As the ominous countdown to the impending apocalypse reached its conclusion, the system's voice, resonating with an air of authority, echoed in Aaron's mind.
[Dear user] it began, its tone reminiscent of a wise and ancient sage, [the time has come for you to acquire the blessings of the universe in the form of ability crystals.]
Aaron's curiosity was piqued. The system continued its explanation with the calm and measured cadence of a seasoned scholar.
[There are seven types of crystals, each associated with distinct categories of abilities. These crystals, hued in a spectrum of colors, offer a myriad of powers for the enlightened soul to harness.]
The system began its detailed exposition,
[First, the Red Crystals, embodying the elemental forces of fire, water, earth, air, electricity, nature, and metal. Each grants dominion over its respective aspect of the natural world.]
'Red equals elemental got it!'
The system continued its sagely discourse, delving into the mysteries of the Orange Crystals.
"Next, the Orange Crystals, repositories of mental prowess—telekinesis, telepathy, precognition, mind control, empathy, psychometry, and astral projection. They grant the power to traverse the realm of the mind."
'Orange equals mind….interesting'
[Then, the Yellow Crystals, energy manipulation, light manipulation, dark energy, radiation, sound manipulation, force fields, and energy absorption. They channel the very forces that govern existence]
The idea of controlling energy on such a profound level intrigued Aaron. It was as if the universe itself was offering its secrets to those who dared to seek them.
[Moving onward, the Green Crystals, gateways to temporal and spatial dominion—time travel, time manipulation, space manipulation, teleportation, dimensional control, time-looping, and temporal awareness. They transcend the confines of time and space.]
'Green crystals time and space'
[The Blue Crystals, granting the gifts of shape-shifting, regeneration, superhuman strength, invisibility, size manipulation, biokinesis, and cloning. They transform the very essence of one's being.]
Aaron pondered the prospect of changing his physical form, of becoming something more than human.
[Next, the Indigo Crystals, conduits of mystical arts—magic, summoning, enchantment, curses and hexes, divination, necromancy, and alchemy. They tap into the arcane forces of the universe.]
Magic and the supernatural—these abilities had always held a profound allure for Aaron.
[Finally, the Violet Crystals, champions of cosmic and quantum might—gravity control, celestial powers, cosmic awareness, star manipulation, solar energy, galactic forces, and quantum forces. They harness the vastness of the cosmos and the fundamental fabric of reality.]
[But here's the interesting part, dear user. crystals can contain subpowers related to its category.]
This intrigued Aaron. Subpowers? How did they work?
[For instance, a Red Crystals might grant you not the ability to create flames but the power to control temperature or even generate heat-based projectiles. But it can also just be one of these without even the main power]
The idea of having a range of abilities from a single crystal was fascinating. It meant that every crystal had the potential for numerous surprises.
[These ability crystals will rain down upon the world, scattered and hidden in various locations.]
Aaron couldn't help but wonder how he would find them. "Would I know what is inside the crystals I pick?"
[You will not know the specific ability within a crystal until you open it.]
Aaron's eyes squinted thoughtfully.
[Now, dear user, your task is twofold. First, you must kill as many zombies as possible and collect the gems attached to their foreheads.]
The system's words made Aaron's heart race. It seemed that collecting these gems was crucial for some reason
[Second, avoid getting scratched by the zombies at all costs.]
'Well can't ever complain about life being too boring I guess'
As he contemplated his next steps, the world outside grew darker, and ominous clouds gathered in the sky. Flashes of colored lights began to fall mixed with the blood rain, staining the ground with an eerie hue.
He looked up and the illusionary image of a giant book hung in the sky releasing crystals
'Ability crystals!'
And then, with a sense of foreboding, the system's voice echoed once more in Aaron's mind.
[A soul can only use one ability crystal]
[It is time, dear user. Good luck]
Chapter 10 Betrayal
As Aaron ventured into the tumultuous world outside, his determination was unwavering. He had promised himself to acquire the ability crystals for both Alice and Isabella, and he would stop at nothing to fulfill that promise. His trusty gun, with only five bullets remaining, was his sole means of defense. He checked it one last time and holstered it, ready to face the unknown.
Chaos reigned in the streets. The world had devolved into a nightmarish battleground, where the living fought for survival against the undead hordes. Aaron moved with calculated precision, avoiding the relentless zombies that roamed the streets, their insatiable hunger driving them forward.
The scene around him was one of despair and violence. People, driven to the brink by the apocalypse, clashed with one another. Some were killed by the zombies, while others fell victim to their fellow survivors. It was a grim reminder of the fragility of humanity when faced with the unimaginable.
Aaron, however, remained focused on his mission. He knew that he had to act swiftly to acquire the ability crystals, and he couldn't afford to get entangled in unnecessary conflicts. His every step was a testament to his resolve.
Amidst the chaos, a stranger approached him. The man's face bore the scars of countless battles, and his eyes held a steely determination. He spoke with urgency, his voice filled with a grim determination.
"We can help each other," the man declared, his gaze never leaving Aaron's. "There's a way to acquire ten ability crystals, but we'll need to work together."
Aaron was wary but intrigued. He knew that, in a world like this, alliances were fleeting, and trust was a scarce commodity. He decided to lay down his terms.
"We team up, but we don't harm any innocents," Aaron stated firmly. "We must retain our humanity."
The man nodded in agreement, his eyes reflecting a hint of something vague. "I couldn't agree more," he said.
With their pact sealed, they set their sights on their target—an individual rumored to possess a cache of ability crystals. As they approached, the man began to share his plan, a strategic assault that would catch their adversary off guard.
As they moved in for the attack, the scene was a chaotic ballet of violence and desperation. Fights erupted around them, and the streets echoed with the sounds of combat. Aaron, the man at his side, stayed true to their vow, doing their best to avoid causing harm to anyone undeserving of it.
The confrontation with their target was fierce and brutal. The adversary fought back with a tenacity that was born of desperation. The three engaged in a skirmish that seemed to transcend the boundaries of a world on the brink of annihilation.
As the battle raged on, Aaron found himself locked in combat with their adversary, each blow and strike carrying the weight of their survival. The man, his ally in this perilous venture, fought alongside him with unwavering determination.
Ultimately, the adversary proved formidable, and it was Aaron who found himself facing defeat. A crushing blow sent him sprawling to the ground, disarmed and defenseless. Just as their adversary prepared to deliver a final, fatal blow, the man turned on Aaron, seeking to betray him.
However, in that critical moment, Aaron's last bullet found its mark. The gunshot reverberated through the chaos, and the man fell to the ground, his treacherous intentions cut short. Aaron had chosen the path of survival, and he would not be swayed by betrayal. He had already used the last 4 to escape previously from tricky situations so he was grateful he still had one left
He retrieved the ability crystals from the fallen adversary, his heart heavy with the knowledge that the world had become a place where alliances were fragile, and trust was a rare and precious commodity.
With five ability crystals in hand, Aaron retreated from the chaos, his mission accomplished. He had secured the crystals for Alice and Isabella, but the world outside remained a crucible of violence and despair.
Aaron arrived home, his senses on high alert, ensuring that he had not been followed. Satisfied that he was alone, he unlocked the door and entered, the weight of the ability crystals heavy in his pocket. He couldn't help but wonder how the interaction with Isabella would unfold.
As he stepped into their makeshift sanctuary, he was met with a confrontational glare from Isabella. Her eyes held a mix of suspicion and frustration.
"Why did you leave like that?" she demanded, her tone laced with accusation. "We were…..She was worried sick."
Aaron sighed, knowing that he had some explaining to do. "I did it because I didn't want either of you to get hurt out there," he said, his voice calm and steady. "and I had to make sure I could bring the crystals back safely without worrying about you girls"
Something in Isabella's eyes shifted. Perhaps she understood his motives, or perhaps it was a glimpse of his sincerity. Whatever it was, her hostility lessened, and she regarded him with a touch of curiosity.
Aaron continued, "You can pick first you know" He said tapping his pockets were the handful of ability crystals he had collected laid, and the soft glow that emanated from them filled the room with an otherworldly light.
Isabella paused for a moment, contemplating her choice. Then, in a tone that was unusually indifferent, she said, "You should choose first. You're the one who went through all that trouble to get them."
Aaron couldn't help but smile at her response. It was a glimpse into a side of Isabella that he had only begun to understand. She might have appeared tough and indifferent, but there was a hint of concern and softness hidden beneath the surface.
Isabella caught his amused expression and snorted. "Don't look so smug. I can practically read your thoughts," she said.
Aaron chuckled, realizing that she had guessed his thoughts accurately. "Very well, let's see what we've got."
Together, they walked into the bedroom, where Alice lay still connected to the drip. Isabella mentioned that she had given her a sleeping drug to calm her down, which prompted Aaron to thank her.
Isabella remained silent, her gaze fixed on her adopted sister, who appeared peaceful in her slumber.
Aaron gently woke Alice, who blinked her eyes open with a hint of confusion. He explained their situation and the purpose of the ability crystals, prompting Alice to look at the glowing crystals in his pockets.
With a sense of anticipation, Aaron asked the system how the crystals worked. The reply was brief and straightforward. [Swallow.]
The room seemed to hold its breath as Aaron dipped his hands into his pockets and opened, revealing the five glowing crystals. It was a new beginning, a step into a world of unknown powers and possibilities