It's been two hours since I entered this damn forest, and all I've seen are trees, bugs, and the occasional snake. I'm looking everywhere—right, left, up, down—but the cave is nowhere in sight. My weak body is already feeling like it's been hit by a truck, and I'm about as exhausted as an ant trying to move a boulder.
Man, with this kind of stamina, I can't even imagine managing a harem.
I stop in front of a big rock and take a deep breath, trying to catch my breath. Without knowing the exact details of where the cave is, finding it in this massive forest is turning out to be a real pain.
In the novel, the protagonist stumbled upon the place by sheer luck. Yeah, she freaking luck. But me? I have to actually find it. Sitting down, I pull out my water bottle and start chugging it, trying to hydrate.
As I drink the last drop, I glance up at the sky, still full of dark clouds. Just my luck. Couldn't help but curse the timing of my little adventure.
Ughh..Why couldn't the novel provide a more detailed description of the exact locations? I had no idea I'd end up here, but the author really should have given a precise account of the place, including key landmarks. I used to find those lengthy info dumps irritating, but now I see the value in having detailed descriptions.
My stomach suddenly lets out a loud growl. Grrrr...
Oh, right. I didn't eat anything since morning. Thinking back, I realize I was too hasty to get here and completely forgot about food. But I might be hasty, but I'm not stupid.
One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.
I open my bag again and pull out a box wrapped in red cloth—my lunch. I packed it to keep me going through this forest trek. It was supposed to be eaten later, but hey, there's no better time than when you're starving, right?
I start unwrapping the box, my mouth already watering in anticipation. But just as I'm about to dig in, a sudden gust of wind blows through, and out of nowhere, a black bird swoops down and snatches my lunch!
Caught off guard, I shield my eyes from the wind and can't react fast enough. "Hey, you!" I shout, but the bird doesn't even give me a chance to catch my breath before it starts flying straight into the depths of the forest, my lunch in its claws.
Seriously?" I mutter, staring into the forest as if I could somehow will the bird to come back. "Was that bird just starving or did it have a vendetta against me?
"Fuck!" Without wasting a second, I take off running after it as fast as my tired legs can carry me. My breathing is ragged, but I don't care—I need that food.
I sprint through the forest, branches and underbrush slapping at me as I push forward. My legs scream in protest, but the thought of that stolen lunch keeps me moving.
"Stop it, you damn bird! That's not something you can eat!"
I could try to use my lawa blast skill to knock it out of the sky, but it's already out of range. All I can do is keep chasing it, with no idea where the hell I'm headed.
I could've let it go, sure. But food is too important right now. Without it, I'm not sure I'll have the energy to find that cave. I'm already starving, and the thought of going on without a meal is unbearable.
But just as I think I might be catching up, the bird picks up speed, as if mocking me, like it's turning this into some kind of twisted race.
The bird, of course, seems to be taunting me, gliding effortlessly through the trees. Its erratic flight only makes it harder to track. I weave between trees, trying to stay on its trail while my breath comes in harsh gasps.
"You little... Are you mocking me?" I glare after it, my frustration boiling over. "Just wait till I get my hands on you! I'll eat my lunch right now, and you for dinner!"
Ignoring the burning in my lungs and the ache in my legs, I keep pushing forward, determined not to lose sight of that thieving bird.
Tip, tip, tip.
Even the rain started to pour down, I cursed my luck once again. Of course, the universe decided I hadn't suffered enough already. But even with the rain soaking through my clothes, I kept running, my eyes locked on that damn bird.
A particularly fierce gust of wind nearly knocks me off balance, but I steady myself and keep going. The path is turning into a muddy mess, making every step a struggle. I can barely see through the downpour, but I'm not letting up.
I swear When I catch you
Suddenly, the bird's flight wavered. Was it getting tired?
Seeing my chance, I pushed myself to sprint even faster. The bird's movements became more sluggish, and I couldn't help but think that maybe, just maybe, the rain was slowing it down. Sometimes what you think is a curse and cry turns out to be a blessing in disguise, without you even realizing it
Now, I was almost right under it. The bird was within reach, flapping desperately just above me. I quickly scooped up a rock from the ground, not breaking my stride. With all the strength I could muster, I hurled the rock at the bird. My aim wasn't perfect, but it was enough to startle the bird. It let go of the lunch box, and it began its descent toward the ground.
"Gotcha!"
I sprinted again, diving forward and sliding just in time to catch the box before it hit the dirt.
I laugh, a mix of exhaustion and exhilaration. "I don't know who's crazier, me or that bird."
Clutching my precious lunch in my hands, I breathed a sigh of relief.
Damn bird. It got away, though. But seriously, why would a bird even want my lunch? I thought birds ate worms and seeds, not human bento... Or do they?
As I was pondering this utterly stupid thought, a loud cracking sound interrupted my musings.
Huh?
I looked up, then left, then right. Nothing. But then, I glanced down at where I was standing, and the realization hit me like a ton of bricks. My legs froze.
Taking slow, deep breaths, I tried to wrap my head around the situation.
"Ah, it's a landslide."
Before I could even process it fully, the ground beneath me gave way, and I started sliding down with it.
"Ahh, shit!"
"Whoa, whoa, whoa!" I shouted, grabbing at the edges of the slipping ground, but my fingers barely grazed the rocky surface. I tumbled forward, the slide accelerating, and everything around me became a blur of rain, mud, and rock.
Instinctively, I covered my head with my hands, trying to protect myself from the worst of the fall. Seriously, could my luck get any worse?
It was like I was destined to take L after L today.
I landed with a hard thud on solid ground, pain shooting up my spine. "Ah, it hurts!" I groaned, rolling over and cursing my fate. But at least it wasn't as bad as it could've been.
I slowly pushed myself up, every movement accompanied by a twinge of pain. My muscles felt like they had been put through a wringer, but at least I was on solid ground now. I scanned my surroundings, trying to get a sense of where I was.
Standing up, I winced at the soreness in my body. "This is getting more ridiculous by the minute." I sighed, looking around to figure out where the hell I had ended up this time.
Left, right—just more forest and trees. But when I turned around, my eyes widened, and my jaw nearly hit the floor.
What in the holy asspull?
I was standing right in front of the cave I'd been struggling to find.
As the initial shock wore off, I blinked a few times, half-expecting the cave to disappear like some cruel mirage. But no, it remained, looming before me with its dark, gaping entrance that swallowed all light.
"Of course," I muttered, shaking my head in disbelief. "After all that, I just stumble right into it. Typical."
I still couldn't believe it. Was that gust of wind and the bird all just coincidences? I wondered.
With a resigned sigh, I dusted off the dirt from my soaked clothes, which clung uncomfortably to my skin. The lunch box, miraculously unscathed, was still clutched in my hand. I stuffed it into my bag, deciding to deal with food later. The cave was the priority now.
I took a deep breath and steeled myself. The thought of finally getting what I came here for sent a surge of adrenaline through me, but an unsettling feeling gnawed at the back of my mind. This felt too easy, too convenient.
I wasn't going to waste any more time resting and waiting for my stamina to recover, especially not after all the trouble I'd been through today. I'd come too far to let doubts hold me back.
With cautious steps, I approached the entrance of the cave, feeling a cold draft wafting out from its depths. My heart pounded as I stepped inside, the darkness swallowing me whole.
The air was thick with dampness, and the sound of dripping water echoed throughout the cave. My footsteps were muffled by the dirt and stone beneath me, each step feeling heavier. I reached into my bag and pulled out a flashlight, flicking it on. The weak beam cut through the darkness, revealing jagged rocks and narrow passageways.
I walked steadily, muttering to myself, "It should be here."
This is the first time I've ever come to the cave, even counting my previous life. Though I still don't have all my memories from back then, I don't feel like I've had any similar experiences.
Suddenly, a loud thud came from my side. Probably a bat or something, but the ominous feeling was hard to shake.
"Okay, no turning back now," I whispered, gripping the flashlight tighter as I continued forward. Whatever lay ahead, I had to face it head-on.
I wonder why all the secret artifacts are always hidden in caves and dungeons. I mean, that's the most common trope in fantasy worlds, bruh. Like, if a legendary figure was dying, they seriously couldn't find a better place than a cave?
Well, there are some artifacts that the protagonist just happens to find while wandering around in a candy shop. They're basically destined to be his
The sound of my breathing echoed in the narrow space, mixing with the steady drip of water. The deeper I went, the colder it became, and I couldn't help but shiver.
Just as I began to think the cave might be endless, the passageway opened into a massive cavern. The walls were lined with glowing crystals, casting an eerie light over the entire chamber.
And in the center of the cavern, there it was—the artifact I had been searching for.
My breath caught in my throat as I approached, my footsteps slowing to a halt. There, resting on a stone pedestal, was the Infinite Eye.
I muttered, "There it is."
It was beautiful and terrifying all at once, pulsing with a faint, ominous light.
"Well, here goes nothing," I said, reaching out with trembling hands to take the artifact.
But as soon as my fingers brushed against it, the cavern shook violently, and a deafening roar echoed through the cave.
"Oh, come on!" I shouted, yanking my hand back as the ground beneath me trembled again. "Can't I catch a break?"
Suddenly, the glowing light stopped, and the cave fell into an eerie silence.
Eh?
I waited, but nothing happened. I moved cautiously towards the artifact.
Here it was. The Infinite Eye, a rare ancient item from the novel, was supposed to be found by luck, though the protagonist never used it. But I could make it work.
Exhaling deeply, I reached for the artifact again. Suddenly, black lightning shot out, striking my hand.
"Ah, shit! What?"
Jolted in pain, I backed away, confused.
"Was there a process to take this item? I don't remember the protagonist doing anything special."
Shaking my hand, I tried again, but the result was the same.
This isn't the artifact that's inherently bound to protagonist. So, what exactly is the underlying force at play here that's preventing me from claiming it?
"Gez, how am I supposed to get this thing?" I sighed. ""Every problem has a solution; you just have to be creative enough to find it.
I started examining the cave, scanning the surroundings. My eyes fell on a black stone at the back of the pedestal.
"What's this?"
I approached it and picked it up. It looked creepy as hell, with strange marks and an eye pattern that resembled an urban legend.
Wait...
The crystal surrounding the Infinite Eye matched the shape of the black stone. Got it.
I placed the stone on the pedestal, hoping for something to happen.
But—
Huh?
Nothing.
My brain was on the verge of exploding. "Okay, think, Akashi. There's probably more to this. I must be missing something."
I noticed some drawings on the crystal: weird creatures moving upwards, with barely visible text. Squinting, I read the inscription:
*(To wake me, you must pay in the currency of life)*
"Currency of life?" I muttered, frowning. "What does that even mean? Do they want my wallet? My soul? I didn't bring any money with me, just some coins."
I stared at the stone. "Is this one of those metaphors? Like, 'time is money'? Am I supposed to bargain with... time? Sweat? Is it asking me to sacrifice my time? Or maybe... my life force?"
Sighing, I crouched in front of the stone. "But how do I give it my life force? I don't have a life force dispenser! Am I supposed to bleed on it?"
As the realization started to dawn on Me, i froze, eyes widening. "Wait. Bleed? Is that it? Are you seriously asking for my blood?!" I threw My hands up in the air. "Why didn't you just say so in the first place, you cryptic piece of rock! I could've been done by now!
Still grumbling, I unsheathed my dagger, muttering under my breath as I prepared to prick my finger. "I swear, if this thing asks for my soul next, I'm out of here."
I poured the blood onto the stone, watching and waiting for a reaction. For a moment, nothing happened.
Huh, what now?
Then, without warning, a black, parasitic liquid began to ooze from the stone, writhing and twisting like a living shadow. It quickly latched onto my hand.
What is this?" I exclaimed, trying to shake it off.
A dark whirlwind erupted, swirling around my hand with a malevolent force. I felt my energy being drained, my stamina rapidly siphoned into the vortex. It was as if my very life was being pulled away.
What's happening?!" I gasped, trying to pull my hand back, but the liquid's grip was unyielding. The stone seemed to be devouring my life force, weakening me with every passing second.
AHHH! What is this?! NO, NO, NO! GET AWAY FROM ME!"
Desperation surged through me as I fought against the dark current. "This wasn't part of the deal!" I shouted, but the stone remained silent.
AHHH! WHAT IS THIS PAIN?! NO, I CAN'T—MAKE IT STOP!
Suddenly, my hands and legs began to move on their own, heading towards the Infinite Eye.
Wait, wait! Why can't I control my hands?!" I realized, panicking. The black liquid was driving my actions.
No, no!" I cried out, struggling to regain control. But the force was too strong, and with a final, wrenching movement, it grabbed the Infinite Eye.
As my hands gripped the Infinite Eye, terror surged through me. The moment the artifact touched my skin, it pulsed with sinister energy. The black liquid tightened its hold, pulling my hand closer to my face.
"No! Stop this!" I screamed, but my voice was swallowed by the encroaching darkness. The liquid yanked my hand and forced the Infinite Eye towards my left eye.
AHHHHHHH! I CAN'T—THIS PAIN IS TOO MUCH! WHY IS THIS HAPPENING?!
The instant the artifact touched my eyelid, pain exploded in my head. The Eye began merging with my flesh, its edges carving into my skin like molten iron. The cold, alien texture sliced through tissue and muscle with a sickening squelch.
"Aaaaahhhhhh! No!"
I howled, but the pain turned my scream into a choked gurgle. The liquid surged through my veins, turning my insides to jelly. My vision blurred as the Infinite Eye forced itself into my socket, its edges digging deeper until they reached my brain.
"Please! Stop! I can't—" My cries were swallowed by the torment.
Ahhhhhhhh
With a final twist, the Eye settled into place, replacing my left eye. Blood streamed down my face, mixing with the dark liquid still clinging to my skin. The Infinite Eye pulsed with a rhythm, its malevolent power seeping into my mind.
I staggered, my vision distorting. My scream echoed through the cave, but the liquid had completed its grim work. Before I could grasp the situation, my stamina and mana were drained, and I lost consciousness.