Tải xuống ứng dụng
20% Veilbound: Arcane Awakening / Chapter 4: Chapter 4: Echoes in the Dark

Chương 4: Chapter 4: Echoes in the Dark

Kael woke with a start, the remnants of his dream fading as reality took hold. The abandoned subway tunnel was cold and damp, the faint light of a flickering bulb casting long shadows on the walls. He had collapsed into an uneasy sleep, his body and mind exhausted from the previous night's ordeal. The strange sensation from the system's calibration still lingered, leaving him feeling both stronger and more unstable.

He pushed himself up, feeling the stiffness in his muscles and the dull ache in his head. The Beast Core he had found was nestled securely in his pocket, its faint glow a reminder of the dangerous world he now inhabited.

[System Notification: New Ability Available]

Kael blinked, the notification appearing before his eyes.

[Ability Unlocked: Echoes of Power]

Echoes of Power: Allows the user to harness residual energy from defeated foes to temporarily boost attributes. Duration: 1 hour. Cooldown: 24 hours.

The system's voice was reassuring in its monotony, but Kael's thoughts were already racing ahead. He had no idea what other challenges awaited him, but the new ability might prove useful. For now, though, he needed to focus on his immediate survival.

He stretched, trying to shake off the lingering fatigue. The subway tunnels were not an ideal place to stay, but they offered temporary safety. He had to gather supplies and find out more about the mysterious system guiding him. The Beast Core was a key piece of evidence, but what was he supposed to do with it?

Kael made his way to a nearby storage area, a small room filled with discarded items and forgotten relics. He rummaged through the debris, searching for anything useful. After a few minutes of fruitless searching, he came across a small toolkit. It wasn't much, but it included a flashlight and a few basic tools that could be useful for repairs or improvisations.

As he examined the items, he heard the faintest sound—a soft rustling that set his nerves on edge. Kael froze, his heart pounding in his chest. He listened intently, the sound growing louder. Someone—or something—was approaching.

His grip tightened around the flashlight as he crept toward the entrance of the storage room. The tunnel was shrouded in darkness, the only illumination coming from the weak light of the flashlight. Kael's senses were on high alert as he edged closer to the source of the noise.

Suddenly, a figure appeared in the doorway—a young woman, clad in tattered clothing and with a wary expression. She had an air of urgency about her, her eyes darting around as if she was searching for something—or someone.

"Who's there?" Kael called out, his voice firm but cautious. The last thing he needed was to be caught off guard by another threat.

The woman jumped, her eyes locking onto Kael's. She took a step back, her hand instinctively reaching for a small dagger at her side. "I didn't mean to intrude," she said, her voice trembling slightly. "I'm just looking for shelter."

Kael relaxed slightly, lowering the flashlight. "You're in luck," he said, trying to sound reassuring. "This place is relatively safe. But you should be careful. The tunnels aren't as empty as they seem."

The woman's expression softened, though she still looked wary. "I didn't know anyone else was down here. My name is Elara. I've been trying to avoid the gangs and other dangers up top."

Kael nodded, understanding the need for caution. "I'm Kael. I'm just trying to figure things out myself. The city's a lot more dangerous than it used to be."

Elara glanced around the storage room, her gaze lingering on the tools Kael had found. "It looks like you've got some supplies. Maybe we can help each other."

Kael considered her offer. Trusting strangers in the slums was risky, but he needed allies, and Elara seemed to be genuinely in need. "Alright," he agreed. "We can work together for now. But we need to stay alert."

As they began to discuss their situation, Elara revealed that she, too, had a system—a common feature in their world, but one she used differently. She explained her system's focus on crafting and gathering, skills that could complement Kael's own abilities.

"The system is a part of everyone's life here," Elara said, her eyes glinting with determination. "I've learned to use mine to survive and adapt. If we combine our skills, we might stand a better chance against the dangers lurking in these tunnels."

Kael nodded, appreciating her straightforwardness. "Agreed. My system has granted me some unusual abilities, but I'm still figuring out how to use them effectively. Your skills might be just what we need."

As they talked, Kael and Elara discovered a shared understanding of their respective systems. They agreed to pool their resources and knowledge to navigate the treacherous underbelly of the city.

[System Notification: New Quest Available]

[Quest: Alliance of Necessity]

Objective: Form an alliance with a new companion and gather essential supplies for survival.

Reward: +20 EXP, New Ally – Elara.

The quest notification appeared as Kael and Elara finished their discussion. Kael's eyes widened as he read the details. Forming an alliance with Elara was a step toward stabilizing his situation, but it also meant that he would have to learn to balance his new powers with the complexities of teamwork.

With a plan in mind, Kael and Elara set out into the tunnels, exploring the abandoned sections and gathering supplies. They discovered hidden caches of food and useful items, preparing for the challenges that lay ahead. Elara proved to be resourceful and knowledgeable about the tunnels, guiding Kael through the maze of passageways with ease.

As they worked together, Kael couldn't help but feel a growing sense of camaraderie with Elara. Despite the dangers that lurked in the shadows, he found solace in the company of someone who understood the harsh realities of their world.

The hours passed quickly, and before long, they had gathered enough supplies to sustain them for a while. They found a small, secure spot to rest, a rare haven amidst the chaos of the tunnels. Kael sat down, the exhaustion from the previous night catching up with him.

Elara settled beside him, her expression thoughtful. "What's your plan now?" she asked, her voice breaking the silence.

Kael sighed, rubbing his temples. "I need to figure out more about this system that's guiding me. There's so much I don't understand. But for now, we need to stay hidden and keep ourselves safe."

Elara nodded in agreement. "We'll manage. Together, we might stand a better chance."

As Kael looked around their temporary refuge, he felt a flicker of hope amidst the uncertainty. The world was full of dangers and mysteries, but with Elara by his side and the system's powers at his disposal, he was beginning to see a path forward.

The darkness of the tunnels seemed a little less oppressive, and the echoes of their footsteps resonated with a newfound sense of purpose. Kael was ready to face whatever challenges awaited him, knowing that he was no longer alone in his struggle.


Chương 5: Chapter 5:Navigating Trust

Kael and Elara sat in their makeshift hideout, the darkness of the tunnels pressing in around them. The soft hum of distant machinery was the only sound, a constant reminder of the world above that they had left behind. The Beast Core still pulsed faintly in Kael's pocket, a source of unease and curiosity.

Elara, despite her wary demeanor, seemed genuinely interested in helping Kael. She had skills and knowledge about the underground tunnels and a system of her own that made her valuable. But trust was a fragile thing, especially in a world where everyone had their own agenda.

"So," Kael began, breaking the silence, "you mentioned that you have a system too. What does it focus on?"

Elara hesitated for a moment, as if weighing how much to reveal. "My system is... different from yours, I think. It's more about crafting and gathering. I can create tools, repair gear, and enhance items. It's kept me alive this long."

Kael nodded, filing that information away. "That could be useful. I could use someone with your skills. My system has been throwing challenges at me left and right, and having someone who can keep our equipment in good shape would be a huge help."

Elara relaxed slightly, sensing that Kael wasn't prying into her secrets. "And you? What's your system like?"

Kael chose his words carefully. "It gives me abilities that enhance my physical and mental skills. But it's still new to me, and I'm not entirely sure what its limits are. Right now, I'm just trying to survive and figure out what it wants from me."

The two sat in silence for a moment, the weight of their respective systems hanging between them. Finally, Elara spoke again, her voice quieter this time. "Why did you help me? You could have just left me there."

Kael looked at her, seeing the exhaustion in her eyes, the remnants of fear from whatever she had been running from. "Because everyone deserves a chance. And maybe, just maybe, we can help each other get through this."

Elara smiled faintly, the first genuine expression Kael had seen from her. "Thanks. I appreciate that."

A soft chime echoed in Kael's mind as the system activated once more.

[System Notification: New Quest Available]

[Quest: Survival in the Tunnels]

Objective: Establish a safe base of operations and gather resources to sustain yourself and your ally.

Reward: +50 EXP, New Skill – Enhanced Perception

The notification brought a sense of urgency. The tunnels were dangerous, and they couldn't stay in one place for too long. Kael knew they needed to find a more secure location and gather enough supplies to last them for a while.

"We need to move," Kael said, standing up and packing away the few items they had scavenged. "The system is pushing us to establish a more secure base. I have a feeling staying here will only attract more trouble."

Elara nodded in agreement, already gathering her things. "There's a section of the tunnels not far from here that's more stable. It's farther from the main lines, and I don't think many people know about it. It could be a good place to start."

Kael agreed, and they set off into the darkness, guided only by the faint beam of Kael's flashlight and Elara's knowledge of the tunnels. The path was narrow, with debris and rusted metal littering the ground. The air grew colder as they moved deeper, the silence occasionally broken by distant, unidentifiable noises.

As they walked, Kael couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. The system had warned him of dangers, but it was the unknown threats that unsettled him the most. He kept his senses sharp, ready to react at the first sign of trouble.

After what felt like an eternity, they reached the section Elara had mentioned. It was a large, open area, more like a cavern than a tunnel, with several smaller passages leading off in different directions. The walls were reinforced, and there was even an old, rusted door that could be used to seal off one of the entrances.

"This could work," Kael said, inspecting the area. "We can secure that door, set up some traps in the other passages, and stockpile supplies here."

Elara nodded, already moving to examine the door. "I'll see what I can do to reinforce this. It's not perfect, but it's better than being out in the open."

As Elara worked on the door, Kael began to explore the surrounding area, looking for anything useful. He found a few old crates, some still containing canned goods and bottled water. It wasn't much, but it was a start. He also found some scrap metal and wire that could be used to create rudimentary traps.

[System Notification: Skill Unlocked]

[Skill: Enhanced Perception – Level 1]

Description: Increases the user's awareness of their surroundings, allowing for better detection of hidden dangers and opportunities.

Kael felt a slight shift in his senses as the new skill activated. The shadows seemed less oppressive, and the faint sounds of the tunnels became clearer. He could sense the subtle movements in the air, the distant echoes of dripping water, and the faint vibrations of the earth.

This new skill would be invaluable, especially in a place as treacherous as the tunnels. With it, Kael felt more confident that he could protect both himself and Elara from whatever threats might come their way.

As they settled into their new base, Kael felt a strange sense of calm. It wasn't safety—far from it—but it was a step in the right direction. They had shelter, supplies, and a plan. For now, that was enough.

Elara finished her work on the door and joined Kael, her hands smudged with dirt and grease. "It's not pretty, but it should hold. We'll have to take turns keeping watch until we're sure it's safe here."

Kael nodded, grateful for her help. "We're making progress. We'll stay here for a while, gather more supplies, and figure out our next move. But we can't get too comfortable. There's still so much we don't know."

Elara smiled faintly. "One step at a time, right?"

"Right," Kael agreed, though his mind was already racing with thoughts of the challenges to come. The system had given him new powers, new responsibilities, and now, a new ally. But it had also thrust him into a world of danger and uncertainty, where every decision could mean the difference between life and death.

As they settled in for the night, Kael couldn't shake the feeling that this was just the beginning. The tunnels held many secrets, and the system was far from done with him. But for now, he had a companion he could rely on, a place to rest, and a new skill to help him navigate the darkness.

And that was enough to keep him going.


Load failed, please RETRY

Tình trạng nguồn điện hàng tuần

Đặt mua hàng loạt

Mục lục

Cài đặt hiển thị

Nền

Phông

Kích thước

Việc quản lý bình luận chương

Viết đánh giá Trạng thái đọc: C4
Không đăng được. Vui lòng thử lại
  • Chất lượng bài viết
  • Tính ổn định của các bản cập nhật
  • Phát triển câu chuyện
  • Thiết kế nhân vật
  • Bối cảnh thế giới

Tổng điểm 0.0

Đánh giá được đăng thành công! Đọc thêm đánh giá
Bình chọn với Đá sức mạnh
Rank 200+ Bảng xếp hạng PS
Stone 0 Power Stone
Báo cáo nội dung không phù hợp
lỗi Mẹo

Báo cáo hành động bất lương

Chú thích đoạn văn

Đăng nhập

tip bình luận đoạn văn

Tính năng bình luận đoạn văn hiện đã có trên Web! Di chuyển chuột qua bất kỳ đoạn nào và nhấp vào biểu tượng để thêm nhận xét của bạn.

Ngoài ra, bạn luôn có thể tắt / bật nó trong Cài đặt.

ĐÃ NHẬN ĐƯỢC