Capítulo 9: Cheating Device
Rose spun around, her eyes blazing with a mixture of frustration and desperation. "Luke, I swear, if you don't turn around and go home right now, I'll..."
She trailed off, realizing she had no real threat to offer. Luke's stubborn expression didn't waver.
"You'll what?" he challenged, crossing his arms. "Tell my mom? Go ahead. I'd rather get in trouble than let you do something stupid and dangerous."
Rose groaned inwardly. She was running out of time and options. The portal would open soon, and Luke's presence complicated everything. She couldn't let him see it, couldn't risk him following her through.
"Look," she said, softening her tone. "I appreciate that you're worried, but I promise you, I know what I'm doing. This is important, and I need you to trust me."
Luke's eyes narrowed suspiciously. "Important how? And if it's so important, why are you sneaking around?"
This brat was truly a master at getting on her nerves. Just as Rose opened her mouth to retort, a vibration in her pocket demanded her full attention. What on earth—?!
She hurriedly pulled out the object, her eyes widening. It was the cylindrical device the eccentric alien had given her yesterday. It had begun to vibrate, strange glowing patterns appearing on its surface.
Why had it suddenly activated? She hadn't done anything—merely carried it around.
She glanced up at Luke, who was eyeing the cylinder with intense curiosity.
"What is that thing?" he asked, taking a step closer.
"Stay away, don't touch it." Not knowing what this device was for, she wouldn't want to get Luke involved in any way.
She squinted her eyes, looking closer at the unfamiliar symbols that appeared and vanished on the metallic surface. Watching it like that for some time, without any changes, made her kind of frustrated.
That alien was really a loony. Why did he give her a device, she couldn't even understand? She shook it in her hand as if wanting to strangle it in the alien`s stead. Can't you speak human?!
As if responding to her frustration, the cylinder suddenly emitted a high-pitched whine. Rose yelped and nearly dropped it, fumbling to keep her grip on the vibrating device. Luke jumped back, startled by the noise.
"Rose, what the hell is going on?" he demanded, his voice rising in pitch.
Before she could answer, a beam of light shot out from one end of the cylinder, projecting a holographic image into the air between them. It was an old man, his wrinkled face etched with lines of wisdom and weariness. His eyes, though, sparkled with an otherworldly intelligence that made Rose's breath catch in her throat.
But then he did something that totally betrayed his respect-inspiring appearance.
"Boss, please quell your anger!" he shouted, prostrating himself on the ground before her. Well not entirely on the ground, as his image was hovering a few feet above it.
Rose froze, her mouth hanging open in shock. The holographic old man continued to grovel at her feet, muttering apologies. Luke stared at the scene, his eyes as wide as saucers.
"W-Who are you?" Rose stammered, completely thrown off balance. She glanced at Luke, who looked just as bewildered as she felt.
The holographic old man lifted his head, his ethereal eyes locking onto Rose's. "Forgive me, Boss. I should have appeared sooner to assist you. Since there wasn't a portal nearby, I assumed you didn't need or want my presence. I won't make the mistake of making decision on my own again, Boss."
Rose's mind reeled. Boss? Portals? What in the world was going on?
"You didn't answer my question." Why was anything alien talking so much, but never getting to the point? "Who - are - you?"
The holographic old man straightened up, smoothing his translucent robes. "My deepest apologies, Boss. I am Zen, your personal assistant and guide. I was programmed to activate once you neared a portal location." He glanced at Luke, then back to Rose.
"And then? In what way can you assist me?" Rose asked, curiosity piqued.
"By analyzing the data waves a portal emits, I can provide information about the realm on the other side, as well as the type of crystal core it contains. Currently, my skills are limited, but with upgrades, I'll be able to offer more accurate and detailed information."
Rose's eyes widened, sparkling with excitement as she listened to the hologram.
"What about locating the crystal core?" she inquired eagerly.
"That's still challenging at present. However, with sufficient upgrades, it's within the realm of my capabilities."
Rose could barely contain her enthusiasm. With all this information, wouldn't entering a realm become a walk in the park? If that oddball of an alien were standing beside her right now, she'd probably plant a kiss on him. He'd truly given her an excellent device.
Luke, on the side, seemed torn between fascination and fear. "Rose," he whispered urgently, "what the hell is going on?"
"Something good," she answered beaming. Turning to the hologram she continued her questions. "So, how do I upgrade you?"
"It is actually very simple, Boss. You simply need to provide me with rare elements." he said.
Rose's smile froze on her face and she felt as if she had swallowed a fly.
Of course, it couldn't have been so easy.
Her excitement deflated like a punctured balloon. "Rare elements? You've got to be kidding me…" The only place she would be able to gather those were in the realms. So not only would she need to collect crystal cores and spirit liquid, but also keep her eyes open for any rare elements. Well, she could only hope it would be worth it…
Luke stepped forward, his curiosity apparently overcoming his caution. "Portals? Realms? Rose, what have you gotten yourself into?"
Rose shot him a warning glance. "It's complicated, Luke. And potentially dangerous. You should probably—"
"I'm not going anywhere," Luke interrupted, crossing his arms. "Not until you explain what's—wait, what the heck is that?!" His face had turned ashen, and he took a step backwards, pointing to the park entrance right behind her.
Rose whirled around, her heart leaping into her throat. At the park entrance, a shimmering, translucent curtain of light had materialized out of thin air. It rippled and swirled with an otherworldly energy, casting a cascade of colors over the surrounding trees and bushes. The portal!
PENSAMENTOS DOS CRIADORES 
Lyris_Nova
Lyris_Nova Here goes Rose`s second realm run. What kind of dangers and treasures will await her? ;D
Status de energia semanal
-- Ranking de
Poder 
-- Pedra de
Poder