Chapter 3: Chains and Secrets
Lin Yan's boots clanged softly on the cold metallic floor as he stepped into the ship.
Every panel, every glowing button, seemed more advanced than anything he had ever seen—or imagined.
He felt awe. And fear.
Then his eyes fell on something that made him freeze.
A skeleton.
It slumped in a chair near the command console, wearing a general's uniform, streaked with gold and silver. Its bones were brittle and blackened with age, yet somehow the suit still shimmered faintly.
Lin Yan swallowed hard.
"…Who… was this?"
He approached cautiously, unsure whether to touch it. He reached out—and the skeleton collapsed to the floor with a hollow rattle.
He exhaled, trembling, and slumped into the captain's chair, thinking maybe he could calm himself by sitting down.
The chair reacted instantly.
Chains shot out from nowhere, binding his neck, hands, and feet. He struggled to stand. A sudden electric shock coursed through him. His body convulsed.
"AHHHH!" Lin Yan screamed, falling back as the pain subsided and darkness took him.
Minutes later, he woke.
The chains were gone. The room was still.
Only the panels glowed softly, as if nothing had happened.
Then a voice filled his mind.
"Body analysis complete."
Lin Yan froze.
"Who's there?!" he shouted.
"I am the ship's AI system. You may call me Star. Your body has been scanned and linked to the ship's systems."
Lin Yan rubbed his temples.
"What… what does that mean?"
"It means, Master, that you are now the captain of this ship. Your neural patterns are integrated. You are responsible for commanding the vessel and protecting its systems. The previous captain… is dead."
Lin Yan blinked.
"Wait… what? Dead?"
"Yes. All records indicate the captain perished. I am a unique AI system, one of a kind, created by the most intelligent engineers in our galaxy."
Lin Yan ran a hand through his hair.
"Okay… I get it. Just… shut up for a second."
"Understood, Master. But you must know your responsibilities. The ship is still damaged. You are too weak to fully control it at this stage."
Lin Yan slumped into the chair again, feeling a mixture of dread and disbelief.
Then Star spoke again.
"The previous captain left a message for you. His name was Captain Wisdom. He was from an advanced civilization far beyond this galaxy."
Lin Yan groaned.
"Skip the speech. Just tell me the important parts. I don't have time for history class."
"Your impatience is noted. But there is a gift left for you—a gene-enhancing serum. It will upgrade your body and unlock potential."
Lin Yan paused.
"Gift… serum? Wait, what happens if I take it?"
The ship was silent.
Star's reply was quiet, almost solemn:
"…That is up to you to discover, Master."