Chapter 21: A Storage Ring
Just as Zain was about to depart, ready to embark on his perilous journey up the tower, a voice called out to him. It was Iana, beckoning him back with a sense of urgency in her tone.
"Wait, where do you think you're going?" Iana's voice halted Zain in his tracks, her eyes fixed on him with a hint of concern.
"Huh? I'm going to climb the tower right now. Is there something I should know?" Zain inquired, his tone laced with curiosity.
Iana shook her head, her expression filled with a mix of concern and hesitation. She then replied, "No, it's not that I have a problem, but.." Her voice trailed off, hinting at the gravity of her words.
"But...?"
"But before you go, there is one more item I must give you. Once you have it, you are free to go wherever you please," she said.
Zain's curiosity piqued as he tilted his head, his eyes fixed on Iana. "Another item?" he questioned, his voice laced with intrigue. Iana met his gaze, her expression filled with a mixture of excitement and mystery. With a slow nod, she confirmed his suspicion, a glimmer of anticipation in her eyes.
She reached into her pocket and swiftly produced a ring, its deep bluish-black hue glistening under the light. As Iana held it out to him, a palpable energy radiated from the ring, sending shivers down Zain's spine.
"This…"
It felt as if the ring was a conduit, a gateway to another realm, pulsating with hidden power. His eyes widened in awe as he carefully observed the intricate designs etched onto the surface, each marking seemingly imbued with an enigmatic purpose.
"This," she explained, holding up the ring, "is a storage ring of extraordinary capacity. Within its depths lies a vast expanse, providing you with a staggering 1000 square meters of space to store your belongings.".
"What the!?" Zain exclaimed, his eyes widening in disbelief. "1000 square meters? Are you serious?" His astonishment was perceptible as he tried to comprehend the enormity of the storage capacity.
It dawned on Zain that the storage capacity of 1000 square meters was equivalent to an area of 20 by 50 meters.
As he mentally visualized the magnitude of the space, he realized it could accommodate nearly 600 to 700 people.
The sheer value of such a vast storage capacity was mind-boggling, worth millions of dollars at the very least.
It was as if he held a fortune in the form of a ring, capable of housing countless treasures, artifacts, and even an entire small community if needed.
The implications of possessing this storage ring were staggering, and Zain couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement at the possibilities it presented.
However, he also realized that Iana, being in possession of such a rare and valuable item, could have chosen a life of luxury and ease by selling it in the market.
The thought of the opportunities she had willingly foregone for his sake added to his admiration for her selflessness. He couldn't help but respect her even more, knowing that she had chosen to aid him in his journey rather than seek personal gain.
It was a testament to her character and their growing bond.
He looked at her, his eyes filled with gratitude, and asked, "Are you sure about giving this to me?" His voice conveyed both appreciation and bewilderment, as he struggled to comprehend the depth of her kindness.
"Yes..." Iana replied softly, her gaze still lowered. Her voice held a sense of sincerity and determination, leaving no room for doubt.
"But why? Why are you going to such lengths to help me?" Zain couldn't help but express his confusion. The amount of assistance and support he had received from Iana was beyond what he could comprehend.
She lifted her gaze, her eyes filled with empathy and understanding. They seemed to penetrate into Zain's very soul as she spoke, her voice filled with sincerity and compassion.
"Because... I see myself in you," she said softly, her words carrying the weight of her own past experiences.
It was the same answer she had given before, but this time there was something in her eyes and her tone that made Zain believe her words more deeply.
A sense of authenticity radiated from her, and he couldn't help but sense a genuine connection between them. In that moment, he felt a strange resonance with her words, as if she truly saw a reflection of herself in him.
Zain smiled and said, "I get it, thanks"
He stood there for a brief moment, his eyes meeting Iana's with a sense of acknowledgment. It was as if the weight of his past burdens had lightened, knowing that someone else understood and empathized with his struggles.
"I'll take my leave then..."
With a newfound sense of purpose, Zain walked out of the room, the weight of the ring in his right hand reminding him of the trust placed in him.
He carefully slipped it onto his middle finger, feeling its cool metal against his skin. Each step he took resonated with resolve, as if every footfall propelled him closer to his ultimate goal. The sound of his footsteps echoed through the corridor, a steady rhythm that mirrored the beat of his resolute heart.
Zain's gaze was fixed ahead, his focus unwavering, as he embarked on the path that would lead him to the towering challenges of the mysterious and treacherous tower.
"In return for this ring, I will leave you a special gift..." Zain whispered to himself, his voice tinged with a hint of darkness. As his eyes met their reflection in a nearby mirror, they momentarily transformed, their once vibrant color turning deep, obsidian black.
It was a glimpse into the depths of his power, a reminder of the hidden strength that lay within him.
As Zain took his final steps, a subtle shift occurred in the dimly lit room. From beneath his feet, a tendril of darkness slithered out, separating itself from his shadow.
The shadowy tendril, like a sentient entity, slithered through the air with an eerie grace, traversing the space between them, until it reached Iana. With a delicate precision, the ethereal darkness blended seamlessly with her own shadow, as if a mysterious bond had formed between them.
Zain observed this exchange with a smirk, relishing in the clandestine connection they now shared.
Pausing for a brief moment, he allowed the significance of the gesture to settle, the subtle display of his enigmatic powers. It was a calculated move, a silent reminder that his abilities extended far beyond what met the eye. Satisfied with the impact made, Zain continued on his path.
Zain made his way towards the evaluation center, the gateway to the towering challenge that awaited him.
After walking for a while, Zain reached the towering edifice of the Evaluation Centre, a magnificent structure that seemed to stretch endlessly towards the sky.
The building's architecture was a blend of elegance and grandeur, adorned with intricate carvings and adorned with glistening glass windows that reflected the sunlight. Its imposing presence commanded respect and reverence, an emblem of the importance placed on the evaluation process.
A crowd had gathered outside the center, a diverse tapestry of hopeful angels and their families.
Excitement and nervous anticipation filled the air as conversations buzzed among the crowd. Parents offered encouraging words to their aspiring children, their faces etched with a mixture of pride and concern.
Siblings and friends stood by, lending support with reassuring smiles and gestures of solidarity.
Among the crowd, there were angels of all ages and backgrounds. Some appeared young and exuberant, their eyes shimmering with dreams of conquering the tower.
Others, with furrowed brows and determined expressions, carried the weight of experience and battle scars. Each angel bore their own unique story, driven by personal motivations and aspirations.
The atmosphere outside the Evaluation Center was charged with a mix of emotions. Excitement was interwoven with a hint of anxiety and doubt. The energy crackled, as if the collective dreams and aspirations of those present formed an invisible force that hung in the air.
Zain took a moment to absorb the scene before him. The camaraderie and shared purpose among the angels were palpable, creating a sense of unity amidst the diversity.
The Evaluation Center stood as the gateway to the Tower of Angels, its entrance beckoning with an air of mystique. Every aspiring angel knew that evaluation was a prerequisite, a mandatory step before setting foot in the hallowed halls of the tower.
"Sigh, how troublesome...", Zain let out a weary sigh, acknowledging the inevitable yet arduous task that lay ahead. With determined steps, he made his way towards the Evaluation Center, bracing himself for the challenges that awaited him.
Stepping through the entrance, Zain found himself in a grand foyer with a well-organized reception area.
Zain's well-chosen clothes garnered nods of approval from some onlookers. He felt a subtle sense of validation, grateful that his appearance had spared him from the judgment and disdain that often accompanied those deemed less fortunate.
During his journey to the Evaluation Center, Zain came upon an array of shops where he purchased his new attire.