Alec and Asuna walked side by side, their footsteps echoing through the temple's halls.
"Asuna, can I ask you something?" Alec said.
"Of course, Alec," Asuna replied.
"What's it like, being a Rare Companion?" Alec asked.
Asuna's expression turned thoughtful.
"It's... complicated," Asuna said.
"I was summoned to aid you, but I have my own thoughts and feelings."
Alec nodded.
"I understand," Alec said.
Asuna smiled.
"Thanks for understanding, Alec."
Their conversation was interrupted by *_System Notification:_*
*_Sign-in Successful: Alec Bloodthorn_*
*_Daily Reward:_*
- Gacha Spin
Alec accessed the Gacha feature, spinning the wheel.
*_Gacha Result:_*
- _All-Language Comprehension (Passive)_
- _Ancient Lore (Passive)_
Alec's eyes widened.
"Perfect timing!" Alec exclaimed.
"What is it?" Asuna asked.
"I got All-Language Comprehension," Alec said.
"That'll help us decipher the scroll."
Asuna's eyes sparkled.
"Let's get started!"
They returned to the scroll, Alec's new skill activating.
The words, once indecipherable, now made sense.
"Wow, this is incredible," Alec said.
"The scroll reveals _Erebus'_ true nature."
Asuna leaned in.
"What does it say?" Asuna asked.
"_Erebus_ is an ancient being," Alec read.
"It manipulates reality, bending time and space."
Asuna's eyes narrowed.
"That's consistent with what I've heard."
Alec continued reading.
"_Erebus_ seeks a vessel," Alec said.
"A vessel to contain its power."
Asuna's expression turned grave.
"That's why it reincarnated you," Asuna said.
Alec's heart sank.
He was just a pawn?
But with Asuna by his side, he felt determination.
"We won't let _Erebus_ use me," Alec said.
Asuna nodded.
"We'll stop it, together."
Their resolve strengthened, they delved deeper into the scroll.
*_New Information Discovered:_*
- _Erebus'_ true form
- _Erebus'_ weaknesses
- Ancient civilizations' knowledge
Alec and Asuna spent hours studying the scroll.
Their understanding of _Erebus_ grew.
"We have a chance," Alec said.
"To defeat _Erebus_," Asuna completed.
Their eyes met.
Determination burned within them.