บท 21: Whispers of the Abyss (2)

The real danger came from other humans, from the power struggles that erupted in the face of extinction. She had killed more times than she could count, her hands stained with the blood of both the living and the undead. And she had done it all without hesitation because, in that world, hesitation meant death.

Compared to Solaris, Earth was a playground, a place where the struggles seemed trivial. Even the mafia wars that raged in the shadows were nothing compared to the open brutality of her former world.

Here, killings were done in the dark, hidden from the public eye, with every effort made to maintain the illusion of civility. But in Solaris, during the apocalypse, killing had become a way of life. Laws were meaningless, especially to someone like her—someone with abilities that put her far above the ordinary human.

In Solaris, she didn't have to pretend. She could be herself, unchained and unrestrained. Here, she was forced to suppress her true nature, to blend in. And it was suffocating.

As she stepped out of the shower, wrapping a plush towel around herself, a familiar voice echoed in her mind. It was System Zero, the AI that save her life after her self denotation in Solaris and the one who brought her here,in this world called Earth, giving her a second chance at life.

"I think you better step up your plan much faster," the voice advised, its tone calm but insistent.

"Suppressing your true self is not good for your well-being. The sooner you finish your mission, the sooner you can return to Solaris. Staying here too long could endanger the humans around you. Once you lose control, you won't care if the humans you kill are innocent or not."

Saskia paused, staring at her reflection in the fogged-up mirror. She could see the outlines of her face, distorted by the steam, and for a moment, she imagined what it would be like to let go of the facade entirely. To allow the monster within to surface, to no longer care about the consequences.

"I know," she murmured to herself, her voice barely audible over the hum of the bathroom's ventilation system.

"Saskia, your mind is fraying. Every day you keep this mask on, you're pushing yourself closer to the edge." - System Zero said yet again

"I'm not as fragile as you think. I've been through worse and come out stronger."

"You're underestimating the toll it's taking on you. This world wasn't built to contain someone like you. The longer you suppress who you really are, the more you risk losing control." - System Zero

"Control is the one thing I've never lost. Not in Solaris, and not here. I'm managing it."

"But at what cost? The strain is showing. Even if I am in slumber most of the time, I still can sense it in your thoughts, in the way your emotions spike when you're alone. You're pretending too much, and it's wearing you down."

"What do you suggest? That I let the monster out and ruin everything I've built here? That's not an option." - Saskia said coldly

"I'm not saying to abandon your plan, but you need to recognize the danger your in right now. You can't keep denying your true nature indefinitely. The human mind can only handle so much suppression before it snaps."

"You think I a not aware of the risks? I've come too far to back down now. I just need to hold on a little longer."

"And then what? Even if you succeed with Aziel, what's next? Another facade? Another mission? You know that after completed the Aziel Task, You still have new missions waiting to be unlock. And even I don't have previlege to see your future next tasks. Tell me, How long can you keep this up before the real you breaks free in ways you can't control?" - System Zero said

"Zero, You know I really don't have another choice. If I do not finish my tasks on the time limit given, I won't even have the privilege to live in this world. This world consciousness would notice us if I don't complete tasks and earn energy to mask our presence and we will be kicked out of this world.

When that happens, You wouldn't even have the energy to open another portal to travel to different world.

Right now, I'm doing what I have to do to survive in this world. After all, I still need to go back to Solaris and get revenge on those who betray me. I wouldn't stop, no matter how dangerous it is, not until I can kill those damn traitors with my own hands."

Hearing the hatred on her last sentence, System zero became quiet for a moment before it said, "You're playing with fire, Saskia. And I fear that one day, the flames will consume you."

Saskia laugh bitterly, "Better to burn than to fade away. I won't let anyone stop me, no matter the cost."

Hearing her words, System Zero sigh before going back to her slumber, "Do whatever you want. It's not like I can stop you. I will be in seclusion. I already have enough energy to upgrade. So this coming days, you need to be careful since I am not gonna hear your calling or monitor your situation. The system store will also be closed, even the space function."

"I know. Don't worry to much. Just focus on your upgrade."- Saskia said as she stepped out of the bathroom, the steam trailing behind her like a ghost, Bella was waiting with the chosen outfit in hand. The dress was a deep burgundy, with a neckline that hinted at elegance and authority, paired with a sleek pair of stilettos that clicked sharply against the marble floor as Saskia approached.

"Perfect choice," Saskia commented as she helped herself into the dress, her hands moving deftly to adjust the fit. The fabric hugged her body, accentuating her curves without sacrificing the air of sophistication she was known for.

"It suits you," Bella complemented in admiration. She stayed with Saskia for years now and she knows how beautiful Saskia is, but even until now, she still couldn't help but admire her beauty.

Saskia glanced at herself in the full-length mirror, taking in the image she projected—the epitome of grace, power, and control. But as her eyes met her own reflection, she knew that beneath the surface, the real battle was just beginning.