In the center of the underground research chamber,
Zuxe's attention was drawn to a tall, iron-bound pedestal wrapped in chains that seemed to writhe and twist as though alive.
Suspended in mid-air above the pedestal was an ancient book with a dark, cracked leather cover.
The book wasn't just floating freely it was held in place by thick, gnarled chains made from a strange, twisted metal.
Each link was engraved with otherworldly symbols, glowing faintly in the dim light, and the chains themselves seemed to shift like they were breathing, pulsing with a sickly, unnatural energy.
From every angle, sharp metal claws extended from the chains, gripping the book as if fearful it might escape at any moment.
The book was wrapped in these grotesque bindings that restrained it on every side, as if they were alive and determined to keep whatever dark force resided within contained.
Zuxe's eyes widened as he noticed the eyes. Scattered across the cover and spine were dozens of small, lidless eyes that blinked, watching him with an unsettling focus.
Each one seemed to move independently, following his every movement.
Occasionally, one of the eyes would flicker open with a faint, venomous glow, releasing a soft hiss that echoed through the room, like whispers from a long-forgotten realm.
Hrwateek smirked as he observed Zuxe's reaction.
"It's bound tightly, as you can see. Those chains are no ordinary restraints; they're forged from a Unique Soul essence technique centuries ago"
Zuxe swallowed, unable to look away from the eerie display,although he had seen that book in the game,he confirmed
"And those… eyes? They're all souls, aren't they?"
Hrwateek nodded slowly.
"Each one represents a soul that's tried and failed to use it. The 'Curse of Binding' takes something from anyone who dares open it and leaves behind another layer in its protection. Those eyes... they're always watching, never resting."
As they spoke, one of the iron claws released a creak, tightening around the book with a sound that sent chills down Zuxe's spine.
From between the pages, thin tendrils of shadow slipped out, attempting to slip past the chains, but the cursed iron held firm, pulsing with a warning glow that forced the shadows back into the pages.
"Does it ever… try to break free?"
Zuxe asked, the ominous aura making him feel strangely drawn to the book, fear stilling within him even when he was prepared.
"All the time,"
Hrwateek replied darkly.
"That's why it need a observer,from our centuires of experience we had come to know one thing,that it needs to be observed by as many eyes it had etched on it…"
He trailed off, leaving the weight of his words to sink in.
Zuxe took a step back, feeling the gaze of the many eyes locked onto him, a silent challenge in their gaze.
Hrwateek noticed and nodded approvingly.
"According to our records,about eight hundred seven people had attempted to open and read it, but none of them was successful and died within a minute or so...Now we don't even dare to try open it, it has now became our new research project..."
Hrwateek added,a feeling of regret visible in his eyes.
According to ancient lore told within thr game, the Curse of Binding arrived on Earth within the heart of a dark asteroid that fell centuries ago.
Early tribes discovered the mysterious book at the asteroid's core, sensing its ominous aura. Fearing its power, they performed binding rituals and buried it deep underground, locked away in protective chains.
Over centuries, the book was forgotten, its legend reduced to whispers and myth.
When the organization finally uncovered it, they saw it as a relic of immense potential. However, those who dared to open it met terrible fates, their souls trapped as watchful eyes embedded in its cover.
So the Curse of Binding is kept sealed within the organization's most secure vaults, regarded as a relic of profound danger an ancient power that defies control.
That was also the reason why Hrwateek reacted like that on hearing those words because in world's eye that book had already vanished thousands of years ago and forgotten by almost everyone.
"Shall I start now..."
Zuxe whispered under his breath as he walked towards the book,thr omnious aura grew stronger with each step,thickening the air until it was suffocating.
As he reached the pedestal, he extended a steady hand, fingers hovering just above the worn leather cover.
Shadows pulsed from the book as though testing his resolve.
Zuxe clenched his jaw, letting the weight of its presence wash over him before speaking in a voice both calm and commanding.
"Release the chains," he ordered, his voice unwavering.
He glanced back at the onlookers who hesitated, exchanging uncertain glances.
One of the elder members stepped forward, eyes wide with apprehension. "Are you sure? You will die..."
"Yes," Zuxe replied, his fingers flexing just above the cover. "I know. Do it."
Reluctantly, the guardians moved into position, murmuring a series of incantations under their breaths.
The cursed iron chains coiled around the book shuddered, and one by one, the grotesque metal claws began to retract, releasing their hold on the ancient artifact.
The room darkened as the chains fell away, leaving only Zuxe and the ominous book, which now pulsed with dark energy, waiting for him to make his move.
Zuxe opened the book with minimal effort as if it was only waiting for someone to touch it.
A thick dark mist spilled through the pages,as
His eyes fell upon the strange incantations scrawled across the pages in otherworldly language.
The language was foreign to him,but somehow he could read every single word written on it.
Taking a deep breath,steadying his heart,he began to read those words aloud,echoing through the facility.
.
"As shadows twist and forms collide,
Bend the essence, where fears abide.
In fleeting shapes, the truth concealed,
Awaken darkness, fate revealed.
Shatter the silence, embrace the fright,
Let the cursed mold into night.
With shifting shadows, I bind and break,
Altered forms, the curse shall wake."
"Now...this is where everyone dies"
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Guys ,should I submit the contract or wait..