Chapter 2: (The pathway toward the unknown)
"Is there magic in this world too... Like in the manga and novels I've read?"
Suddenly, my legs started moving on their own. I couldn't control them. They just stepped forward, one after the other, onto the glowing cubes.
"What is happening...!?" I gasped, my voice trembling. My heart pounded in my chest like a drum. "My body... it's moving on its own!"
As I climbed the stairs made of glowing cubes, they sparkled even brighter, like real stars beneath my feet. Each step lit up with a soft, gentle glow. I moved carefully, trusting my body to keep going, even though my heart beat faster with every step.
The surroundings were breathtaking. It felt like I was walking on a path made of stars, floating in endless darkness. Glowing orbs, like little stars, drifted around me, gently moving through the air. The scene was quiet and magical.
At the top, I was met with a majestic door, dazzling with golden embellishments. This door is over 35 feet tall.
"What's that big door? It's massive!"
Then the door, creaked open, releasing a billowing cloud of dust that filled the air.
As I step Infront of the grand door, the scattering cube lights regrouped and morphed back into their colossal cube shape, In the palm of the giant statue.
I entered, clutching the luminous rock, the door slammed shut behind me with a load thud.
As I walked inside, I felt a sudden tickle on my face. I brushed my hand across my cheek, only to find sticky cobwebs clinging to my skin. With a grimace, I quickly swiped them away and spat on the dusty floor. "Ugh, this place is a mess," I muttered to myself. The air was thick with the musty smell of decay, and every step I took sent clouds of dust swirling around me. It was clear that no one had been in this place for a long, long time.
After 2 minutes of walking
I saw three passageway that were over 20 feet high each. The right side was blocked by boulders, so I went to the left. This passage was blocked by wooden planks nailed together with swords, but some had crumbled due to age.
As I walked through the left passageway, I entered a series of connected rooms that resembled a massive coliseum, but with a prison-like vibe. The rooms were filled with stacked cages enclosed in iron bars.
I touched the iron bars and felt the rough texture of rust on my hand. When I looked down, I saw a brown and yellow stain left in my hand. Curious, I brought my hand to my nose and caught the strong scent of metal and rust.
"What do I expect, of course it'll smell like rust." I muttered
Next to the iron bars, there are torches with rusty handles, but they no longer have flames.
Inside the iron bars, I saw skeletons with chained hands and feet. As I approached each one, I noticed a variety - some were human, some with horns, and others a mix of human and beastly features.
"Are the skeletons inside a human?, even though they have fangs and horns?" I whisper
Inside the cages are monstrous skeletons, some resembling giant horned snakes, others with beastly features with six limbs.
"This place is really creepy." I mumble
As I turn my head I saw a brick fences lining the sides are marred by mold growth.
I approach the fences and then, I gazed up at the brick fences, feeling the dusty, mold-covered surface beneath my fingertips, I noticed a massive spherical orb from the ceiling of the coliseum prison.
As I walked down to the lowest floor, I came across a sinkhole in the center of this place. It appeared man-made with brick walls and stairs lining the sides. When I reached the bottom, it was completely dark.
"Thanks to the rock, I can see everything as long as I have it I can see clearly in this dark place"
As I walked, I accidentally stumbled into something, the luminous rock slipped from my grasp and fell to the ground.
When I'm about to pick it up
I saw tall glass containers filled with mysterious green liquid, reaching up to 10 feet high. Within the large containers were bizarre body parts of an unidentified species: a massive brain, a furry clawed arm, a heart bristling with fangs, a striking gray eye with slit pupils and more. The place had iron tubes along the walls and floor, giving it a mad scientist's lab vibe. Creepy humanoid mannequins sat in corners, each with a transparent ball in their belly.
"Is this things alive...? Freaky!?..."
In the center of the room sits a large cage containing the skeleton of a fearsome monster. The creature's bone structure is distorted, with multiple horns, seven legs, a massive arm, sharp teeth, a snake-like tail, and a huge horn on its forehead. Human skulls are mysteriously attached to its remains.
In the side, there's a wooden table and chair with a leather cover that's been carefully stitched. On top, is an old leather-bound book, a feather quill with a pot of ink next to it, Nearby is candles, their wax long dried and piled up in thick layers.
Next to the wooden table, there are bookshelves with old books, human skulls and jars filled with preserved body parts like ears, fangs, and bones.
I touched the table and it felt strange, like dry, stitched human skin. Startled, I quickly stepped back and left without looking back.
I quickened my pace, silently repeating, "Don't turn around, don't turn around." I realized it wasn't animal leather on the furniture, but instead, a disturbing realization dawned on me: it was human skin stitched together.
After a few minutes, I manage to escape the creepy place, my body covered in cobwebs.
"There was a human ear in that leather table "
I catch my breath and wonder, "Is this place supposed to be a dungeon? Feels more like a scene from a horror movie."
"The surroundings are nothing like a dungeon. In fact, it's incredibly peaceful. I thought dungeons would be filled with threatening monsters and deadly traps, that are ready to attack me at every turn."
Then if it was not a dungeon, It could either be the remnants of a bygone civilization, or a meticulously crafted structure designed to conceal secrets.
It's as if I was inside of a hidden treasure chest that lies untouched, buried in the depths of the forest, waiting to be discovered
"I wouldn't have come here if I knew the door was going to get locked and the first two passageways were no good. The only choice left is to enter the last passage." I said with a exhausted voice
As I approach the entrance, I am met by an iron grille gate that resembles something straight out of a medieval castle. Upon entering, it becomes clear that this passageway is even more worse than the coliseum prison, and I hopped that my hunch is wrong.
"The Smell of decay in this passage is getting stronger" I whisper and gulped
As I walk, I stumbled upon a surprising and unexpected sight, a pile of bones and skulls scattered across the ground greeted me.
the view became a terrifying sight a mountain of bones skulls and artifacts in a single huge room
"What happened here...!?"
The walls were severely damaged, with deep slashes and weapon marks covering the once sturdy stone. Arrows were still seen sticking out of the cracked and crumbling walls,The pillars in the dungeon have been broken and are now laying on the ground.
As I walked inside of that room, all I can see were piles of skeletal remains - human skeletons in armor, a giant missing an arm, a horned demon-like figure, and monster skeletons. Surrounding them were ancient weapons and artifacts, with some other larger skeletons measuring 7-10 feet.
Then I saw the writing in the wall at first I just saw a single straight line but if I focus I can see a thousand of it written on the wall
"What is this lines supposed to mean?" I said curiously
At the back of the piles of the bones, I encountered a weathered stone staircase with staggeringly tall steps, each one is over three to four feet high. At the summit perched a massive door, adorned with a striking dark purple hue and intricate dragon-inspired patterns. The door's surface was reminiscent of rough obsidian, in the heart of the door glowed a magnificent orb resembling a celestial eclipse, emanating a captivating black and white light.
However, the door also bore deep cracks and visible signs of combat, as numerous weapons such as swords, spears, arrows, and axes were lodged into its surface.
And In front of the massive door was a man in black armor, sitting on the ground as if guarding it from anyone trying to get in. His presence made sure no one could pass through.
As I approached the man in black armor, questions filled my mind. "Was he real or just an another corpse? Why wasn't he moving? Did he notice me?" Each step up the tall staircase felt like a big jump. Eventually, I reached the top, wondering who is this man.
His battered armor bore countless holes, slash marks, and embedded arrows.
his cape looks like a tater rag
With a damaged helmet, revealing glimpses of the skull beneath. Resting on his back is a colossal black weapon, resembling a shield at first glance, but upon closer inspection, it's a great sword. Made of dark, heavy iron, the weapon is stuck in the ground like the legendary sword*Excalibur*.
Out of curiosity my feet walk closer to that mysterious man wearing a black armor and saw that this man is huge maybe over 7-8 feet tall.
And then when I took another step forward the air started to vibrate around me.
in an instant I thought my body was cut in half.
I instinctively step backward, then the vibrant feeling in the air stop.
My hands can't stop shaking and I wonder why, cold sweat starting run down on my back, it's like the cells in my body starting to leave in my body.
I didn't know it was Killing intent of this man
"What is this? Is it coming from him but he didn't do anything or move" I said while terrified and covered in cold sweat
I went downstairs to calm myself. As I go down i saw something familiar and approached the wall, I noticed another straight line etched on it, this line continued throughout the entire room.
And then i realized it's not just a simple line it's a line of how many days he stay on this place
First feeling that I first felt when meeting him is fear now... Is pity.
"how hard is it to live in such a dark and cold place, are you protecting something important in that door is it treasure, someone important to you?, a promise or is it your duty?"
"Was it worth it? To endure eternal solitude, to surrender life itself for a cause that may never be known? The answer is, he believed, lay not in the outcome but in the act itself."
"In the face of oblivion, he might have found solace in the belief that his sacrifice had created a ripple in the fabric of existence. Perhaps it had prevented a cataclysmic event or ensured the preservation of something precious."
"*A promise shouldn't be broken* but in reality"
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"A promise is a fragile thread, easily broken by the whim of the promisor or the harsh winds of circumstance. It is a promise uttered that is often made with little thought, a mere utterance that is quickly forgotten."
"A promise is a commitment, a pledge to do or refrain from doing something, a solemn vow often made without the true intention or ability to fulfill it."
"A promise is often a lie, a hollow gesture that is meant to deceive or placate, a cruel illusion that offers false hope and a sense of security."
"A promise is a heavy burden, a weight that can crush the spirit and destroy the trust between individuals, a suffocating obligation that can drain the life from a relationship."
"A promise is a dangerous game, a gamble that can have devastating consequences, a potent weapon that can be used to manipulate and control others."
"A promise is a double-edged sword, a tool that can cut both ways, that can ultimately lead to pain and suffering."
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"But still You chose to remain here, was it truly worth the sacrifice? Putting your own life in jeopardy, I fail to see the value in that decision."
But As a sign of respect to the mysterious man, I bow my head and quietly utter, "Rest in peace."
With a cautious step, I approach the figure once more, sensing no unsettling vibrations or disturbances resonating around me. What kept me from progressing earlier, I wonder? Was it the temptation of my own curiosity that acted as an invisible barrier?
"Curiosity, with a hunger akin to greed, drives people explore and unveil every mystery, urging us to leave no stone unturned in our quest for knowledge."
"The One that explores the unknown, eager to uncover hidden truths. Going too far could bring unexpected consequences."
Finally I able passed through by showing pure compassion, without any hint of greed in my words or actions.
"Having pity means wanting to help someone. having too much pity can make you seem foolish. Pitying someone you don't know is another level - is it about being kind or just being overly compassionate? We can't say for sure. maybe we can call those people a fool."
I walked past the man and then his helmet fell to the ground with a loud metal noise.
Clung!!!!
I touch the helmet and armor it is already corroded and had a sharp edges.
Then I attempted to pull the sword, but it didn't move at all. It was incredibly heavy, like lifting a sword made of tons of weight. Even lifting a 100-kilo object showed more movement than this sword did.
"What am I pulling a tree!?" It was so hard to pull it out, so I tried to push it but it also didn't work.
Then i slowly approached the big door,
I stood Infront of the door I push it with all my might but it didn't budge,
So I tried to find an air flow between cracks and holes but nothing then I saw a corrosion part of the door located where some of the sword stuck.
but when I touched a sword stuck in it, it fell down, Revealing a small hole in the door.
a strong wind goes out to the hole that have a rancid smell.
Disgusting smell but it has better smell than here where the corpses is.
I went downstairs and grabbed a small rusty dagger to make the hole bigger.
I quickly made the hole bigger by stubbing and scraping it, and i was in hurry because it feels like something staring me at behind and It was embarrassing because I'm not wearing any clothes, and my D is completely exposed XD.
But the door is so thick that even after an hour have passed my body still can't fit in it.
But after another 1 hour of breaking the door, Finally I created a hole that my body can fit, My arms were numb and can't stop shaking from making the hole.
I knelt down and fit my body in the hole I tightly hold the glowing stone in my right hand.
After carefully crawling I arrived in the other side
"It's so dark" I murmured then when I lift the glowing stone I saw a huge golem sitting behind the door.
As I walked inside, while holding the glowing stone in my right arm, I stand beside the golem-like creature sitting at the back of the giant door.
The golem stands at a towering height of 18 feet, with a hulking, muscular frame. Its body is crafted from a combination of dark, ancient metals and deep, obsidian stones, giving it a menacing appearance.
As I walk closer, I see it more clearly. Its body is almost completely made of old mechanical parts. The metal looks worn out and rusted, as if it has been sitting there for many years.
"Is this a golem or an ancient robot/machine?"
I said wondering—was it a golem, a creature of magic, or a robot, a machine of science?
It looked like it was made from future but with ancient mechanics design and feeling.
There was a massive gray metal tube attached to its back like a thick, coiled hose. From this main tube, twenty smaller pipes stretched out, stretching across its body and connecting to different parts like a power supplier feeding life into the machine. Some of these tubes were rusted, but others still have faint shine of polished steel.
Its limbs were made of thick pistons and sturdy metal rods, that are stiff and unmoving like frozen muscles. Thick copper cables ran through its body, tangled like nerves, some are cracked while others are completely fine,
Old damaged silver armor plates covered its chest, back, and limbs. Strange symbols and designs were carved into the metal. The runes pulsed gently with an eerie light.
At the center of its chest, a core rested—medium-sized, round, and glowing faintly. It gave off a soft clicking sound, slow and steady, like the weak pulse of a sleeping heart. But it was not life—only a fading power source, struggling to keep going. Deep inside, silver gears surrounded the core, perfectly aligned yet still, as if it was waiting for a long-lost signal to awaken it once more.
Its joints were carefully constructed, built with hinges and bearings that locked its massive arms and legs in place. Around its knees, thick golden springs were tightly coiled, designed to absorb impact and help lift its heavy legs, which stood strong and sturdy like a trunk of trees. Every part of the golem was crafted for accurate and smooth movement.
Its arms were massive, built for pure destruction. Layers of reinforced metal covered them, each section secured with thick bolts and rivets. The hands were enormous, each thick metal finger made of tiny gears and interlocking joints. The unknown metal from which they were crafted gave them an unnatural shine.
Along its back, small vents were built into the plated armor, for releasing bursts of steam. The air around the golem smelled of rust.
I look up, raise my glowing stone, and saw the golem's head it looks monstrous, a hollow eyes that glow with an eerie, ghostly light. The glow flickers, as if something is moving inside. Its jaw is locked in a twisted, snarling grin, like a demon frozen in endless rage.
"Bloody hell…" I muttered under my breath. "It looks like a freaking demon." The words slipped out before I could stop them. My heart pounded as I watch and stare the golem face,
Sharp, jagged silver spikes, shaped like tangled vines, located in its forehead like a crown/halo. The spikes glow faintly, as if they carry the remains of lost souls. the crown hums with a quiet, vibrating energy, and tiny sparks of light float around it like dying stars.
And lastly small cracks run across its face, and a soft black mist seeps from them.
Despite its ancient, imposing and monstrous appearance, the golem shows signs of wear and decay. Its armor and some of its body parts is tarnished and chipped in places, with visible cracks, marks and fractures running through its body.
The golem appears to be dormant, with no signs of movement or life from it. Moss and fungi have begun to grow on its once-immaculate armor, It was also covered in thick layer of dust and cobwebs hang from its crevices.
It looked like it had been there for centuries, and I wondered what had caused it to break and why it was sitting at the back of the door.
"But why does this golem emit warmth... like a living body?" I murmured and asked myself.
In the front of the golem is old wooden buildings of maze bookshelf's that looked like it could go on forever. Wooden spiral staircases sat on each side of the huge room or should I call it a gigantic circular room, with very high walls completely covered in bookshelves filled with books.
The place looked like a super luxurious grand library just for kings but with a very confusing maze like design.
As I walked further and explore the only thing I can see are the old bookshelves that are filled with ancient books.
I picked up a book with numbers on the side. When I opened it, I saw strange letters mixed in with the numbers. Even though the letters were unfamiliar, the numbers looked like the ones I knew from before. As I turned the pages, I saw spooky drawings—a big dragon, demon faces, and a sun hidden behind the moon after that I placed the book back.
as I keep walking I found an unexpected object On the bookshelf, I found a strange glass jar with a flat lid on top. Next to it was a small piece of paper with writing on it that I couldn't understand. When I looked closer, I noticed...
A strange insect that looks a bit like an ant, but it's different. It has a horn on its head, three dark purple eyes, and an exoskeleton like a beetle. It's sitting still and not moving.
As my fingertips grazed the surface of the jar's lid, a sudden piercing sensation shot through my skin. Instinctively, I recoiled, expecting to see a sharp object protruding from its surface. To my astonishment, upon inspecting the lid, I found it completely smooth,
I slowly put down the container in the ground and saw my fingertips bleeding
I take at the glance at the Lid of the container but it didn't have any sharp things in it it's just flat.
I picked the container and place it in the shelf where I get it.
And continued to explore the place. Finally I reach the center there was a long white stone tables and 8 big chairs.
I walk carefully toward it.
On the desk sits a weathered scroll next to a traditional inkwell and a delicate feather quill, Beside them lies an old lantern with glass panels on each side, mounted on a golden holder. Inside the lamp rests a dormant stone similar to the luminescent rock I had, except this one no longer emits a glow. As I unroll the scroll, the numbers 77-42-15-36-19 catch my eye, written in faded ink.
the first words that came out from my mouth "What is this.....!?"
Then for some reason something just like switch happened to my brain and it's like all of my blood pumped toward my head and made my mind more clear as if I am putting a set of a puzzle
And then I remembered the numbers in the side of the books so I decided to go find the numbers that are in the scroll
In the corner of the room, a massive cement and metal door looms, with some mysterious lines, its surface marred by time and wear. In the center, a weathered dial resembling that of an antique safe beckons with over 100+ symbols, letters, and numbers beckons that as big as a truck wheel.
The door couldn't be opened because of its height, and it seemed impossible to turn.
So first, I set out to find books numbered 77, 42, 15, 36, and 19. Climbing the creaky stairs, I discovered book number 19 at the bottom and number 15 on a nearby shelf. In the middle, I found number 36, and at the top, I finally located number 77.
While at the top, I saw seven large orbs hanging like a chandelier. Determined to complete my search, I retraced my steps and found the missing number 42 in a dark, worn book tucked away in a corner.
After coming back downstairs, I neatly arranged all the books on the table. I opened each one carefully and found a unique code or sequence on the first page of each book:
1. A9k1
2. P0c4
3. 17y3
4. D8r2
5. G6n
After collecting all the books, I'm not sure what to do next. I sat down to think about it, but after 20 minutes, I still couldn't come up with anything.
I stand in my seat and kept searching in the grand library and infront of the door and the walls for a clue to open it, but nothing seemed to work. Suddenly, I heard a strange murmur getting louder and louder. After 10 minutes of confusion, I couldn't take it anymore and angrily shouted out, "What do you want?! How am I supposed to understand these random numbers and letters like 'A9k1'!?"
As I shouted the "A9k1", the vintage safe's combination like lock in the center of the door spun with a loud mechanical hum before clicking into place, stoping on a different symbol.
At that moment I realized that the numbers and letters in the books were actually the code to unlock the door.
I said the second code "p0c4." And in an instant, a surge of electricity converged on a single point with a loud crackling sound, causing the lines on the massive door to glow softly in white light.
Next is "17y3," and the room filled with the sound of a massive clock ticking, its rhythmic beat echoing through the room.
But After mentioning the fourth code, "D8r2," everything started shacking violently. It felt like an earthquake at first, but then it escalated quickly. Books fell, shelves began to hover, and furniture toppled over. I started to Panic as little cracks starting to appear on the walls. The room was shaking uncontrollably, and it seemed like everything inside was on the verge of collapsing.
During the shaking, everything started to float, including the shelves and books. I was scared because I found myself floating with no ground beneath my feet.
It feels like I was inside of a space where gravity dont exist.
And lastly the final code "G6n," the huge door began to open slowly. A dark, smoky cloud emerged with a loud, grinding noise. I covered my ears to shield myself from the sound as the door creaked open, releasing a dusty fog into the room.