡¯ve felt like to be caught in those jaws. The creature was a killing machine, built to rend and tear, to leave nothing but ruin in its wake.


    Drawing out the new set of knives I¡¯d acquired, I began the grim work of harvesting the creature. The knives sliced through flesh and muscle, their edges sharp and precise, each cut methodical, every motion smooth from years of practice. My hands worked almost automatically, first severing the bone blades at the elbows, their dense structure making each cut an effort even with enchanted steel. These blades would be useful, valuable¡ªeither for crafting or for trading if I ever found a place to barter.


    Once I¡¯d set the bone blades aside, I moved on to the claws, prying them free one by one, each one almost as thick as my own fingers. They were hard as stone, the points razor-sharp, and I could practically feel the faint, lingering trace of the creature¡¯s power within them. I turned one over in my hand, feeling the weight of it, the texture, imagining how it might serve as a weapon or component, how I could use it to craft something deadly of my own.


    Curiosity got the better of me, and I decided to go deeper. Pulling out my knife, I drove it into the creature¡¯s chest, slicing down through layers of muscle, peeling back flesh to expose its insides. The thick, sinewy tissue resisted, each layer tough and fibrous, but I kept going, prying open the chest cavity until I reached the rib cage. I paused, glancing at the exposed bones, at the twisted structure within.


    I cracked the ribs apart, the sound echoing in the stillness, and finally exposed its inner organs. Despite the elite¡¯s terrifying appearance, its insides were remarkably similar to the regular monsters I¡¯d fought. The same twisted organs, the same dark, pulsing mass of veins and sinew. Nothing about it seemed special, nothing that would explain its enhanced strength or intelligence.


    I huffed in frustration, wiping my hands on a rag as I glanced over the creature¡¯s open chest cavity.


    So maybe the physical structure isn¡¯t what gives them their power. My mind wandered to El¡¯s words, the cryptic hints he¡¯d dropped about essence and power points. He¡¯d told me that killing an elite or boss would yield an ¡°essence¡±¡ªa source of energy, something powerful. He¡¯d implied I¡¯d know it if I found it, that it would be obvious.


    But standing here, staring into the creature¡¯s chest, I saw nothing. No glowing core, no strange organ thrumming with power, no hidden source of its strength.


    Does it even exist physically? Or is it¡­ something else?


    El words¡­or rather the drawings implied that I would know if there is an essence¡­haa guess my luck is not that good.


    I reached out, pressing my fingers along the edges of its internal structure, feeling for anything unusual, anything that might indicate a concentration of energy. Nothing.


    The monster¡¯s body was a dead thing, no different from the countless corpses I¡¯d encountered...


    Yeah well, eventually I¡¯ll get it right now I need to find the Boss place and get the hell out of this place¡­


    <hr>

 Chapter 036 - Reaching the BOSS CAVE

    <hr>


    Sighing, I wiped the blood and grime off my hands using a tattered piece of my old clothes, the fabric barely enough to soak up the mess.


    Once I¡¯d cleaned up, I tossed the soiled rag onto the floor and set it alight, watching as the flames consumed it. No sense leaving a trail for anything else to follow. The flickering light cast eerie shadows on the cave walls, shapes that seemed to writhe and twist before vanishing into darkness.


    "Time to move," I told myself, adjusting the straps of my pack. The weight felt heavier somehow, burdened not just with supplies but with the knowledge of what awaited me.


    El¡¯s instructions had been vague, but he¡¯d said that this tunnel would eventually lead to the final cavern¡ªthe one that held both the boss monster and, hopefully, the exit.


    I steeled myself, mentally running through everything I knew, trying to picture the layout from El¡¯s map as I began my trek deeper into the dark.


    Time seemed to blur, the passage of minutes or hours indistinct. My thoughts drifted, filled with half-remembered fragments of a life I couldn''t fully recall. Faces without names, places without context. It was maddening.


    "Focus, damn it," I snapped, shaking my head as if to clear it. "Can''t afford distractions."


    The silence around me was thick, pressing in from all sides as I moved quietly, each step cautious, every sound muffled by the armor¡¯s enchantments.


    There¡ªfaint vibrations in the ground, subtle but unmistakable. Something large was moving nearby, its steps rumbling through the stone, each one sending a faint tremor up through my boots. I crouched instinctively, my armor¡¯s passive enchantments cloaking me, blending my presence with the shadows. Moving slowly, I kept my body low, inching forward with painstaking caution as the vibrations grew stronger. The air was thick with the faint, acrid scent of monsters¡ªmusk and rot, tinged with the metallic tang of old blood.


    Stopping and pausing to press a hand against the wall. The stone vibrated under my touch, a steady pulse like a distant heartbeat.


    Unease prickled at the back of my neck. I crouched, slowing my movements, every sense on high alert. The silence was no longer empty; it was filled with the promise of something vast and dangerous.


    Moving cautiously, I edged forward until I saw a faint glow ahead¡ªa dim, reddish light that bathed the tunnel in an otherworldly hue.


    "Well, that''s not ominous at all," I muttered sarcastically.


    Reaching the end of the passage, I pressed myself against the wall, taking a deep, steadying breath. If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    "Alright, Lexi," I told myself. "Moment of truth."


    What I saw made my stomach lurch.


    Fuck me¡­


    In front of me lay an immense cavern, stretching out into a vast, hollow darkness. Stalactites hung like jagged teeth from the ceiling far above, casting twisted shadows in the dim, phosphorescent glow that seeped up from the stone floor. It was so vast that it felt like looking out over a nightmarish landscape, rather than an enclosed space. And I wasn¡¯t alone. Not even close.


    I was perched on one of many openings along the cavern walls, like holes in an ant burrow. Dozens of these passages dotted the walls on my side, each one opening out into the cavern, creating a network of entryways that reminded me of some grotesque hive. But what held my attention, what set my pulse hammering in my ears, were the creatures filling the cavern below.


    Hundreds of lizard monsters sprawled across the cavern floor, their bodies rippling with muscle, their scaled skin glinting dully in the faint light. Some were small, skittering creatures, their heads twitching as they prowled through the shadows, sniffing the air. Others were massive, towering brutes with claws that dug deep grooves into the stone as they moved, their eyes cold and unfeeling, like machines programmed solely for destruction.


    "Fuck," I whispered, a cold sweat breaking out across my forehead. "This is bad. Really fucking bad."


    Fuuu¡­breathe in and breathe out Lexi


    They were everywhere, scattered across the floor, some pacing restlessly, others gathered in clusters, growling and snapping at each other. The air was thick with the sound of their movements¡ªclaws scraping against stone, low, guttural hisses, and the occasional shriek as one creature asserted its dominance over another.


    And at the center of it all, rising like some terrible monument, was a massive crystal formation, its surface jagged and uneven, pulsing faintly with a dull, reddish glow. The boss monster.


    I clenched my grip on the stone wall, my knuckles turning white as I took it all in. This¡­ this was going to be a bloodbath. There was no other way to describe it. If I wanted to get to the exit, I¡¯d have to wade through that sea of monsters, each one as lethal as the ones I¡¯d already faced, maybe more so. And the boss¡­ I didn¡¯t even want to think about what kind of creature guarded that crystal.


    But there was no turning back. This was the way El had mapped out, the path I had chosen. My hand tightened around the hilt of my sword, the weight of it grounding me, reminding me of every fight I¡¯d survived to get here.


    Alright, Alexis, I thought, a cold determination settling over me. No other choice but to forward.


    "The boss monster," I realized, dread settling in my stomach like lead. "And the exit''s probably on the other side."


    I clenched my fists, nails digging into my palms. This was a nightmare. There was no way I could fight through that horde¡ªnot alone.


    "Think, Alexis," I urged myself. "There''s gotta be a way."


    Options were limited. I could try to sneak through, but with that many monsters, stealth seemed like a pipe dream. One misstep, one stray sound, and I''d be torn apart.


    "Maybe I can create a distraction," I considered. "But with what?"


    My mind raced, cycling through possibilities. Then, an idea sparked.


    A very dumb idea¡­ a start atleast.


    <hr>

 Chapter 037 - The BOSS cave

    <hr>


    Okay before I get over myself and do something stupid, I need all the information I can get¡­ need to sort to map the area


    In the center of the cavern, rising like some twisted monument, was a massive, pulsing pillar. Its surface gleamed with veins of crimson and dark, inky blue, the colors swirling in patterns that seemed almost alive, writhing and shifting with each heavy pulse of energy.


    Even from where I crouched in the shadows, a good distance away, I could feel the raw, untamed power radiating from it, each pulse sending a faint, prickling sensation across my skin. It was like standing near a storm, close enough to feel the crackle of lightning, the charge in the air just before it strikes.


    The sheer quantity of energy was staggering. I could barely imagine the strength it would take to control that kind of power, to harness it, and the thought alone made me uneasy.


    And that¡¯s when I saw it¡ªthe creature coiled around the pillar.


    It was impossible to miss, a monstrous behemoth curled protectively around the pulsing stone, its scales glistening in the faint light like polished obsidian. The creature was massive, easily the size of a school bus, its body thick and muscular, wrapped tightly around the pillar in an almost possessive embrace. Thick ridges of bone protruded along its spine, each one ending in a razor-sharp edge that gleamed faintly, a natural armor that spoke to the countless battles it must have survived. Its head was lowered, resting near the base of the pillar, its massive jaws parted slightly to reveal rows of jagged, uneven teeth, each one honed to a deadly point.


    My chest tightened, my breath catching as I took in the sight. There was no mistaking it¡ªthis was not just a boss type, I¡¯m sure that¡¯s an Overlord class of this species.


    The aura around it was unmistakable, an oppressive force that made the air feel thick, and heavy, as if I were wading through water rather than breathing. Even from this distance, I could feel the weight of its presence pressing down on me, a silent reminder of the power it held, of the absolute authority it commanded over everything in this cavern.


    No other monsters dared to come close to the Overlord. In the immediate vicinity around the pillar, the ground was bare, as if marked by an invisible boundary that none of the lesser creatures dared to cross.


    Hmmm¡­this could be very helpful


    But beyond that line, scattered a few meters away, I could see clusters of other monsters, each one smaller, hunched, and focused intently on the pillar, their faces tilted upward, their eyes half-lidded in a strange, almost trance-like state. They were absorbing the leftover energy radiating from the pillar, drinking it in like starving animals. And these weren¡¯t ordinary creatures either¡ªThese were elites, easier to identify since they were so diverse in looks.


    The elites shifted restlessly, their eyes occasionally flicking toward the Overlord as if checking for any sign of movement. But the behemoth remained still, its massive body coiled around the pillar like a dragon guarding a hoard, utterly unbothered by the lesser creatures around it.


    It was as if the Overlord had sunk into a state of deep, meditative stillness, resting, recharging¡ªwaiting.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.


    It''s almost in a trance-like state¡­ I doubt it is meditating then¡­evolution¡­


    A shiver crawled up my spine. Every instinct in my body screamed to turn back, to put as much distance as possible between me and that thing. But I forced myself to stay focused, scanning the cavern for any sign of the exit El had mentioned.


    My gaze shifted to the right, to where El had said the exit would be hidden. I pulled out my spyglass, pressing it to my eye as I scanned the wall, searching for any hint of an opening, any sign of an escape route. I zoomed in, adjusting the focus carefully, my eyes tracing the rough, uneven stone, each crack and crevice in the dim glow. But no matter how hard I looked, there was nothing there¡ªjust a stretch of bare rock, with water trickling down from a small fissure near the top, creating a thin, continuous stream that pooled at the base of the wall.


    I frowned, adjusting the spyglass again, focusing on the water. This can¡¯t be right. El had been clear about the location, about where the exit would be. But all I could see was a solid wall of stone, and just the water, seeping out in a slow, steady trickle.


    ¡°Damn it,¡± I muttered under my breath, lowering the spyglass. I scanned the area one more time, my mind racing through the possibilities.


    Is it a hidden passage? Some kind of illusion? Or did El get it wrong? The last thought was unsettling, a cold twist of doubt settling in my gut. If the exit wasn¡¯t here, if El¡¯s information was wrong, then I was trapped¡ªtrapped in a cavern full of monsters, with an Overlord that could tear me apart if I so much as breathed too loudly.


    Wait¡­ water.


    The thought snapped into place, an uncomfortable certainty settling in the pit of my stomach. I pulled out El¡¯s drawing, squinting at the rough lines in the dim light, focusing on the marks he¡¯d left on the right side of the cavern wall. A thick cross marked the area near the trickling water, the lines dark and jagged, with crisscrossed shading scribbled around it. I¡¯d glossed over it before, assuming it was just another of El¡¯s erratic notes, but now¡­ the pieces started to click together in my mind.


    I pulled out the previous maps, laying them side by side, comparing the paths, the symbols, and the scribbled notes. As I scanned them, a realization dawned on me, creeping in with cold finality. I gritted my teeth, a low curse slipping from my lips as I pieced it together.


    ¡°Fuck.¡±


    The exit wasn¡¯t a hidden passage or a concealed door. It was water. An underwater exit.


    My stomach twisted as the implications sank in. We were deep underground, trapped in a network of caverns buried beneath the weight of a mountain. And if El¡¯s map was accurate¡ªand it was beginning to look like it was¡ªthe level I was on sat below sea level.


    Which meant that to escape, I¡¯d have to dive into those waters and somehow navigate my way through a submerged passage, potentially stretching far beneath the surface.


    A wave of frustration surged through me. I¡¯d been using the mask nonstop, relying on it to filter the air, unaware of the actual oxygen levels down here. For all I knew, the cavern¡¯s air could be dangerously thin, or worse¡ªsaturated with toxins. If I was going to dive into those waters, I¡¯d have to be prepared, both mentally and physically. This wasn¡¯t something I could just rush into; one mistake, one miscalculation, and I¡¯d be dead, drowned in the cold, black depths with nothing but darkness for company.


    I glanced back at the cavern, watching the swarm of creatures milling around, the elites scattered in their trance-like state near the Overlord¡¯s pulsing pillar.


    For a moment, the absurdity of it all hit me. Here I was, standing in the heart of a monster-infested cavern, with no idea how to proceed¡­


    No choice, I reminded myself, exhaling sharply. But if I¡¯m going to survive this, I need a plan.


    Slowly, I began to back away, careful to keep my movements silent, my presence cloaked as I retreated back into the shadows of the passage. I¡¯d need time to rest, to think, to prepare for what lay ahead.


    And if I was going to face it, I¡¯d need to be ready.


    <hr>

 Chapter 038 - Brewing plans

    <hr>


    I retreated into a narrow alcove I¡¯d noticed earlier, tucked into the jagged walls of the passage leading to the Overlord¡¯s cavern. The space was tight, barely enough to sit comfortably, but it was far enough from the main cavern that the oppressive growls and hisses faded to a dull background hum. I sank against the stone, its cold surface pressing into my back, and let out a long, shuddering breath.


    The flicker of a torch broke the darkness as I lit it, setting it down beside me. The soft, wavering glow was a fragile comfort in the suffocating black, just enough to hold the shadows at bay without drawing too much attention. The tight space felt like a coffin, but it was a temporary reprieve¡ªa pocket of stillness in this endless storm of monsters and madness.


    My hands shook as I pulled out my diary, the worn leather cover a small anchor to sanity. It was battered, stained from countless encounters, but it held every plan, every strategy, every desperate scribble that had gotten me this far. I flipped to a blank page, gripping my pencil tightly.


    ¡°Alright, Lexi,¡± I murmured, steadying my breathing. ¡°Think.¡±


    I began by sketching a rough outline of the boss¡¯s cave, marking the edges, trying to capture the scope of the space from memory. In the center, I drew the pillar, thick lines to represent the pulsing, ominous energy that radiated from it.


    The Overlord was next, coiled around the base of the pillar like a nightmare come to life. I sketched a large skull over its figure, shading it heavily to capture its presence, its sheer size, its aura of authority and threat. Even on paper, the figure seemed to loom, larger than life, a reminder of what lay between me and my escape.


    I paused, pressing the pencil¡¯s point against the page as I mentally retraced my steps through the cavern.


    About some distance out from the Overlord, I marked a smaller skull¡ªone of the elites I¡¯d seen clustered around, their heads tilted up, drinking in the energy like leeches. I circled the skull, drawing faint lines radiating outward, trying to capture the way those creatures.


    With a grimace finally, I added dots to represent the swarming lesser monsters¡ªthe chaotic horde that filled every crevice of the cavern.


    Finally, I extended a line from the pillar to the right side of the cavern, where I¡¯d seen the trickling water. I marked the wall with an ¡°X¡± to indicate where I believed the exit was hidden. I estimated the distance¡ªmaybe 200 meters from the Overlord, give or take a few, but I had no way of knowing for sure. It was a guess, based on little more than intuition and memory, but it would have to be close enough.


    I sat back, staring at the map as the torchlight danced over it. My makeshift blueprint of hell.


    ¡°Fucking great,¡± I muttered, rubbing my temple. ¡°How the hell am I supposed to get through that?¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± I muttered, almost to myself, a humorless smirk tugging at my lips. ¡°I¡¯m fucked.¡±


    It was one thing to face down an elite in a narrow passage, to take on a monster that I could see, that I could measure and prepare for. But this? A cavern full of creatures, an Overlord coiled around a source of unimaginable power, and a maze of obstacles between me and the potential exit? It was a level of insanity I hadn¡¯t expected.


    But there was no going back. The thought of retreating, of cowering in this hollow until I was discovered, was even worse.


    I¡¯d been staring at the crude drawing pinned to the wall for what felt like hours, trying to pry some semblance of a workable plan from the chaotic lines and scribbled symbols.


    I traced each mark with my eyes, over and over, testing every angle, every approach, racking my brain for a solution that didn¡¯t end in my death. But no matter how I looked at it, every option circled back to one single, reckless idea¡ªa plan so insane, so suicidal, that it seemed more like a whispered taunt in the back of my mind than an actual strategy.A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    The kind of plan that would only work if everything went perfectly, if I moved with absolute precision if luck held just long enough to see me through. The kind of plan that¡¯d leave no way back. Once I started, there¡¯d be no second chances, no retreat, just a mad dash through the heart of a monster¡¯s den with my life hanging by a thread.


    I let out a low, bitter laugh, slumping against the wall as I ran a hand through my hair. It¡¯s been almost a week, I thought, feeling the weight of each day pressing down on me.


    A week of wandering through dark, twisting passages, of facing down creatures that should¡¯ve killed me, of battling and scraping and surviving in this cursed labyrinth with no end in sight. My body was battered, and bruised, every muscle ached with a dull, relentless pain. I¡¯d fought, bled, lost track of time and direction, and there hadn¡¯t been a single hint of escape.


    Every damn path seemed to lead deeper into the darkness, every tunnel spiraled down into another hellish encounter.


    And even if I wanted to turn back, to retrace my steps, that wasn¡¯t an option.


    Sighing, I glanced back at the drawing pinned to the wall, the flickering torchlight casting shifting shadows across the page, making the marks dance and twist like mocking faces. I¡¯d been here for at least five hours now¡ªresting, eating, drinking what little water I had left, forcing myself to snatch brief, uneasy naps as my body screamed for respite.


    I¡¯d tried every trick I knew to come up with a better plan, something that wasn¡¯t a suicide mission, but nothing else fit. Nothing else even came close.


    This is madness, I thought, the words echoing in the back of my mind as I looked at the rough lines I¡¯d drawn over and over.


    A straight path, directly through the heart of the cavern, past the Overlord and his minions, weaving through a sea of monsters to reach the far wall and dive into the water, hoping that the hidden exit lay beneath its surface.


    I leaned back, pressing the heels of my hands against my eyes, trying to clear my mind. The chance of death on this plan was higher than anything I¡¯d faced so far, higher than any gamble I¡¯d taken. But the longer I sat here, the more I felt the walls closing in around me, a relentless, crushing weight that reminded me with every breath that this place would kill me if I stayed. If I hesitated.


    I¡¯d survived battles that pushed me to my limit, and encounters with monsters that would haunt me long after I escaped. I¡¯d clawed my way through, each step a reminder of my own mortality, each fight a battle against the odds.


    And yet here I was, faced with the bleak reality that the only way forward, the only path to freedom, was a plan that bordered on suicide.


    I clenched my fists, feeling a surge of frustration rise within me, raw, seething anger that burned away the exhaustion, if only for a moment. No escape, I thought bitterly. No mercy in this damned place.


    It¡¯s kill or be killed, survive or die forgotten in the dark.


    I need to get out¡­even if it kills me.


    With a weary sigh, I pulled out a fresh page from my journal and smoothed it against my knee, the edges already smudged with faint traces of soot and dirt. I held my pencil loosely, staring at the blank page as the enormity of what I was about to do sank in.


    The plan, if it could even be called that, hovered in my mind¡ªa series of reckless steps strung together with the desperate hope that maybe, somehow, I¡¯d make it through in one piece. I took a deep breath and began writing, scratching out the words with a dry, humorless smirk.


    <blockquote>


    Mission: Stupid Lexi and His Mission Impossible.


    Goals:


    </blockquote>


    1) Don¡¯t Die


    2) make way and reach the pillar while no dying to the boss and elites


    3) Blow the energy pillar and not die to the boss while delivering the payload


    4) Run like my ass is on fire, have around 200 meters to cross and blow the wall too.


    5) survive the blast


    6) survive the underwater pressure


    7) live to see another day,...hopefully


    ¡°Alright, Lexi,¡± I muttered to myself, a wry smile tugging at my lips. ¡°One death-defying step at a time.¡±


    <hr>

 Chapter 039 - Prep cuz chances of death 99.9%

    <hr>


    Current Inventory :


    <table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 82.737%; background-color: rgba(32, 0, 98, 1); border-style: ridge">


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td style="width: 30.1154%"> </td>


    <td style="width: 26.7969%; text-align: right">El''s RING</td>


    <td style="width: 25.8014%">


    </td>


    <td style="width: 17.2562%">


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="width: 30.1154%">


    [FOOD and Rations]


    </td>


    <td style="width: 26.7969%"> </td>


    <td style="width: 25.8014%"> </td>


    <td style="width: 17.2562%"> </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="width: 30.1154%">


    Dried strips of meat x 24 and Bread x 7


    </td>


    <td style="width: 26.7969%">


    Raw meat chunks x 5 ~ 3 kg each


    </td>


    <td style="width: 25.8014%">


    Water canteen x 2 [E] ~10L each


    </td>


    <td style="width: 17.2562%">


    Spices (assortment)


    Bundles box ]


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="width: 30.1154%">


    [Artifacts]


    </td>


    <td style="width: 26.7969%"> </td>


    <td style="width: 25.8014%"> </td>


    <td style="width: 17.2562%"> </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="width: 30.1154%">


    Runic Fragment


    (hidden)


    </td>


    <td style="width: 26.7969%">


    Warmth Ring [P]


    E: (Foveo)


    </td>


    <td style="width: 25.8014%">


    Breathless Ring [C]


    E: (Respiratio Nullus Arca)


    </td>


    <td style="width: 17.2562%">


    Cleanse Ring [C]


    E: (Mundo)


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="width: 30.1154%">


    Protective Pendant [E]


    E: (Defendo)


    </td>


    <td style="width: 26.7969%">


    Revealing Monocle [C]


    E: (Apparere Occulta)


    </td>


    <td style="width: 25.8014%">


    Trusty Spyglass [P]


    E: (UNBREAKING I)


    </td>


    <td style="width: 17.2562%"> </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="width: 30.1154%">


    [Key Items]


    </td>


    <td style="width: 26.7969%"> </td>


    <td style="width: 25.8014%"> </td>


    <td style="width: 17.2562%"> </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="width: 30.1154%">


    Diary


    </td>


    <td style="width: 26.7969%">


    Insignia x2


    </td>


    <td style="width: 25.8014%">


    Map I x2


    </td>


    <td style="width: 17.2562%">


    Metal card x2


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="width: 30.1154%">


    Photos x2


    </td>


    <td style="width: 26.7969%">


    Documents [U]


    </td>


    <td style="width: 25.8014%">


    Elf¡¯s Drawings


    </td>


    <td style="width: 17.2562%">


    keys


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="width: 30.1154%">


    [Items]


    </td>


    <td style="width: 26.7969%"> </td>


    <td style="width: 25.8014%"> </td>


    <td style="width: 17.2562%"> </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="width: 30.1154%">


    Energy Crystals x5


    </td>


    <td style="width: 26.7969%">


    Spare Clothes


    </td>


    <td style="width: 25.8014%">


    Ropes


    </td>


    <td style="width: 17.2562%">


    Sewing kit


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="width: 30.1154%">


    Cloaks [E]


    </td>


    <td style="width: 26.7969%">


    Spare Leather Armour


    </td>


    <td style="width: 25.8014%">Torch</td>


    <td style="width: 17.2562%"> </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="width: 30.1154%">


    [Armaments]


    </td>


    <td style="width: 26.7969%"> </td>


    <td style="width: 25.8014%"> </td>


    <td style="width: 17.2562%"> </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="width: 30.1154%">


    Daggers x2


    </td>


    <td style="width: 26.7969%">Arrowsx240 quiver loaded</td>


    <td style="width: 25.8014%"> </td>


    <td style="width: 17.2562%"> </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Mission: Stupid Lexi and The Mission Impossible


    Goals:


    1) Don¡¯t die.


    It seemed like a simple enough start, but I could practically hear my own voice mocking me from the page. If I was listing ¡°not dying¡± as an objective, I knew things had already gone south.


    2) Make my way to the pillar and try not to get shredded by the boss or the elites along the way.


    I could picture the Overlord coiled around that pulsing column, its massive, armored body a fortress of scales and muscle. The elites were another problem, feeding off the pillar¡¯s energy like it was a damn feast. I¡¯d have to slip past them without being seen, without triggering their instincts to attack. This alone felt like a death sentence, and yet, somehow, it was only the beginning.


    3) Blow up the energy pillar while not dying to the boss as I deliver the payload.


    I grimaced as I wrote it. This part was more theory than anything solid¡ªa desperate, half-baked idea based on a gut feeling that disrupting the pillar would throw the monsters into chaos.


    But that meant getting close, dangerously close, to the Overlord. Let¡¯s hope it¡¯s too slow to kill me before I can pull this off.Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!


    4) Run like my ass is on fire¡ª200 meters to cross and blast through the wall.


    This part was as simple as it was terrifying. If I survived the pillar explosion, I¡¯d have mere seconds to cover 200 meters, with every monster in the cavern likely tearing after me. And if I made it to the wall, I¡¯d have to set off a blast strong enough to break through solid rock and dive into the water without a moment¡¯s hesitation.


    5) Survive the blast.


    A short, grim note. The force of the explosion would be immense, and there was a very real possibility I¡¯d be caught in the shockwave, especially if I misjudged the distance or my timing.


    6) Survive the underwater pressure.


    I didn¡¯t know how far the tunnel would go, how deep I¡¯d have to dive, or how long I could hold my breath. The pressure would be crushing, and if I ran out of air before finding the exit, there¡¯d be no second chances. The thought of drowning in that dark, frigid water sent a cold shiver down my spine.


    7) Live to see another day¡­hopefully.


    The last words hung on the page, a thin thread of hope in an otherwise impossible plan. I wasn¡¯t asking for much. Just one more day, one more chance to make it out of this nightmare and back into the world above.


    Somehow.


    I stared at the page, the list of goals scrawled out in my messy handwriting and felt a strange sense of calm settle over me. It was madness, yes. Every step of it was pure, reckless insanity. But there was a clarity in seeing it written down, a purpose that steadied my nerves and sharpened my resolve. If this was going to be my last stand, then I would make it count.


    I folded the page and tucked it back into the journal, resting it against the wall beside me. Then I took a deep, final breath, centering myself as I felt the torchlight flicker beside me, the warmth and brief comfort in the cold, dark passage.


    Time to work¡­


    Going over the goals again, I couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that I¡¯d completely lost it. No sane person would even entertain this plan, let alone commit to it.


    There were a hundred different problems with it¡ªeach one a reason to turn back, to admit defeat. I rubbed my temples, feeling the strain settling in, a dull ache that pulsed behind my eyes.


    ¡°Stop bitching, Lexi,¡± I muttered to myself, pinning the goals page to the wall, the words a stark reminder of what I was about to do. I grabbed another page, smoothing it out before putting pencil to paper again, the lead scratching against the surface as I listed out the issues in brutal honesty.


    Problems:


    1) Survivability is fucking low.


    I let out a dark, humorless chuckle as I wrote it, the understatement almost laughable. Between me and the pillar was a sea of monsters¡ªa couple hundred, at least. And they weren¡¯t just the usual fodder.


    No, they were elites, dozens of them, each one powerful enough to rip me apart if I so much as stumbled. And then there was the Overlord, that behemoth coiled around the pillar, a creature that radiated pure, primal power, a presence that felt like death itself. Each one of them would be more than happy to tear me to pieces, to crunch through bone and sinew, and feast on whatever was left.


    Huff¡­even with Exira, this was madness. I¡¯d need every ounce of it, every burst of strength and speed just to make it through the elites.


    A quick surge at Level 1 might buy me a couple of seconds, enough to slip past a few, but I¡¯d need to push Exira to its absolute limits just to stun the Overlord. And stunning it was all I could hope for. The idea of actually wounding that beast was a joke¡ªa delusion that would get me killed faster than anything else.


    I sighed, running a hand through my hair, feeling the weight of the plan pressing down on me. This was suicide, plain and simple. But the path was set, and each step was one I¡¯d have to take if I wanted any hope of seeing the surface again.


    2) I need to make a bomb. Probably more than one.


    I grimaced as I wrote it. I¡¯d barely scraped by in my battles so far, relying on skill, Exira, and sheer luck. But to break through the horde and reach the exit, I¡¯d need something bigger. I needed a way to disrupt the pillar, to throw the monsters into chaos, to create enough of a distraction that I could make a break for the exit.


    The problem was, that I had no idea where to start. I¡¯d never made anything like this before, never needed to. But the pieces were slowly coming together in my mind, a faint spark of an idea that was just out of reach, waiting to be grasped. I sighed again, massaging my temples as I turned to my ring, searching through its contents with a mixture of frustration and hope.


    The first thing I pulled out was a handful of energy crystals. I held one up, examining it in the torchlight. The crystal was cold, smooth, its surface faintly reflective, shimmering with a subtle inner glow. As I studied it, I felt a familiar prickle of energy, a faint but unmistakable signature that reminded me of the energy radiating from the pillar itself.


    These crystals¡­ they contain energy, I realized. The elf party must have ventured into this hellhole to mine them, risking everything to extract these rare fragments of power. That was the only explanation. It wasn¡¯t much, but it was a start.


    I counted the crystals¡ª5 in total. Each one seemed to pulse faintly with stored energy, a dangerous, latent power that, if unleashed, could be devastating. I ran a finger along one, feeling the cool surface and the hum of potential just beneath. There was enough here to make a bomb, maybe even a few, if I could figure out a way to set them off.


    I scratched my stubble, turning the idea over in my mind, and piecing it together with each new thought. The first requirement was energy. Check, I thought, glancing at the crystals. That part was covered. Next, I¡¯d need a triggering mechanism¡ªsomething to destabilize the energy and create a blast. Something to make these crystals volatile enough to explode on command.


    I felt a faint grin tugging at the corner of my mouth as the answer clicked into place. What if I tamper with the enchantments? Each item I¡¯d gathered along the way had some level of enchantment, a protective charm or enhancement woven into it.


    If I could overload those, if I could push the enchantments beyond their breaking point, it might create the instability I needed. I dug deeper into my ring, pulling out 3 rings I had and some other stuff.


    A plan began to take shape, rough and raw, but workable. I could embed each crystal with one of these rings, tampering with the enchantments to create a volatile chain reaction. The idea was simple: overload the enchantments, force them to destabilize, and trigger an explosive release of energy.


    ¡°Yes,¡± I murmured, barely above a whisper. This could work. I¡¯d have to be careful, and precise. A single misstep and I¡¯d blow myself up in the process. But if I could pull it off, if I could get the timing right, this could be the edge I needed.


    I looked down at the crystals, a sense of grim satisfaction settling over me. Each one was a weapon now, a tool for survival. I could already imagine the explosion, the rush of energy tearing through the monsters, the wave of chaos that would buy me those precious seconds to reach the wall.


    But there was no room for error. I¡¯d have to test each one, and carefully push them to their limits without setting them off prematurely. Each crystal had to be perfect, and each trigger calibrated just right. This wasn¡¯t just about brute force¡ªit was a delicate balance, a calculated risk with no margin for failure.


    I exhaled, feeling the weight of it all pressing down on me, a mix of dread and exhilaration tightening in my chest. This plan was insanity, a reckless gamble with my life on the line. But it was also my only chance, my one shot at escaping this cursed place and seeing daylight again.


    Sitting cross-legged on the cold stone floor, I spread out the crystals, rings, and tools from my ring in front of me, arranging them with meticulous care born from equal parts exhaustion and focus. The flickering torchlight cast shadows across the makeshift workspace, the faint hum of energy from the crystals buzzing at the edge of my senses. I took a deep breath and set to work.


    The first bomb was the slowest, every movement careful, and deliberate. I started by embedding a ring into the surface of the crystal, wedging it in deep enough to stay secure while leaving room for the enchantments to interact. With my knife, I scraped along the edges of the ring¡¯s engraving, tampering with its stability, and forcing the dormant energy to strain against its constraints. The crystal pulsed faintly, a warning that I was treading on dangerous ground. My hands were steady, even as my heart pounded in my chest. One slip, one mistake, and I¡¯d end up scattered across the cave in a burst of raw energy.


    I smiled grimly as the first bomb came together, the crystal humming faintly as the ring¡¯s enchantments began to fracture. It wasn¡¯t pretty, but it would work. Setting it aside carefully, I moved on to the next, falling into a rhythm as I repeated the process, embedding, tampering, and stabilizing just enough to keep the crystals intact until I needed them to blow.


    When all 5 bombs were finished, I wrapped them tightly in scraps of cloth, creating makeshift satchels that I could carry without risking accidental detonation. Each one was a ticking time bomb, pulsing with barely contained energy, and I felt a small flicker of pride as I tucked them into my pack. One problem solved.


    Finally, I turned to my spear. The weapon was reliable, and sturdy, a trusted tool that had seen me through more battles than I could count. But for this plan, it needed an upgrade. Pulling out a length of durable rope, I attached it securely to the base of the spear, tying it off with several tight knots. The rope would let me retrieve the spear after throwing it, saving precious seconds in the chaos to come. Testing the weight, I gave the rope a firm tug, nodding in satisfaction as the spear held steady in my grip.


    As I packed everything back into my ring, I felt a strange calm settle over me. The bombs, the repaired armor, the modified spear¡ªthey were all pieces of a puzzle, tools for a mission that would either end in my freedom or my death. The odds were stacked against me, the risks overwhelming, but I was as prepared as I could be.


    This is it, I thought, rising to my feet and rolling my shoulders to shake off the tension. No turning back now.


    <hr>

 Chapter 040 - Mission impossible

    <hr>


    ¡°Phew. Let¡¯s do this.¡±


    The words came out quieter than I¡¯d intended, barely more than a whisper. My voice didn¡¯t carry, swallowed up by the cavern¡¯s oppressive stillness. Good. The last thing I needed was for one of those creatures to hear me psyching myself up like some rookie idiot about to charge into certain death.


    I crouched down, pulling my stuff closer as I went through my gear one last time. Bombs¡ªcheck. I ran my hand over the satchels tucked neatly into the pack, feeling the faint hum of energy through the reinforced cloth. The crystals inside were stable¡ªwell, stable enough and I prayed they wouldn''t betray me when I needed them most.


    Next came my weapons. My sword was sharp, its edge gleaming faintly even in the dim light. My spear, now fitted with its improvised retrieval rope, lay beside it, its weight reassuringly familiar in my hand as I gave the rope a final tug to ensure the knots held firm. My shield sat strapped to my arm, its surface worn but dependable, the faint lines of its enchantments pulsing faintly with Exira¡¯s energy. Good. That¡¯s everything.


    No excuses now, Lexi.


    I stood, adjusting my armor as I shifted my weight from foot to foot. The Notics set clung to me like a second skin. Exira coursed through it in steady waves, activating the enchantments woven into the material, drawing the shadows around me closer, merging me into the darkness.


    As long as I don¡¯t do something stupid, like trip over a rock or sneeze in front of an elite, I should be fine. Probably.


    I moved to the edge of the small alcove I¡¯d been in, peering down into the cavern below. The sea of monsters stretched out before me, a chaotic, restless mass of claws, teeth, and coiled muscle. But now, after nearly nine hours of watching, waiting, I could see the cracks in their defenses, the patterns in their movements. Most of the lesser creatures had settled into a state of uneasy rest, their massive bodies sprawled across the stone floor in disorganized clusters.


    Some twitched occasionally, letting out low growls as they dreamt¡ªor whatever passed for dreams in these abominations. Others remained eerily still, their sides rising and falling in slow, steady breaths.


    The elites were more alert, pacing in restless circles near the pillar. I¡¯d counted them earlier¡ªsix in total, each one radiating an oppressive aura that made the air feel heavy, suffocating. They moved with purpose, their sharp, predatory eyes scanning their surroundings even as their movements grew sluggish, tired.


    The Overlord, on the other hand, hadn¡¯t budged an inch. It remained coiled around the pillar, its massive form radiating power, its eyes closed as if in a state of deep, meditative stillness. But I wasn¡¯t fooled. That thing wasn¡¯t asleep¡ªit was waiting and quite possibly near evolution.


    ¡°Yeah, no pressure,¡± I muttered, forcing a wry grin that I didn¡¯t feel. My fingers brushed against the hilt of my sword as I glanced at the map pinned to the wall behind me, the rough lines and crude marks serving as a reminder of just how insane this plan was.


    This is your moment, Lexi. Your one-shot escape attempt. No do-overs. No retries. No second chances. I clenched my fists, feeling the gauntlets of my armor tighten slightly around my fingers.


    For a fleeting moment, my mind drifted to my family¡ªhalf-formed memories of a distant, familiar warmth that felt just out of reach. I didn¡¯t know where they were or what kind of mess I¡¯d stumbled into, but I knew one thing for certain: if I could just reach them, they¡¯d fix this. My mom would fix this. She always did.


    I shook my head, snapping myself out of it. Focus. This wasn¡¯t the time for wishful thinking. I had a job to do.


    ¡°Alright, Lexi,¡± I said under my breath, rolling my shoulders as I tried to work the tension out of them.


    I let out a faint chuckle despite myself, the absurdity of the thought cutting through the weight pressing on my chest.


    I crouched lower, taking a slow, deep breath as I drove Exira deeper into my armor, letting its energy flow through me, sharpening my senses, heightening every fiber of my being. The shadows around me seemed to shift, pulling closer, the darkness wrapping itself around my frame like a protective cloak. My heart rate slowed, my breathing evening out as I let the power settle into place, a steady hum in the back of my mind.


    This was it. The monsters below were at their most vulnerable¡ªresting, recuperating, oblivious to the chaos I was about to unleash. I couldn¡¯t afford to waste this opportunity.


    One final breath, deep and steady, and I leapt forward. The ledge gave way beneath my boots as I jumped down, my body merging with the shadows as I landed silently on the cavern floor. The cold stone felt solid beneath my feet, the air thick with the acrid scent of monsters, blood, and decay. My pulse quickened, but I pushed the fear down, focusing on the task ahead.


    Stay low. Stay quiet. Don¡¯t get noticed.


    Thud.


    I landed softly, the soles of my boots touching the stone floor with a muted sound that barely stirred the air. For a fleeting second, I stayed perfectly still, my knees bent, one hand brushing the ground as I steadied myself. My heart pounded in my ears, but my breath was steady, controlled, as though my body hadn¡¯t yet realized the madness of what I was about to do.


    There was no turning back now.


    The air was thick, heavy with the stench of sweat, blood. My eyes adjusted quickly to the dim light, the faint, unnatural glow of the pillar illuminating the massive cavern ahead. The monsters were still there, scattered across the space like living, breathing obstacles, each one a potential death sentence.


    I could feel Exira coursing through me, responding to the resolve I forced myself to hold onto like a lifeline. It grew sharper, denser, the energy refining itself as I channeled it inward, drawing it up to Level 1 with an almost instinctive precision. The familiar hum settled over me, strengthening my senses, enhancing my body¡¯s natural capabilities. My breathing deepened, each inhale filling me with a controlled power that sharpened my mind and quieted the noise in my thoughts.This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    Fuuu.


    I exhaled slowly, letting the tension bleed from my shoulders as my focus narrowed to a razor¡¯s edge. With Exira boosting my cognitive functions, my thoughts felt clearer, faster, as if the clutter of fear and doubt had been wiped clean.


    The world around me dulled, the colors fading to muted tones of black and gray as my mind shifted into a state of heightened concentration. The only thing that mattered now was the goal ahead.


    ¡°Everything from here on will be over in a few breaths,¡± I murmured under my breath, barely more than a whisper. My voice sounded foreign in the cavern¡¯s eerie silence, swallowed up before it could even reach my ears.


    This is it, Lexi. No distractions, no second-guessing. Just move.


    Fuuu¡­. First breath.


    The world blurred as I surged forward, Exira thrumming through my body, amplifying every muscle, every fiber of my being. My legs pumped with everything I had, the floor beneath me a fleeting blur of gray stone as I sprinted headlong toward the pillar.


    The layer of sleeping lesser monsters blurred past me, their lumbering forms fading into the periphery as I closed the distance to the elites.


    No alarms yet. No mistakes yet. Keep moving.


    huuu¡­ Second breath.


    Grreeuk...


    The first elite moved before I even saw it, its clawed arm cutting through the air with a sharp whistle, the attack aimed straight for my head.


    Instinct kicked in, Exira surging reflexively as I tilted to the side, the claws passing so close that I could feel the rush of air across my face.


    Swish.


    Not today


    My sword flared to life, the crackle of Exira wrapping around it as I struck with a quick burst of peak Level 1 strength attack. The ugly lizard elite faltered, its body stiffening, its snarl freezing in its throat. That hesitation was all I needed. My blade punctured its neck with a sickening crunch, piercing scales and muscle as blood sprayed across the stone floor.


    The monster collapsed with a guttural sound, but I didn¡¯t stop to watch it fall. Another quick burst of Exira shot through my body, propelling me forward as I broke past its crumpling form. My breaths came sharp and fast, each one fueling the burning fire in my legs as I drove onward toward the pillar.


    Fuuu¡­ Third breath.


    A chorus of snarls erupted behind me, guttural and furious, as the commotion drew the attention of the other elites nearby. They rose in unison, their eyes locking onto me, their movements predatory and swift.


    I didn¡¯t need to look back to know they were coming. I could hear the scrape of claws against stone, the thundering impacts of their heavy strides as they closed the distance, and the low, growling fervor that made my skin prickle.


    Gritting my teeth as I pushed Exira higher, forcing it to Level 2. The strain hit me instantly, a sharp, throbbing pressure in my temples that threatened to split my focus. My lip stung as I bit down hard, trying to ground myself, to ignore the telltale warning signs of overuse.


    Focus, Lexi. Don¡¯t break now. No need for irrelevant thoughts now¡­


    Two elites¡ªboth hulking brutes, their forms rippling with unnatural muscle¡ªrushed me from the front, their yellow eyes gleaming with bloodlust. My gaze darted between them, my mind racing to calculate my options. Behind them, the cavern opened into the boss¡¯s layer, the imaginary line between death and worse-than-death running straight between their snarling forms.


    Fu huuu¡­. Fourth breath.


    The elites were on me, their claws raised high, their movements a blur of raw, physical power. But I waited, forcing myself to hold still, to keep moving forward at a controlled pace. My muscles screamed for action, but I forced them to stay steady.


    Wait for it¡­ wait for it.


    The first was inches away, its claws raised for a downward slash that would have gutted me where I stood. At the last possible moment, I struck. A burst of Exira surged through me, snapping into both elites at once, freezing them mid-lunge. Their bodies went stiff, their momentum carrying them forward like broken puppets as they slammed into the ground in front of me with a bone-shaking crash.


    ¡°Thanks for clearing the way,¡± I muttered, leaping over their prone forms without missing a beat.


    The strain of maintaining Level 2 Exira burned like a white-hot ember in the back of my mind, my focus beginning to waver under the pressure. My calves felt like they were on fire, each step sending a fresh jolt of pain up my legs, but I couldn¡¯t slow down. More elites were closing in from either side, their snarls and howls blending into a cacophony of chaos that seemed to echo from every corner of the cavern.


    huuuuff¡­ Fifth breath.


    I ducked low, narrowly avoiding the claws of an elite that lunged for my back, its attack passing just inches above my head. Another elite dove for my legs, but I twisted mid-step, using Exira to propel myself sideways, my body barely clearing its snapping jaws as I hit the ground rolling. The impact jarred me, but I pushed through it, springing back to my feet and driving forward.


    And then, suddenly, I felt it¡ªa shift in the air, a weight that pressed down on me like the crushing force of a tidal wave. I stumbled, my breath catching in my throat as an overwhelming presence bore down on me, suffocating and unrelenting.


    Shit¡­No¡­


    My head snapped up, my eyes locking onto the Overlord.


    It had moved.


    Its massive, coiled form was no longer resting against the pillar. Its head was raised now, its piercing yellow eyes fixed on me with a cold, calculated fury. The air around it seemed to hum with raw energy, the faint, rhythmic pulse of the pillar amplifying as if in response to its awakening.


    ¡°Great,¡± I muttered, my voice barely audible over the sound of my own heartbeat. ¡°Of course, you¡¯re awake now.¡±


    The Overlord¡¯s gaze was unrelenting, its massive jaws parting slightly to reveal rows of jagged teeth as it let out a low, rumbling growl that reverberated through the cavern. The sound sent a chill down my spine, my body instinctively recoiling as every instinct screamed at me to run.


    But I couldn¡¯t stop now. Not when I was this close.


    Clenching my fists, I forced myself to keep moving, my eyes fixed on the pillar ahead. The elites were closing in, and the Overlord¡¯s gaze burned into the back of my mind, but none of it mattered. The only thing that mattered now was reaching the pillar.


    Five breaths down, I thought, the words a grim reminder of how little time I had left. No stopping now. No turning back.


    With every ounce of strength I had left, I pushed forward, the burning fire in my legs forgotten as the towering presence of the pillar loomed closer, its pulsing light reflecting in my wide, determined eyes.


    <hr>