บท 8: Barathrum Cave and Qin Xuan
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Han Sen
Not evolved
Status: None
Life span: 200 years
Required for evolution: 100 geno points
Ordinary Geno points: 100
Primitive Geno points: 100
Mutant Geno points: 68
Sacred Blood Geno points: 22
Super Geno points: 8
Beast Souls: Curved Mantis Blood Knife (Primitive)
Poison Arrow (Primitive)
Golden Armour (Super)
Speed Glyph (Sacred Blood)
Bloody Slayer (Sacred Blood)
Phantom Ant Armour (ordinary)×3
Phantom Ant Armour (primitive)×8
Phantom Ant Armour (mutant)×7
Phantom Ant Armour (sacred blood)
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I'm here for a short time, but I can't help but notice that I have already surpassed Han Sen in terms of progress within the original story's timeline. It's fascinating to think that I am currently at the same level he was when he embarked on hunt for the phantom ants. Then I thought of trying my new armour.
After retrieving my golden armor, I eagerly donned my new sacred blood phantom ant crystal armor. This piece of equipment was unlike anything I had ever worn before; its transparent purple hue gave it a striking and ethereal quality. The light refracted through the armor in a dazzling display, especially when exposed to the warm hues of sunlight. It was not just functional; it was a breathtaking sight to behold, shimmering as I moved.
Now, as I analyzed my options, I realized that I could strategically use this armor as Hansen while reserving the golden armor for my dollar persona. This duality would allow me to navigate through different layers of my journey. After contemplating my next steps for a while, I finally resolved to set out for my next destination.
"Okay, system, how much time do I have until the story event that I marked?" I inquired, hopeful for a favorable response.
The system replied, "Barathrum Cave is approximately a half-day journey from your current location. Based on calculations regarding the original story timeline, when Han Sen meets Qin Xuan as Dollar, you have about 2 hours of extra time to spare."
Feeling a surge of determination, I thought to myself that eight hours should be ample time. "Alright, then, let's head out. I've been looking forward to meeting this intriguing girl in person. I have seen glimpses of her before, but never had the opportunity for a proper introduction. In the original narrative, many readers speculated about her potential role as Han Sen's love interest, only for that expectation to be dashed later on. I remember feeling disappointed with how that storyline unfolded. Now, in this new reality, I am determined to change that outcome and win her heart for myself."
After an eight-hour trek filled with anticipation, I finally arrived at the entrance of Barathrum Cave. On my way, I had spent some time searching for small mutant creatures, hoping to enhance my experience, but unfortunately, my efforts were fruitless. When I entered the dark abyss of the cave, the dim light made it difficult to see the intricate details of my surroundings. To remedy this, I retrieved a torch I had brought along, igniting it to cast a warm glow that pushed back the encroaching shadows. As I made my way deeper into the cavern, I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness.
While my primary objective was to locate Qin Xuan, I took the opportunity to hunt quartz scorpions along the way, not wanting my presence to seem too conspicuous or deliberate. I understood the importance of blending in, especially in a place where danger lurked in every corner. Each step deeper into the cave increased my resolve, not just to find Qin Xuan but also to carve out a different fate for both of us, fueled by the memories of my past experiences with the story. With the flickering light of my torch illuminating the path ahead, I held tightly to my ambitions and the potential that lay before me.
As I ventured deeper into the dim recesses of the cave, the enveloping darkness was suddenly pierced by an unsettling sound—a grating, painful groan that reverberated against the stony walls. "Finally found you," I thought to myself with a flicker of determination igniting within me. Motivated by the despairing sound, I quickened my pace, navigating through the jagged terrain, until I caught sight of her.
In the flickering light cast by a solitary fire torch, I spotted a young woman in her twenties, slumped against a cluster of stalagmites. Her eyes widened with surprise at my appearance, a flicker of suspicion evident in her demeanor. My transparent purple armor glimmered in the shadows, its beauty captivating yet insufficient to dispel the tension that hung in the air. She was obviously wary, and for good reason—she was badly injured and poisoned, and the sanctuary laws provided little protection in this forsaken place.
"Who are you?" she demanded, her voice steady despite the obvious pain emanating from her.
"My name is Han Sen," I replied while trying to sound as non-threatening as possible. "You must be Qin Xuan, right?" I continued, feigning uncertainty to ease her tension.
"Yes," she responded, her expression still guarded. "Can you please help me get out of the cave?" There was a note of desperation in her voice that tugged at my instincts to assist.
I cautiously approached her to assess the situation, but before I could get close, she summoned a beast soul. A lovely purple butterfly materialized and transformed into a small but deadly dagger in her hand.
"I assure you, I'm here to help. Please, put your dagger down, Miss," I said, trying to maintain a calm demeanor. "My armor is among the best of sacred bool armors; that dagger won't do much against me."
Gaining her trust seemed pivotal, and as I knelt beside her, I examined her injury. Her ankle was severely swollen and bruised—a clear sign of a sting from a mutant quartz scorpion. It was evident she had endured immense suffering.
After studying my armor in the dim light, she slowly lowered her dagger. "Alright," she consented, her vigilance still apparent. "Please help me leave this cave, and I promise to compensate you for your efforts."
"There's no need for payment," I responded, eager to assure her. "I'm simply leaving the cave myself, so helping you is not an inconvenience. But how did you find yourself in such a predicament?"
Her gaze softened slightly as she recounted her tale, her voice laced with regret. "I initially set out to kill a mutant quartz scorpion. It proved to be far more cunning than I anticipated. The creature managed to outmaneuver me, launching an attack while it summoned its brethren as my incense was fading. Without the incense to shield me, I found myself facing an overwhelming swarm. I fought valiantly but ultimately was stung by the mutant quartz scorpion, rendering my escape nearly impossible."
Taking in her story, I felt a surge of sympathy and respect for her bravery. "Alright then, let's go," I said, squatting beside her to offer my back. "Where can I find that mutant quartz scorpion?"
She hesitated for a moment, biting her lip as she gauged her injury, before carefully climbing onto my back. "I'll point the way," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.
__________End
I faced some problems with my email ID, because of that I am also uploading this fanfiction on my old account, but I will continue to upload chapters until problem with my email account resolved or I shift it it to my old account.
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