Finally, I made it to where the fog was, but could not cross over. There was a barrier preventing me from entering the fog. Clearly, there was more to be seen but I couldn't make out the shadows. I stepped away from the fog and decided to head towards the mountains. Again, slowly moving. Once I got to the mountains, I contemplated my chance of survival if a wild animal appeared. That's when I heard it.
*Ding*
'Welcome Master, My name is Ziki. I am this space administrator. '
Space administrator? What the hell was that?
'I am also known as system 1002. As much as I would like to be called by my name, I will begrudgingly answer to 1002.'
What? This system was quite temperamental, wasn't it?
'Master, is there anything I can be of service to?'
*Cough* I cleared my throat "one ...Ziki, what exactly is this place?" I asked.
'Master, this is the magical space your ancestors created. One among many created by the great clans centuries ago. This space can only activate your family bloodline.'
"Can others access it? What is it's functions? Can I store perishable things? Can I store anything in here?"
'Answering master, once the ring has built a bond, no one else may enter this space. You may store living creatures and plants, however other human can only enter when you touch them. Once you exit this domain, any other humans will be pushed out as well. You are able to farm in the green lands, and you may store items and foods as well.'
"What about the mountains? What is in there?"
'Unfortunately, I am not quite sure about what secrets lie in the mountains. That is for you to explore.'
"What about the dense fog? Why can't I enter the fog?"
'Master, that domain is blocked. You will need to feed this space spiritual energy in order to uncover more.'
"What is spiritual energy?"
'It is energy converted from items. I believe you humans like to call it antiques or artifacts. for each authentic artifact you will get spiritual energy.'
"So, I need to feed this space with antiques in order to make it grow?"
'Yes'
"What about my body? Is it inside this space right now or am I just mentally here?"
'Your physical body is inside the space, once you exit you will be back in the same place you were before entering.'
"Are there any other living creatures in here?"
'I am not detecting any breathing coming from the mountains. If you would like to explore, please feel at ease. Should you encounter any danger, you can exit the space by simply thinking the word out'
This Ziki was not really reliable. Sounds like it couldn't wait for me to stop asking question. "If I teleport out, what will happen when I re-enter? Will I teleport to the same place in this space?"
'Master, you will not teleport to the same location to exited from. You will always start at the entrance of the space. Fear not, this place is safe...Or so I think'
Yup, unreliable. Well, to a certain degree. "You said the ring build a bond with me. How?
'Master, the bond is made through blood'
"Are you saying that the bond is made through my blood? Does that mean that anyone else from my clan can enter with a drop of their blood?" I had to ask. I didn't want my uncle or cousin getting their hands on this.
'No, once the bond is created, it stays with your soul. No one can activate the soul space aside from you.'
"That's good to know. So, this space is connected to my soul?"
'Master, I already said this was connected to your soul'
What a cheeky little system. It sounded so exasperated. "Got it, I'll go up the mountain another day."
'Ziki will continue monitoring the space. Goodbye master'
Once I exited the space I saw myself still holding on to the rail. I guess Penelope really is my lucky star.
I just don't understand how my ring went missing in my past life. I always carried my ring with me during supply runs. However one day, while on a supply run we were attacked by Zombies. One managed to pull the necklace off of me as it tried to claw at me, missing my neck entirely. A few days after the attack I went back and killed off most of the zombies in that warehouse, after searching everywhere I could not find it. It was gone. Zombies do not have a need for rings, so who could have grabbed it. I mean, the system literally said it was only activated with my clan's blood.
Wait...I recall a few days after that incident Chris had activated his space superpowers. Could it be that he had found my ring? If he did, that would explain why he wanted me dead. Prior to him becoming a space superhuman, he would always rely on me. But if he had my ring, he no longer needed me there. He would want to make sure that I would never find out about the ring.
If this is true, he is much more dangerous than I thought. I can only pray that he was not reborn as well. If I was able to come back, whose to say that he wouldn't either. As much as I'm not afraid of trouble, I'd like to prevent it. Now that I'll be in a team with Ms. Penelope, I need to ensure that her life won't be in unnecessary danger. I wondered if she had already talked to her family. It would be much easier if we could form a team.
KR: Ms. Penelope, have you talked to your brothers and aunt about forming a team?
PW: Yes, my brothers have already started ordering supplies as well. They asked that you meet up at our home and we can take it from there. Also, the announcement will be sent out tomorrow regarding the cooperation. The money was wired a few hours ago and you can start ordering more supplies. However I don't think that is necessary. Once communications are cut, we can go on a shopping spree.
KR: Shopping spree? Are you thinking of getting a five finger discount?
PW: What is a five finger discount?
KR: It's a zero dollar shopping spree...
PW: Why is it called a five finger discount then?
KR: Because it means you are stealing...which that's what you want to do.
PW: Oh... I prefer a zero dollar shopping spree. It sounds more....elegant. We aren't thieves. We are just preparing while others will be panicking.
KR: Sure... call it what you want. I'll be over to your place tomorrow at 9am. Please send me your address.
PW: 'Penelope Wolfe has shared her location for 24 hours'
PW: I sent you my location, just click on it and your navigation app should direct you over. Goodnight Mr. Remington
KR: Ms. Penelope, you can just call me Killian. After tomorrow, I won't be your boss. We will be equals
PW: Sure thing, Killian. You do the same.
PW: Penelope or Penny. Whichever one works for you.
KR: Alright, goodnight Penelope.
PW: Goodnight Killian