"Xian," Dove called out softly, her voice drawing my attention. "Can you do this? I see some pentagrams and other symbols... it seems like only you can activate them."
I leaned closer, examining the intricate symbols and diagrams that adorned the pages of the book. They were unlike anything I had ever seen before, a complex tapestry of ancient glyphs and geometric patterns. A sense of familiarity tugged at the edges of my mind, as if these symbols resonated with some deep, forgotten part of my being.
"I think I can," I replied, my voice filled with a quiet confidence. "These symbols... they speak to me, in a way. It's like a language I once knew, but have long forgotten."
I closed my eyes, focusing my imagination on the symbols, willing them to reveal their secrets. A surge of energy coursed through me, and the room seemed to shimmer, the air crackling with an unseen power. The ancient glyphs on the page began to glow, their light pulsating in rhythm with my heartbeat.
"What's happening?" Lili asked, her voice hushed with awe.
"I'm not sure," I replied, my eyes still closed. "But it feels like... like something is awakening within me."
The light grew brighter, enveloping me in a warm, radiant aura. I could feel the power of my imagination expanding, reaching depths I had never explored before. The symbols on the page seemed to dance and swirl, their meanings becoming clearer with each passing moment.
And then, with a sudden rush of clarity, I understood. The book was not just a collection of ancient knowledge; it was a gateway, a conduit to a power beyond my wildest dreams.
I opened my eyes, the room bathed in an ethereal glow. The girls stared at me, their faces a mixture of astonishment and reverence.
"Xian?" Dove whispered, her voice filled with a mix of awe and concern.
"...Why does it only feel like this? I wonder what's wrong..." I murmured, a frown creasing my brow. I took the book closer, flipping through the pages, searching for any instructions or clues.
I flipped through the book, the pages rustling softly under my touch. The ancient text, once indecipherable, now flowed effortlessly into my mind, its meaning unfolding before me like a tapestry woven from threads of forgotten knowledge. I absorbed the information greedily, my imagination buzzing with newfound possibilities.
The book revealed a vast array of techniques and rituals, each designed to tap into the limitless potential of the imagination. There were methods for enhancing one's physical and mental abilities, for manipulating the elements, for even creating entire worlds within the realm of the mind. The possibilities seemed endless, the power intoxicating.
But as I delved deeper into the book's secrets, I also sensed a warning, a cautionary tale woven into the very fabric of its pages. The power of the imagination was a double-edged sword, capable of both creation and destruction. It demanded responsibility, discipline, and a deep understanding of its true nature. To wield such power without restraint was to invite chaos and ruin.
I closed the book, a sense of awe and trepidation mingling within me. I had been granted a glimpse into a world of unimaginable power, a world where the boundaries between reality and fantasy blurred. But with this newfound knowledge came a profound responsibility. I had to tread carefully, to use my powers wisely, and to never lose sight of the humanity that grounded me.
I looked up at my friends, their faces etched with a mix of curiosity and concern. "I think I understand," I said, my voice filled with a newfound resolve. "This book... it's a guide, a roadmap to unlocking the full potential of our abilities."
"But... it also seems like a lot of things have changed in this book..." I said, my voice trailing off as I opened the book again, searching for the discrepancies I had noticed earlier.
As I flipped through the pages, a sense of unease settled in my stomach. Certain passages were different, the words twisted and corrupted, as if someone had deliberately tampered with the ancient knowledge. The once-clear instructions and warnings were now shrouded in ambiguity, the path to power obscured by a veil of deception.
"What's wrong, Xian?" Lili asked, her voice laced with concern.
"Someone has altered this book," I replied, my tone grave. "The knowledge within has been corrupted, twisted to serve a darker purpose."
A collective gasp echoed through the room, the realization of the Seers' insidious influence sinking in. They had not only experimented on humans and Harbingers but had also sought to manipulate the very source of the Unveiled Family's power.
"We need to be careful," Yolan warned, her voice filled with a newfound urgency. "If the Seers have access to this corrupted knowledge, they could become even more dangerous."
I nodded, my resolve hardening. "That's also why the pentagram wasn't working. The book is already corrupt. If it were code, there's a bug in it."
The weight of the situation pressed down on us, the realization that the Seers' reach extended even further than we had imagined casting a shadow over the room. It was a chilling reminder that we were in a race against time, a race to uncover the Seers' true intentions and stop them before they could unleash their corrupted power upon the world. The fate of countless lives hung in the balance.
"We need to find a way to purify the book," I said, my voice filled with determination. "To restore its original knowledge and undo the Seers' tampering."
"But how?" IM asked, his brow furrowed in thought. "It's ancient magic, Xian. We don't even know where to begin."
I nodded, a sense of frustration creeping into my voice. "You're right... we don't know. Even with my power, I need to imagine what the real book was like..."
"Can't you just rewind time for the book?" Elang suggested, his voice hopeful.
"I don't think it's that simple," I replied, shaking my head. "I also need to imagine the book itself clearly, its original form, its true purpose. And that's something I can't do without more information."
"So, what now?" Dove asked, breaking the silence, her arms crossed and her expression resolute.
Everyone's gaze turned to me, their silent expectation palpable. I took a deep breath, weighing the options in my mind.
"Let's just safeguard this book for now," I finally said, my voice firm. "If we find anything related to its original form or purpose in the future, we can revisit it then."
A collective nod rippled through the group, a silent agreement to protect the corrupted book until they could find a way to restore it. The weight of the responsibility settled upon them, a constant reminder of the ongoing battle against the Seers and their insidious plans.
"We'll keep it safe," Yolan assured me, her voice unwavering. "And we'll continue to investigate the Seers, to uncover their true intentions and stop them before it's too late."
Elang's face contorted in anger, his fists clenched tightly. "I'm going to kill them for making me their test subject," he growled, his head seemingly ablaze with a metaphorical fire of rage.
"Elang, turn your power off," Lili commanded, her voice firm but gentle.
With a visible effort, Elang extinguished the flames surrounding his head, his anger simmering beneath the surface.
I looked at the girls, a determined glint in my eyes. "Also, I have an idea."
Their eyes turned to me, filled with curiosity. "What is it?" Yolan asked, her voice echoing the question in everyone's minds.
"I think I want to focus on the government," I declared, my voice firm.
A chorus of surprised gasps filled the room. The girls exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of confusion and intrigue. The idea of The Imaginary taking on the entire government was a bold one, a significant departure from their usual missions.
"The government?" Dove repeated, her eyebrows raised. "But why? We've already dealt with the corrupt council members."
"It's not just about the council," I explained, my voice grave. "The entire system is flawed, rotten to its core. The rich get richer, the poor get poorer, and the people in power turn a blind eye to the suffering of the masses."
I paused, my gaze sweeping across the faces of my friends. "I've seen it firsthand, the injustice, the inequality. It's time for a change. It's time for The Imaginary to become more than just a vigilante. It's time for him to become a symbol of hope, a beacon of change."
My words hung in the air, the weight of my declaration settling upon the room. The girls remained silent, their expressions thoughtful as they processed the implications of my statement. It was a bold vision, one that would require immense courage and determination.
Finally, Yolan spoke, her voice filled with a quiet determination. "If that's what you want to do, Xian, then we'll support you. We'll stand by your side, no matter what."
Ting! A notification sound from my phone interrupted the moment.
I opened the phone and saw it was a message from Liam. He said he was outside the WRA Building.
"Also, remember Liam? The one whose Harbinger is here? He's outside. He's ready to join us."
< Chapter 181 > Fin.