Chapter 48: Speed

As I examined the tattoo on my forearm, the image of a snake with dark scales seemed to writhe and twist beneath my skin.

Suddenly, the serpent appeared to come alive, slithering across my flesh as if it were a living creature. The tattoo rippled and contorted for a few moments before finally settling still.

"..."

Observing it, I noticed something odd about the tattoo's eyes. They glimmered with an eerie light, almost as if they were staring straight into my soul.

I think my guess was correct, the artifact had detected my pain and was reacting to my damaged soul.

As I rose from my seat, preparing to head to the training facility, I caught a glimpse of the snake tattoo on my forearm and froze. The sleeveless shirt I wore revealed the serpent in all its vivid glory, and I knew that it would attract far too much attention.