Chapter 72: Chapter 72: A Narrow Escape

"Master Zero, wake up. Wake up."

The soft, melodious chimes of the heavenly voice from MANAS, reverberated through his mind, pulling Ethan from the depths of unconsciousness. His eyelids twitched, and slowly, they began to flutter open, revealing his hazy, unfocused gaze as he gradually returned to consciousness.

He blinked several times, trying to clear the fog from his vision, and the disorienting sensation of waking in an unfamiliar place washed over him. The cold ground beneath him felt unyielding, and a faint chill lingered in the air, seeping into his bones.

Slowly, with some effort, he rubbed his eyes and pushed himself up from the ground, his body heavy with exhaustion and confusion.

"What's this?" he murmured, his voice rough and hoarse from the recent incidents. "Am I still alive?"