I woke on the cold, hard floor of a cavern, my head spinning as if I had been thrown into the depths of a nightmare. The world swayed around me, and for a moment, I struggled to make sense of my surroundings. The scent of damp stone filled my nostrils, mingling with something metallic—blood.
My blood.
I lifted my left hand and stared at the crimson streaks staining my fingers. Reaching up, I found more smeared across my forehead. But there was no pain. No wound. It was as if the injuries had already healed, leaving only the blood behind as proof they ever existed.
My clothes were in tatters—rough, dirt-streaked fabric clinging to my frame, torn in ways that suggested a struggle. They resembled the rugged garments of a miner, though my ribs didn't ache the way they had back in the gallery.
Panic clawed at the edges of my thoughts, but something else kept it at bay—something powerful and ancient. A presence. A hum in the air, vibrating straight through my bones.
Slowly, I pushed myself up, unsteady but determined. The cavern around me was vast, its walls glistening with minerals that reflected a dim, otherworldly light. And in the very center of the chamber, pulsing with an eerie glow, stood a massive crystal.
It towered above me, its facets catching the weak light and refracting it in unnatural hues. Deep within its translucent core, shadows shifted and swirled like living things. The sight sent a chill through me—not of fear, but of recognition.
I knew this crystal. I didn't know how or why, but I did.
I came closer to see the red crystal. As I placed my hand on it, the stone felt warm, alive. And through the pulsing red light, I saw her—a girl, curled up inside, trapped.
The memory of how I got here rushed back, heavy and suffocating.
I remembered crawling through the dark, the stone pulsing beneath my chest, and following that deep, wordless call into the unmapped depths of the mine. The tunnels had been silent, the only sound the scrape of my boots on the rocky floor as I ventured deeper than ever before.
The walls hadn't just been rock; they were covered in carved stones, radiating a strange warmth. And when I touched them, I didn't just feel heat—I felt them.
Flint-sharp flashes exploded in my mind. A boy running through a golden field, laughing. Then a small wooden house, fire, screaming, shadowy figures tearing through a village, and cold iron chains. A woman by a window, stitching a red scarf, before a knock on the door dragged her away into darkness.
They weren't dreams. They were lives. Stolen, erased, and trapped within the stone.
The pain had hit me then—not a vision, but a physical agony spreading from my chest through my arms and legs, burning from the inside out. My skin had felt too tight, my bones too heavy. I had staggered forward, pressing my hands against the glowing red crystal, desperate not to disappear, desperate to reach the girl trapped inside.
Now, standing before her prison, the memory faded into the cold silence of the cavern.
I pressed my hand harder against the warm surface of the crystal. "I'll get you out," I whispered. "I promise."
The cavern only answered with silence.
I turned my eyes across the cave, looking at the countless carved stones lining the walls. If those lives had been stripped away and turned into fuel, what had been done to her?
I reached out, my fingers hovering over the nearest carved stone. I didn't know what would happen, only that the path was clear. I had to break the seal. I had to set her free.
The second my fingers met the stone, a shock ran through me. Pain tore through my chest, sharp and consuming, but I didn't pull away.
You carry too much alone, a soft, quiet voice murmured in the back of my mind.
I gasped, my vision blurring at the edges.
Every choice you made wasn't yours alone to bear. You saved me because you couldn't let them win. That was not a sin.
My teeth clenched against the burn in my veins. "I saved you," I muttered, the words slipping past my lips before I could stop them. "And you killed him too."
Those words lingered, haunting in their simplicity. Yet hesitation had no place here. We were bound to this fight, propelled by necessity and the inexorable weight of what must be done. The world allowed no room for regret. My existence, my very purpose, had become singular: to shield her from the darkness that surrounded us.
Yet to see her now, fragile and vulnerable behind the red glass, rent me in ways I could not articulate.
"You are more than that," she said softly, her presence echoing in the chambers of my mind. "You're not just pain and anger. You saved me. That wasn't vengeance. That was something else."
The dichotomy of her strength and her fragility defined her, a reminder of why I endured. My eyes glistened, reflecting emotions I could not parse.
"Sleep now," I whispered, my tone uncharacteristically tender, letting the darkness take me if only for a while.
Even as I spoke, I knew the words were a fragile comfort. Her dreams, like mine, would be tainted by the shadows we could not escape. Yet, for now, he would sleep, and I would stand vigil. The encroaching darkness would not consume us—not while I breathed, not while I endured.
At the heart of a forgotten chamber, I froze.
Before me stood a colossal crystalline structure, its surface glowing faintly with an inner radiance. I approached, my hand trembling as I reached out to touch its cold surface. Inside, I could see her. Encased in the crystal was a figure—a woman of otherworldly beauty. Her form seemed human, yet something more, an intricate interplay of flesh and crystal. She radiated a serene grace, her face calm, as if caught in an eternal sleep. My heart pounded in my chest, an ache of fear warring within me.
I turned to leave, my mind spinning with questions, but my path was blocked by the sound of heavy boots. Lorn appeared at the chamber entrance, flanked by five of his men. Their lanterns bobbed in the darkness, casting harsh light over the scene.
Their armor was hardly that of knights—just thick, dirt-streaked gambesons, the quilted fabric patched so many times it was more stitch than cloth. Over them, they wore leather vests, cracked and darkened by sweat and grime. Their helmets, dented iron caps, sat low over their brows, the edges rusted where metal met the damp air. Beneath them, their faces were shadowed, streaked with dust, their beards unkempt. Their hands, wrapped in rough leather gloves, were calloused from gripping pickaxes day and night. Their boots, heavy and reinforced with iron at the toes, were thick with dried mud and the fine, glittering dust of the mines. Belts, worn and frayed, held a few crude tools—small hammers, dull daggers, and pouches likely filled with nothing but rock chips and exhaustion. Tattered wool cloaks draped over their shoulders, more for warmth than status, the edges frayed where they had caught on jagged stone.
"You've been sneaking around, boy," Lorn growled, his voice echoing off the walls. "And now I see why."
I took a step back, my hands raised. "I didn't do anything! I just found it—I swear!"
Lorn's eyes narrowed. "Found it? This mining belongs to the king, and any crystal inside it does too. We pay you to mine the crystal, not to waste time! You eat and drink—remember, the king is the only reason you're alive, and you show your gratitude by playing? We need to finish as fast as possible before the rift closes and traps us inside. I'm going to teach you a lesson—just wait!"
He motioned for two of his men. "Get it out of there."
The two men moved toward the crystal, their hands brushing the smooth surface as they studied it for any cracks or weaknesses. Meanwhile, Lorn turned his full attention to me.
"You think you can steal from the king and get away with it?" Lorn snarled. He shoved me backward, his strength sending me sprawling onto the rocky ground.
I scrambled to my feet, but Lorn was on me. His fist connected with my jaw, the blow sending pain radiating through my skull.
"Thieves like you don't deserve mercy," Lorn spat.
Two more guards grabbed me, pinning my arms while Lorn struck me again. Blood trickled from the corner of my mouth as I struggled to breathe. The fifth man, stationed at the chamber's entrance, glanced back nervously at the scene, his grip tightening on his weapon as if sensing something was wrong.
My plea for mercy was cut short by a sudden, deafening crack.
The crystalline structure split open, and a blinding red light burst from within, filling the chamber. The sound was unbearable, an eerie, resonant hum that shook the walls. I barely registered the chaos around me as the guards stumbled back, shielding their eyes. The two men closest to the crystal turned, their faces twisted in confusion.
But before they could react, the red light flared violently, and they fell to the ground without a sound, their bodies motionless.
My mind struggled to keep up with what was happening. One moment, Lorn was yelling orders, his voice sharp and commanding. The next, the room was filled with a sickening crack and the sound of bodies hitting stone. It all happened so fast. The last thing I saw before the light dimmed was Lorn's wide-eyed face, his mouth open in a silent scream.
The guards beside him dropped in quick succession, their lives snuffed out in an instant. The one by the entrance turned and ran, his footsteps fading into the tunnel.
When the light faded, my senses returned in fragments. The coppery scent of blood filled the air, mingling with the acrid tang of fear. I blinked, my vision adjusting to the dim chamber.
She stood there, fully free from the shattered crystal. Her body was a perfect blend of human and gemstone, her glowing form exuding an unearthly presence. And she was naked.
My cheeks burned as I stared, unable to comprehend what I was seeing. But her gaze was fixed not on me, but on the fallen men around her. The room was silent save for a single sound: drip. A droplet of blood fell from her hand, striking the stone floor with a quiet finality.
I trembled as her eyes turned to me, unreadable and yet strangely calm. She moved forward, slow and deliberate. I flinched, thinking my end had come. But instead of striking, she stood over me, gazing down at me with an intensity that made my breath hitch. Her presence was overwhelming, her proximity both terrifying and strangely magnetic.
Then, to my utter astonishment, she leaned down. I braced myself, certain her next move would be to end my life. But instead, her lips met mine.
The kiss was soft yet powerful, filled with something I couldn't describe. It was as though she was imprinting something upon me—a connection, a mark, a silent understanding. I love you, she whispered in a very soft voice.
When she pulled back, her gaze lingered on me for a moment longer. Then, without a word, she turned and walked back to the shattered remains of the crystal. Sitting among the shards, she folded her legs, resting her hands on her knees. Her eyes never left mine.
Still trembling, I hesitated before stepping up. My trembling hand reached out to one of the fallen guards to help him get up, then I tugged at his coat, my fingers fumbling to remove it. Holding it out to her, I whispered hoarsely, "Here... take this."
Wrapping it around herself, she secured it loosely, its size far too large for her slender frame, her silent presence both unnerving and oddly comforting.
Then, a huge black spider with glowing red eyes crawled into the cave. It moved with eerie speed, snatching up the guard who had tried to flee. The man barely had time to scream before the creature sank its fangs into him, beginning its gruesome feast.
She tensed, ready to fight the beast—but before she could act, a group of knights emerged behind the black spider. Seeing their shining armor and drawn weapons, she stepped back, letting them take the fight instead.
The massive black spider let out a shrill, chittering hiss as it sank its fangs deeper into the fallen guard's body, its red eyes gleaming with hunger. It reared up, its crimson eyes glowing like burning coals. Its fangs dripped with venom as it screeched, the sound bouncing off the cave walls.
Just as it lunged, ten red-haired warriors rushed forward, their movements swift and precise. They hurled out iron restraints, heavy chains laced with runes that clanked and tightened around the beast's legs and torso. The spider thrashed, its powerful limbs straining against the bonds, but the iron held firm.
Seizing the moment, six more red-haired warriors charged in, their blades gleaming in the dim light. One after another, they struck with brutal efficiency, slicing through the spider's legs. The thick, armored limbs cracked and fell, their severed ends steaming as they hit the cold stone floor. The spider let out a shrill, inhuman wail before collapsing, its body slamming into the ground with a heavy thud.
As it writhed, a voice rang out from behind: "The Molten Abyss!"
Two warriors, standing just beyond the fallen creature, raised their hands. A deep crimson glow spread beneath the beast as blazing runes ignited the stone. Then, with a sudden roar, the ground itself burst into flames, swallowing the spider in a searing inferno. The monster screeched, its charred exoskeleton cracking under the relentless heat.
Another voice cut through the chaos: "Blazing Torrent!"
A moment later, five warriors unleashed a final assault, sending forth a surge of fire, a wave of destruction that struck the burning spider with explosive force. The flames engulfed what remained of the beast, turning its body into ash within seconds. The spider let out one final, piercing wail before collapsing in a smoldering heap, its massive body curling inward as the fire consumed it from within.
As the fire died down, the cave fell silent. In the center of the smoldering remains, a black crystal lay untouched amid the soot and embers.
Then, a sharp voice cut through the fading embers: "Reorganize!"
At once, the red-haired warriors began moving. They stepped into formation with precise, practiced movements, forming a disciplined line. The ten red ponytail-haired warriors positioned themselves at the rear, standing in perfect alignment. Ahead of them, five warriors stood in formation, their weapons still gleaming from battle. At the very front, two warriors remained, their stance firm, as if ready for the next command.
It was then that I noticed something strange: the red ponytail-haired warriors all wore masks, concealing their faces entirely. Unlike them, the other ten warriors stood with their faces uncovered, their expressions sharp and unwavering.
Before I could dwell on it, another group approached. Sixteen knights stepped forward, their armor clanking with each step. Despite not having seen them fight, I noticed something odd—two of them were breathing heavily, their shoulders rising and falling as if exhausted from a battle that never happened.
The fight was over. The beast was dead.
She exhaled slowly. She had been ready to fight, but it seemed the knights had handled it well enough. For now.
I grabbed her hand and whispered, "It's safe now. Calm down."
She looked at me and slowly stepped behind me.
Now that the battle was over, the royal guards turned to us. Were they going to fight us next?
"Relax," one of the knights said. "You're safe now."
As the smoldering corpse of the spider crackled and burned, one of the knights stepped forward. He removed his scorched helmet, revealing a stern face lined with battle experience. His short blond hair was damp with sweat, and his piercing blue eyes studied us carefully.
"Captain Richardson of the Knights of Heaven's Port," he introduced himself, his voice steady and commanding. "This rift has entered the fourth cycle. It's becoming more unstable and dangerous by the minute. It would be wise to retreat to the safe zone before it's too late."
Still catching my breath, I wiped the soot from my face and stepped forward. "Hello, Captain. I'm Jim. I'm looking for my friends—we're miners, working for the King's company."
Captain Richardson frowned slightly, glancing at the deep, pulsing glow further inside the cave. "If your friends are still in here, we need to find them quickly. The rift won't stay open much longer."
I nodded, determination in my eyes. I wasn't leaving without them.
Captain Richardson's expression remained firm. "I have my orders—to evacuate all civilians," he stated. Then, turning to one of his men, he gave a sharp nod. "Sir Alden, take them to the safe zone."
The knight, a tall man with a scar across his cheek, stepped forward. "Understood, Captain." He gestured for us to follow.
I hesitated, my hands clenching into fists. "But my friends—"
Richardson met my gaze, unwavering. "We'll continue searching for more survivors. But you need to leave—now."
As the group prepared to leave, two adventurers began to argue among themselves. They were mercenaries working under the Guild Company.
"That black spider crystal is worth a fortune," one of them grumbled, a wiry man with a rough beard. "We killed the damn thing; we should take the loot."
"Taking it..." said Sir Alden, "...is fine, but do not lag behind."
The other adventurer, a red-haired woman clad in leather armor, scoffed. "It is heavy crystal."
Sir Alden didn't turn, but his voice was sharp. "It is dangerous. Move faster."
Sir Alden marched ahead with steady, purposeful steps, behind him his men, their armor gleaming under the dim torchlight. Their white and blue plate armor stood out among the dark, soot-covered cave walls, a symbol of the Knights of Heaven's Port. A golden winged emblem was engraved on the chest plate, representing their Divine Protector. Their pauldrons were broad, reinforced for battle, while a long blue cape draped over their back, slightly tattered from past encounters. At their side hung a silver longsword, its hilt decorated with intricate engravings of celestial patterns.
As we walked, one of the adventurers narrowed his eyes at the girl in our group. "Hey... she moved before any of us even reacted." His voice carried curiosity and suspicion.
Sir Alden glanced at her, his expression unreadable. "Doll," he muttered under his breath.
The adventurer raised an eyebrow. "Is she an advanced version? I've never seen one like her before. The old ones always had masks covering their faces. That means she must be new."
Sir Alden remained silent, his gaze lingering on her for a moment before looking ahead.
The girl stood slightly apart from the rest, her short red hair barely reaching her shoulders. Unlike the knights' heavy armor, she wore a sleek, tactical suit of dark steel and reinforced plates, built for speed rather than raw defense. On her left shoulder, the same winged emblem as Sir Alden's was etched into the armor, marking her connection to the knights. But what stood out the most was the small engraving of numbers and letters behind her right ear, barely visible against her pale skin.
The second adventurer scoffed. "What is she, anyway? And how the hell can she use magic? No human can cast magic naturally."
Sir Alden exhaled slowly before answering. "She is a new Unity. A prototype we are testing for the company. There are only four others like her."
The first adventurer frowned. "And the other two?"
Sir Alden's expression darkened slightly. "They are... special. If you want to know more, ask Captain Richardson. They belong to him."
Before we got to the safe zone, the woman asked grimly, "Did you hear about Rosalie Colony?"
The bearded man nodded, his expression turning somber. "Destroyed. Wiped out completely by monsters. H.E.N."
Silence fell over the group as the weight of her words settled in. The path to the safe zone suddenly felt much longer.
As we entered the safe zone, we found ourselves in a small, temporary fortress built into the cavern. The walls were made of thick stone and reinforced wooden beams, hastily but effectively constructed to withstand the dangers of the rift. Torches flickered along the walls, casting long shadows, while a few watchmen in armor patrolled the perimeter, their hands never far from their weapons.
Sir Alden led us to the heavy iron doors at the entrance. With a deep creak, they swung open, revealing the fort's interior. The space was cramped but functional—supply crates, weapons, and bedrolls lined the walls, while a few other survivors huddled around small fires, resting from their ordeals.
"Go up the stairs to the second floor," Sir Alden instructed. "You'll meet the manager there. He'll sort out your stay."
Then the two disappeared through the heavy iron doors, rejoining their group of knights. Their mission wasn't over yet.
We followed his directions, climbing a set of wooden stairs that creaked under our weight. At the top, we were met by a man sitting behind a sturdy, battle-worn desk. He was in his mid-forties, with graying brown hair, sharp eyes, and a well-kept goatee. His clothes were practical—a thick coat with reinforced leather plates—and on his belt hung a dagger, though it looked more ceremonial than practical.
He glanced up from a stack of documents, recognition flashing in his eyes when he saw the two adventurers. "Well, well… look who made it back in one piece." His voice was deep, laced with amusement. "Didn't think I'd be seeing you two so soon."
One of the adventurers smirked. "Yeah, yeah, overseer, we get it. We're hard to kill."
Shifting uncomfortably, I stepped forward. "You're the manager here?"
The overseer nodded, leaning back in his chair. "That's right. I oversee things for the Guild Company in this sector. You're with them?" He motioned to the adventurers.
"No," I shook my head. "I'm a miner. Looking for my friends."
The overseer exhaled, rubbing his temple. "Miners, huh? That's rough. I'll see what I can do. For now, I'll have a room prepared for you. Get some rest—you'll need it."
A guard led us to a small room—barebones, but better than the cold rock outside. A few wooden beds, a dim lantern, a wash basin, and a table were all we had, but it was enough.
Before heading to their own rooms, the two adventurers turned to me. One of them reached into a small pouch and pulled out a chunk of dark crystal, still faintly pulsing with residual energy. "This is your cut from the spider," he said, handing it over. "You were there, so it's only fair you get a share."
I took it, the cool surface tingling against my skin. "Thanks."
The adventurers nodded before heading off. "Is there any food here?" I asked the guard outside.
"You miners are all the same. Go to the mess hall. They should have something warm for you."
I got some food, then went back to my room to eat it with her. When I opened the door, I saw her standing there waiting for me.
"Are you always this silent? That's boring. Wait… but didn't you speak back then? Or was I just imagining it? And what about food? Do you not eat either?" I muttered, thinking aloud. "You've been without food for so long. How have you survived? Maybe you've been sleeping most of the time, and that's the reason you don't need to eat?"
She said nothing. Then, slowly, she began to eat. I noticed with every bite she took, her body replaced the crystal parts with flesh. It looked as if she was regenerating her body by eating. She stopped after her crystal body parts were completely hidden, and flesh covered them entirely.
I finished eating in silence while she watched me with her beautiful eyes.
I reclined on the bed, the cool sheets pressing against my back as I settled into the soft embrace of the mattress. My head tilted slightly, my eyes tracing her every movement as she stood near the doorway. Her fingers moved with a quiet grace, loosening the clasp of the tattered wool cloak I had given her earlier.
The fabric slid from her shoulders, cascading to the floor in a whisper of surrender. She stepped out of it, her figure illuminated by the dim, golden light filtering through the room, and for a moment, time seemed to pause. She moved toward me with a deliberate slowness, her bare feet barely making a sound against the floor.
The air between us grew heavier, charged with an unspoken tension that made my pulse quicken. Her eyes never left mine, dark and intent, as if she could see straight through to the ache I hadn't yet voiced.
When she reached the edge of the bed, she paused, her gaze lingering on me as though memorizing the moment. Then, she leaned in, her hands finding the hem of my shirt. Her fingers brushed against my skin, sending a jolt of warmth through me. Slowly, almost teasingly, she began to undress me, her touch deliberate and unhurried. Each button undone, each piece of fabric pushed aside felt like a revelation, exposing not just my body but the raw vulnerability I hadn't realized I was holding onto.
I didn't stop her—I couldn't. Her touch was intoxicating, and I was willingly, helplessly, under her spell.
Her palm cupped my cheek, her thumb brushing lightly over my skin as if to soothe the tension coiled within me. She leaned in closer, her breath warm and uneven against my lips, and then she kissed me. It wasn't a gentle kiss—it was hungry, desperate, as if she had been waiting for this moment as long as I had. Her lips moved against mine with a rhythm that left me dizzy, her hands tangling in my hair, pulling me closer as if she feared I might slip away.
But she didn't stop there. Her lips trailed down, leaving a searing path from my mouth to the curve of my jaw, then lower to the sensitive hollow of my throat. Each kiss was a brand, a claim, and I felt myself unraveling beneath her touch. Her hands followed, exploring every inch of me with a reverence that made my breath catch. She kissed her way down my chest, her lips soft yet insistent, her touch igniting a fire that spread through my veins. Her movements were slow, deliberate, as if she wanted to savor every second, every gasp, every shiver she drew from me.
And I let her. I let her take control, let her unravel me piece by piece, until there was nothing left but the two of us, the heat of her body, and the promise of something more.
Do you like it? The voice from before was back in the shadowed corners of my consciousness.
Yes, I do, I thought back.
Then I closed my eyes and enjoyed the moment.
Then I heard her say, aloud, "System, connect."
I don't know how I got there. One moment, I was in the real world. Next, I was standing in a vast darkness, not empty, but stretching endlessly like a night sky filled with stars, their faint glow shimmering above and below me. It was beautiful—but unsettling.
Then, I noticed someone else there.
A figure stood in front of me, its body shifting with different colors, patches of red, blue, and black glowing across its skin. It didn't have a solid form—just a flickering outline, like a person trapped in an unfinished painting.
I looked down at myself and froze. My own body was white, like glowing light or a blank sheet of paper, weightless yet somehow still me.
Panic crept in. "Who are you?! Where are we?!" I demanded.
A soft, unfamiliar laugh echoed around me, playful yet strange. "Jim, don't you recognize me?" the figure teased.
I narrowed my eyes. "Recognize you?"
The figure tilted its head, and the colors began to change. The swirling mass of light condensed, shaping into something more defined, but still unrecognizable. The red gathered near the head, the glow dimming into something solid, something like… hair.
Slowly, the colors faded into human features—a delicate face, sharp eyes, and lips curved into a knowing smirk. But it still wasn't familiar.
I stared at her, my chest tightening. "Who…?"
She took a step forward, her bare feet making no sound against the empty space. "It's me, Nea."
I hesitated. The name felt… right, but the person in front of me was nothing like what I expected. "Nea…?" I repeated cautiously.
She gave me a slow nod, her eyes watching me closely. "That's right. We're linked now."
I exhaled slowly. "Linked…? What does that mean?"
Nea's smirk deepened. "It's my special ability. When I establish a connection with my master, our souls meet here..." She stepped closer, running a hand over her waist. "While our bodies enjoy each other."
Something about the way she said it made me uneasy. But before I could question it, my eyes were drawn to the glowing colors still shifting on her body.
"Help me remove these," she said. "Start with the red one on my arms."
A smooth, glass-like table suddenly materialized beside us, clear and reflective, mirroring the starry sky above. Nea stepped toward it and, without hesitation, laid down, stretching out like someone preparing for a massage. Her red hair fanned around her, and she rested her head on her arm, looking up at me expectantly.
"Come on, Jim… start with my hands and arms."
I hesitated, swallowing. This felt… intimate. Too intimate.
Still, I reached out, placing my fingers gently on the red markings glowing along her arm. The moment I touched them, a strange warmth pulsed through me, like an electric current—not painful, but soft, almost comforting.
Nea let out a slow, satisfied breath, her lips parting slightly. "Mmm… yeah, just like that."
I kept going, tracing my fingers along her arm, pulling the red light away. The color peeled from her skin like mist, dissolving as I absorbed it. Her muscles twitched beneath my touch, a shiver running up her spine.
"Hahh…" she exhaled, her body arching slightly. "That feels… really nice."
I frowned slightly. "It's… kind of like a massage?"
Nea smirked, stretching her fingers. "More than that. When souls touch like this, it's..." She let out a small, pleased sigh, her fingers curling against the glass. "Mmm… so good…"
I didn't stop. Slowly, I worked my way up, tracing along her forearm, her shoulder. Every time I pulled away another layer of red light, she shivered, breathing deeper, her body reacting to every little movement.
"Nnn… that's it… keep going…" she purred.
Then, the red light floated toward a new surface—another glass-like screen, hovering beside the table. It looked almost like a floating mirror, reflecting Nea's glowing body. The symbols on it began spinning in a full circle, flashing with fiery light before finally stopping.
Nea's eyes gleamed as she sat up slightly. "Looks like that one unlocked 'Fire Fist'—a powerful fire attack."
Nea stretched out on the glass-like table, her body relaxed, waiting. The last traces of red light had been stripped away, absorbed into the floating screen beside us, and replaced with a pinkish color. The warm sensation still lingered in my fingers, a strange connection I couldn't quite understand.
Then she lifted her bare foot, revealing a deep black marking curling around her ankle, wrapping up toward her calf.
"Try removing this one next," Nea said, her voice softer this time.
I hesitated, feeling a strange, cold pressure in my chest. The last time, touching her skin had sent a warmth through me, almost like pleasure. This time, I had a feeling it would be different.
Still, I reached out.
The moment my fingers brushed the black light, a deep pulse ran through me. It wasn't just warmth—it was something heavier, something dark that made my head spin. Nea let out a sharp breath, her body tensing, then relaxing completely as she tilted her head back, exposing her throat.
"Hahh… yeah, just like that."
Her fingers curled against the glass, her legs shifting slightly as I traced along the marking, peeling it away with slow, deliberate strokes. Each time I pulled, her breathing hitched, her chest rising and falling as if she were melting under my touch.
Why am I doing this? a sharp, cold thought crossed my mind, distinct and sudden, like a stranger looking through my eyes. She is a tool. Nothing more.
I blinked, shaking my head slightly to clear the fog, but the thought vanished as quickly as it came, leaving only the dull ache behind my temples.
"Nnn… keep going…" Nea murmured, her body shifting as if trying to press into my hands.
The black light seeped from her skin like smoke, gathering in my palm, and with each piece I stripped away, my own body grew heavier. By the time I reached the last fragment, a sharp wave of dizziness slammed into me. I stumbled.
Nea's eyes flickered open, a lazy, satisfied smirk playing on her lips. I barely managed to place the black light onto the glass screen before the world tilted beneath me. My vision blurred. My knees buckled. The last thing I saw was Nea's pink eyes watching me, her lips parting as if to say something—
Then, everything went black.
"Oh? Feeling that too, huh? This might take some getting used to."
I gasped, eyes snapping open.
The first thing I noticed was warmth. A soft weight pressed against me, skin against skin, heat pooling where our bodies met. I blinked, my mind still foggy—and then, I realized.
I was lying on a bed. Naked. And so was Nea.
Her bare form rested atop me, her breath slow and steady, her face relaxed in sleep. Unlike before, she looked completely human, no glowing marks, no swirling colors. Just… Nea. I swallowed hard, my heart hammering against my ribs.
Get up, a voice snapped inside my head—sharp, cold, and entirely unlike my own panic. We are wasting time.
I suppressed a shiver, shaking the thought away. What the hell just happened to me?
Before I could process it, a loud knock echoed through the room. "Jim! Are you awake?"
I stiffened. My eyes darted to the door, then back to Nea. We were both naked, and someone was waiting outside. Panic shot through me like a bolt of lightning. The knocking grew louder, more impatient. I barely had time to think—I yanked the blanket over Nea, covering her bare skin, making sure she was tucked in. She stirred slightly but didn't wake.
Another knock. "Jim! Open up!"
I cursed under my breath, scrambling off the bed. My legs still felt weak, my mind hazy from whatever had just happened. Reaching the door, I grabbed the handle, took a deep breath, and stepped out, pulling it shut firmly behind me.
As soon as the door clicked, I turned to face whoever had come looking for me. It was the overseer, arms crossed, wearing his usual smirk.
"Hello," I greeted cautiously, my voice sounding a bit too flat, a bit too detached for a boy who had just woken up naked with a strange girl. "Something happen?"
The overseer nodded. "Yeah, actually. But first…" He tilted his head, eyeing me. "What was all that noise last night, player?"
My heart skipped a beat. Did he hear?
I tensed, my expression shifting into defense mode. "What do you mean?" I asked, giving him a sharp look.
The overseer held up his hands. "Relax, I'm just messing with you." He chuckled. "Anyway, I came to tell you—some knights showed up this morning. They brought in two survivors. They're staying in room number thirteen. You might wanna check if they're your friends."
My tension eased. "Sure, I'll go see them."
I started to turn back toward my room when my stomach grumbled loudly. The overseer snorted. "Sounds like you should get some breakfast first."
I sighed, though a strange, unfamiliar detachment lingered behind my eyes. "Yeah… mind grabbing me something?"
The overseer shrugged. "Go get it yourself."
I reached into my pouch and tossed him a few coins. "How about now?"
He grinned, catching them. "Now we're talking. I'll bring something up. Need anything else?"
I glanced down at myself, still only half-dressed. "Yeah. Clothes. Got anything I can wear?"
The overseer gave me an exaggerated once-over. "I'll check. No promises." With that, he turned and walked off.
I let out a breath and headed back into the room.
As I stepped back inside, I saw Nea was awake, sitting up on the bed. She was scratching her arm absentmindedly, her short pink hair slightly tousled. I bent down to pick up my clothes, but the moment I lifted them, my stomach twisted.
The fabric was torn, jagged slashes running through it. Dark stains smeared across the material—blood. My blood.
Or was it? A strange, heavy doubt settled in the back of my skull. Is this even my blood? Whose clothes are these, really?
I swallowed hard, pushing the intrusive thought down. "Nea…" I turned toward her, holding up the ruined shirt. "Do you know why my clothes look like this?"
She said nothing. Just a silent stare. Then, slowly, she shook her head.
Something felt profoundly off about everything. Not just her—about me. About my own hands, my own memories, the way I stood and breathed. It felt like I was wearing a suit of skin that didn't quite fit.
I exhaled sharply and moved to check my backpack. My fingers dug inside, searching for the black crystal I had taken from the beast... But as soon as my hand brushed against it, Nea moved. She grabbed the crystal before I could, her fingers closing tightly around it. Without hesitation, I watched in shock as the black crystal dissolved into her skin, its energy seeping into her like ink in water.
A strange shudder ran through her body. Her breath hitched slightly, and then, just as quickly, she exhaled, relaxing. I opened my mouth to demand answers, but before I could speak, Nea lifted her hands.
Something impossible happened. Her fingertips glowed, thin strands of energy unraveling from them like thread, sewing reality itself together. The strands wove in the air, shaping into delicate black fabric. Slowly, a pair of underwear formed, wrapping around her body seamlessly. Then, beneath her bare feet, black heels began to appear, growing from energy threads until they became solid. She stepped forward, her new heels clicking softly against the floor.
I stood there, speechless. What the hell is she?
Does it matter? that cold voice whispered in my mind again, sudden and sharp. She is ours now. Focus on the objective.
I clenched my fists, shaking my head violently to clear the echo. Shut up, I thought back at the empty air. Just shut up.
Before I could say anything else to Nea, a knock sounded at the door. The overseer handed me a bundle of clothes and a small wooden tray of food. "Here. Fresh meal and something to wear," he said flatly, then walked off before I could say a word.
I sighed, shutting the door and setting the food down. Nea didn't touch it. She simply sat, legs crossed, watching me with unreadable eyes. I put on my new clothes—a plain linen shirt, dark pants, and a black cloak. I picked up the soft pink cloak meant for Nea, stepped closer, and gently draped it over her shoulders, pulling the hood forward to hide her vibrant hair.
"Alright. Let's go." Without a word, she followed me as we left the room, heading up the worn wooden stairs to the third floor.
When I reached room thirteen, I raised my hand and knocked. For a moment, silence. Then, a soft, melodic voice answered. "I'm coming."
The door creaked open, and my breath caught.
Standing before me was an elf—an impossibly beautiful one. Her long, silver-white hair cascaded down her back like silk under the torchlight. Her emerald-green eyes glowed faintly like enchanted gemstones. High cheekbones, a delicate nose, full lips holding quiet grace, and pale golden skin made her look like a celestial being. She wore a flowing green dress embroidered with delicate golden vines.
I stood there staring, my mind completely blank.
Her lips parted slightly, eyes filled with curiosity. "Um… may I help you?"
I still said nothing.
She tilted her head. "What is it you want?"
Still, no words came.
Her expression shifted, and she tried again. "…And your name?"
Nothing. I was completely frozen.
Pathetic, the cold voice hissed inside me. Staring at a native like an idiot.
I blinked hard, violently shoving the thought down. What was happening to my head?
Then, Nea waved her hand in front of my face, breaking my trance. I blinked rapidly, flushing. "O-Oh! Yeah, uh—sorry. I heard that the knights rescued some people. I came to see if any of them are my friends."
The elf studied me for a moment, then nodded and stepped aside. "Come in."
As we stepped inside, another girl was already in the room holding a glass of water. The moment her eyes landed on me, her grip faltered—the glass slipped from her fingers and shattered against the floor.
Her voice trembled with shock. "You're still alive, Jim?!"
So my name is Jim? Not Jim? I told myself, looking sideways at Nea, a strange cognitive dissonance tearing at my thoughts. Is that even my real name? Or is that just a label stuck onto a hollow shell?
The girl fell to the ground, crying. "I'm sorry, Jim! We shouldn't have done that, I never wanted to think of being like that, but we didn't have a choice! The spider was getting closer, and if we didn't push you, it would have killed us all, all of us would have died—!"
Cowards, the cold voice whispered in the dark depths of my mind, a sudden surge of bitter, ancient contempt flooding my veins. They threw you to the beast to save their own worthless skins.
For a second, I felt a flash of pure, blinding hatred—not for what she did, but for the weakness of it. But then it faded back into Jim's confusion, leaving me dizzy.
I looked down at my hands. My clothes were torn apart and covered in blood. Was that my blood, or did it belong to this "Jim" guy whose memories felt less like facts and more like a story I had read in a book?
The elf girl looked down at the crying girl, then up at me with quiet pity. "Can you say something to make her stop crying?"
"Look, I know from your crying that you're sorry," I said, a strange, unfeeling smile breaking across my face—a smile I didn't mean to make, "but you tried to kill me, so you need to make up to me."
All three girls stared at me in a very weird way.
Why did I say that? I panicked internally. That's not what I wanted to say.
Nea shook her head, while the elf said, "I don't believe you," and the crying girl started wailing again.
The elf set about cleaning the broken glass and drying the wet floor, while Nea sat quietly on a chair. I stepped closer to the crying girl and looked down at her. She had short, light-olive skin, straight black hair, and almond-shaped black eyes on a heart-shaped face. Underneath her gray pleated shirt and dress, I could see her black bikini top, long socks, and dark clothing.
"Look, I lost my memory," I said softly, crouching down, trying to sound like a frightened, confused boy again. "I can't remember anything that happened. I didn't know any of this occurred until you told me. So... I forgive you. Can you stop crying so I can see your beautiful eyes?"
Her sobs grew smaller and smaller. What I said seemed to help, and before I knew it, she threw her arms around me in a tight hug. Nea watched from her chair with unreadable, knowing eyes.
After the glass was cleaned and she stopped crying, she sat right next to me, catching my hand tightly.
"So you don't really remember anything?" she asked in a very soft voice. "Maybe... maybe I can tell you my story. Will it help you remember? My name is Ume Takahashi."
She took a breath, looking down at her hands.
"Back then, we weren't from some distant land or summoned heroes," Ume whispered, her voice shaking as she recounted the grim reality of the lower levels. "We were just kids trapped down in the shafts with you, Jim. Working the dark shifts, mining the slate and the coal for the guards under Rosalie Colony. We lived on scraps, dodging the whips and the overseers.
"We thought we knew what suffering was. But then the lower gates blew open. The cultists attacked, slaughtering the guards, and in the chaos, the black spider broke loose from the rift. When it cornered us in the dark tunnel, when everyone was screaming and running for their lives... someone had to be left behind so the rest could crawl through the vent. We panicked. We pushed you back toward the beast so we could escape."
She choked back a sob, gripping my hand tighter. "We left you to die in the dark, Jim. I'm so sorry."
I sat there in silence, listening to her words, while deep inside my mind, something cold and sharp laughed quietly at the pathetic fragility of it all.
While the spider was distracted with you, we ran. I was hiding when Galya found me, and we stayed with her until the scouts found us," Ume said, her voice shaking slightly.
She looked up, her eyes wide with sudden dread. "And you, Jim... how did you survive the spider attack?"
"Miners found me, protected me, and got me here," I lied smoothly, though a cold, sharp voice in the back of my mind scoffed at the simplicity of it.
Ume turned her gaze to Nea, who stood silently in the corner. "So... who is she?"
"I met her down in the depths," I muttered, glancing at Nea. "She doesn't speak. Her name is Nea."
Ume looked back down at the floor, her hands twisting nervously in her lap. "So where is the rest of our shift?"
"Dead. Or eaten. Or getting eaten while we're sitting here talking," I said flatly.
"We need to find them," Ume whispered, her voice cracking. "Surely there's someone else who made it out alive."
Galya, who had been leaning against the wall, shook her head. "The guards control the inner caverns now. They won't let you just walk back in."
"Forget them. We're free now—let's try to get home. The company thinks we're dead anyway, it's our only chance," Ume said, catching my hand and looking intensely into my eyes.
"How do you know?" I asked.
She fell silent, her gaze dropping.
Galya pushed off the wall, looking at me. "So, what were you even doing down in that forbidden sector anyway?"
"I'm a miner working for the King's company," I answered, the lie feeling strangely weightless.
When I woke up, a bunch of men had attacked me, claiming I belonged to the company, saying they paid for my labor. Why?
Ume looked back at Galya. "Oh... to get to the sealed rift gates. They disguised themselves as regular miners. It was the only way to move through the lower tunnels without drawing the company's attention."
"How long have those rift gates been open, Galya?" I asked.
"Nearly four months, give or take."
"Have monsters gotten out? Has an accident like this happened before?" Ume asked, her voice tight. "Tell me... what we did down inside that chamber. Could our group be the reason that thing got out of control?"
"We only did what our overseers demanded of us," Galya sighed, rubbing her temples. "We got brought to the settlement about a month ago, assigned to the mining crews by day and scouting the deep rifts by night. But when the cult attacked, they ordered everyone back to the central vault. That huge spider was already loose inside. We couldn't kill it, so we ran."
"But the overseers always said the central chamber was strictly forbidden," Ume whispered.
"I need to get back to that main cave," I said, standing up. "Are you coming with me, Ume?"
"No way. I'm never going back down there. You should stay here with me, Jim. It's safe."
"We can't stay here forever. The company is going to lock this place down soon," Galya warned. "If you have any sense, you'll get out of here while you can, Jim. In two days, a crew of armed miners and local fighters are heading into the main cave to hunt down whatever's left of the cult and the beast, and they want all unassigned civilians cleared out before then."
So my name is Jim. Not Jim, I told myself, looking sideways at Nea with a strange cognitive dissonance tearing at my thoughts. Is that even my real name? Or is it just a label stuck onto a hollow shell?
Ume collapsed to the ground, sobbing. "I'm sorry, Jim! We shouldn't have done that, I never wanted things to be like this, but I had no choice. The spider was getting closer, and if we didn't push you, it would have killed us all. We would all have died!"
Sacrifice. The thought flickered through my mind. I should be furious, but why wasn't I? Wait... I remembered my clothes being torn, all that blood... Was it my blood, or did it belong to this "Jim" guy?
Then, Galya looked at me. "Poor girl," she said, before turning to me. "Can't you say something to make her stop crying?"
I hesitated, then tried a small smile. "Look, I know you're sorry. I can tell from your tears. But you did try to kill me, so you owe me one."
The three of them stared at me, a mixture of shock and disbelief on their faces. What did I just say?
Nea shook her head, while Ume started crying again. Galya began cleaning up the broken glass and drying the wet mat. Nea moved to sit on a nearby chair.
I approached the crying girl. I took a good look at her. She had short, light-olive skin, straight black hair, and almond-shaped black eyes with a round, heart-shaped face. Underneath her white dress shirt and gray pleated skirt, I could see her dark clothing.
"Look," I said gently, crouching down. "I've lost my memory. I don't remember anything that happened. I wouldn't know any of this if you didn't tell me. So, I... I forgive you. Can you please stop crying? I want to see your beautiful eyes."
Her sobs softened, becoming quieter. I thought my words had helped. Before I knew it, she hugged me tightly. Nea stood up from her chair when she saw her hug me. After she stopped crying, and Galya finished cleaning up the broken glass, we all sat down. Ume sat on the floor, curling into a ball, trying to disappear. Her gaze fixed on the floor, and she held my hand tightly.
She asked, her voice barely a whisper, "So, you don't remember anything? Maybe... maybe if I tell you my story, something will come back?" She paused, her voice trembling slightly. "You are very lucky you do not remember. Maybe it is better this way. A lot of bad stuff happens that we should forget about." Then, she introduced herself. "My name is Ume Takahashi."
"I don't remember much either," I said, my voice rough. "All I know, as far as I can recall, is that we were slaves... resentful slaves. We were sold to the company to work in the mines. One day, they sent us here. A lot of their miners were killed or ran away. That's why they used us to fill their place."
Her voice cracked, and when she finally dared to look at me, her face was devoid of hope, her eyes like those of the dead. "Are you happy now, Jim? Now, you remember who you are?"
"And what happened the day the spider attacked?" I asked.
"We were working in the mines, the same grueling routine we'd endured since we were sold. The days blurred together in a haze of dust, sweat, and the constant, echoing clang of pickaxes. But then, everything changed. We broke through into a new chamber, a massive cavern glittering with crystals and rich veins of ore. It was breathtaking, a hidden wonder beneath the oppressive darkness we'd known for so long. The overseers, their eyes gleaming with greed, immediately sent us deeper in, eager to exploit this new find. We were excited, too, initially. The crystals pulsed with a strange energy, and the ore promised a better future, or so we hoped.
We were harvesting a particularly large crystal when the ground began to tremble. A low, guttural growl echoed through the cavern, a sound that vibrated in our very bones. Then, it emerged. A spider, but unlike any I had ever seen. It was colossal, its legs like sharpened spears, its eyes glowing with malevolent intelligence. Panic erupted. Miners screamed and scattered, tools clattering on the cavern floor. The spider moved with terrifying speed, its massive legs crushing those who were too slow. I saw boys and girls, kids I'd worked beside for months, cut down in an instant. There was no escape.
I tried to run, my heart pounding in my chest, the spider's horrifying screeches echoing behind me. I remember the sickening crunch as it caught others. I remember the smell of blood and the raw, animalistic terror that consumed us all. In the chaos, as I stumbled back, I lost my footing. My hand, flailing for purchase, accidentally shoved you. The spider lunged... its fangs dripping with venom. I saw you fall. I ran as fast as I could, blind with fear, not daring to look back. I didn't stop until I collapsed, exhausted and terrified, at the edge of the cavern, where Galya and her adventurer party found me. They rescued me... they got me here eventually."
"And you, Jim, how did you survive the spider attack?" she asked, her eyes wide with desperate curiosity.
"I got up fast and ran like you, then someone found me and protected me, and got me here," I replied.
Galya nodded, her expression grim. "The place became a warzone after the monsters broke through. You have survived all this time alone. That is very impressive."
I blinked, surprised at the comment. "You think I'm impressive?" I asked, an involuntary smile tugging at the corner of my lips.
Galya's eyes widened, and a flush crept up her cheeks. "No, no, I didn't mean it like that!" she stammered, her gaze darting away. She cleared her throat, regaining her composure, though the redness lingered. "What I meant was... You survived on your own for a long time, which speaks to your resilience. Anyway, I'm staying with Ume to make sure she's safe, but you are here now, so can I trust you to take care of her? I need to get back to my adventurer party. Tomorrow night, a group of miners are going to clear out the main cave where the cultists are hiding. This will make mining possible again, so you could go back to work, too."
I couldn't believe what I was hearing. She had no shame, telling us to go back to being slaves. I said that to Ume after making sure Galya had left the room.
Ume put her tiny finger on my mouth. "Be careful what you say. It is not safe. And she works for the King's company. She's staying with me to make sure I don't run. We are the King's property, after all."
"There's no way I can get back to being a slave. I'm getting out of here right now." I got up and opened the door. I was surprised to see two men standing guard.
"Hi, kid. What do you think you're doing? Get back to the room. Galya told us to keep you safe."
It looks like you are stuck here.
"I need to think, give me a moment."
I paced in tight circles, jaw clenched, fingers tapping against my thigh without even realizing it. My thoughts wouldn't line up. I kept glancing at the window. Maybe we can jump from the window? But looking down at the floor, it looked far away. We were on the third floor. I started rubbing the back of my neck. Then my hand moved to my hair, tugging at it like I could pull the thoughts into order. My steps were getting shorter, quicker, no rhythm, just movement. The room felt smaller by the second. I didn't say it out loud, but the words ran through my head on a loop: This isn't going to work. No matter how I turned it over, I couldn't see a way out.
Then she whispered in my ear.
Will you sit down already? You're making me dizzy.
I must've looked insane, pacing like a caged animal. Sorry, but I couldn't stop thinking about what she'd said.
Do not be, you made me very happy.
Getting you dizzy makes you happy?
No, I thought I lost you back then, but seeing you move around like that reminds me you're still with me. Come sit with me, Jim.
Then Ume grabbed a piece of paper and a charcoal pencil and wrote: We are not from here.
I held up the paper and thought to yourself, Wait, how can I read this? I've never seen words like this, and yet I can read them.
She gave me a charcoal pencil. She wanted me to write, but my hand hesitated. Still, I pressed lead to paper.
If we are not, then where are we from?
Then she took back the paper and wrote on it: "Eastern Empire."
A sharp pain shot through my head. I pressed my hand against it. The words triggered a sudden, brutal flash of memory—my friends, the other kids from the lower shafts, being rounded up, chained, and dragged away by soldiers of the Eastern Empire. The realization hit me like a physical blow, leaving a strange, empty ache in my chest. I pressed my hand to my heart. They weren't just lost to the mine; they were taken by the Empire.
The pain worsened. I could barely breathe. Everything around me felt too bright, too loud.
"Jim?"
The voice was close. Soft. Worried.
"Jim!"
I tried to lift my head to say something, but everything tilted sideways. My arms felt heavy. The room started to spin, and before I could speak, the world slipped away.
Then nothing. Just darkness.
I woke up late that morning. Galya was already in the room, talking quietly.
"How was your night?" I began, still groggy.
Before I could finish, Galya cut me off. "Get ready. We need to move."
She turned to leave, but I sat up quickly. "Wait—can we come with you tonight? We aren't staying here to be slaves again."
She paused in the doorway, looking over her shoulder with a frown. "Where do you think you're going?"
"Not back to the mines," I said, swinging my legs over the bed. "We're going to destroy the cult's blood altar in the main cavern. That altar is what's feeding the rift and controlling everything. If we take it down, we break their grip on this place."
Galya crossed her arms, studying me intently. "That's suicide. The cultists and monsters are swarming the inner chambers."
"Maybe," I said, a dangerous calm settling over me—a cold certainty that didn't entirely feel like mine. "लेकिन staying here means life as property. I'm going. Ume, are you coming?"
Ume looked from Galya to me, her chest heaving, before she slowly nodded and stood up. "I'm with you, Jim."
Nea rose silently from her chair, her eyes locking onto mine with quiet, unyielding loyalty.
I looked back at Galya. "You can help us, or you can get out of our way."
Galya let out a long, heavy breath, shaking her head. "Damn it all. Fine. If you're crazy enough to go after the altar, you're going to need someone who knows the secure paths through the lower rock. Let's move before the guards notice we're gone."
I grabbed my cloak, my jaw set. We weren't waiting around to be chained again. We were going to burn the cult's altar down ourselves, and I was going to lead every miner willing to fight for it.