The morning sun cast its first rays upon the rooftops of Blackstone Village.
A small crowd had gathered at the village entrance. Lin Ye stood there, carrying a simple rucksack. He didn't have much—just a few changes of clothes, an old short blade, and... that.
The Book of the Abyss.
It was wrapped tightly in cloth and hidden at the very bottom of his pack. But Lin Ye knew that no matter how deep he buried it, the thing would never truly leave him.
Zhao Hu stood nearby, his face clouded with a look of displeasure. "Are you really going?"
Lin Ye nodded.
Zhao Hu sighed. "The world out there isn't as great as you think it is."
Lin Ye managed a small smile. "I still have to go see it for myself."
Zhao Hu was silent for a moment before suddenly reaching out and clapping Lin Ye on the shoulder. "Just... don't go dying out there."
Lin Ye chuckled. "Don't worry."
Just then, Su Li walked over. She had changed into traveling gear today—a lightweight black tunic with a shortsword hanging at her waist. Her hair was tied back simply, making her look sharp and practical, yet she remained so beautiful that people couldn't help but steal extra glances.
Zhao Hu muttered under his breath, "No wonder you suddenly want to go out and brave the world."
Lin Ye nearly choked. "It's not what you think."
Su Li clearly heard them, but she only gave Lin Ye a brief look, the corners of her mouth seemingly curving into a faint, fleeting smile.
Reg was the last to walk out of the village, his silver sword already strapped to his back. "Let's go," he said curtly.
The three of them left the village entrance and slowly made their way onto the forest path. Lin Ye couldn't resist looking back one last time. Blackstone Village was growing more distant with every step. He suddenly realized that his life had truly changed.
Su Li walked beside him. "Nervous?"
Lin Ye nodded. "A little."
Su Li said softly, "The world outside is much larger than here—and much more dangerous."
Lin Ye gave a wry smile. "That doesn't sound very comforting."
Su Li glanced at him. "But it is also more magnificent."
The sunlight filtered through the trees, dapping her profile in light and shadow, making her look exceptionally beautiful. Lin Ye suddenly felt that perhaps this journey wouldn't be so bad after all.
Suddenly—
Reg came to a halt. His expression turned grim. "Quiet."
Lin Ye and Su Li stopped instantly. The forest became unnaturally silent. A few seconds later, a rustling sound came from the nearby bushes. Three Shadow Wolves slowly emerged.
However, they didn't attack. They simply stared at Lin Ye from a distance, as if they were confirming something.
Lin Ye's shadow flickered gently. The voice in his mind whispered once more.
"They are following you."
"The Abyss is awakening."
Lin Ye clenched his fists. Reg's gaze also grew cold as he confirmed one thing: the monsters were indeed tracking Lin Ye.
The journey had only just begun, yet danger had already silently caught up with them.