As the door clicked shut behind Lyra, Aiden leaned against the wall, confusion swirling in his mind. He was no longer just Aiden; he was now a vessel carrying the weight of two souls—his own and Zhang Yan's.
"What happened to me?" he muttered, rubbing his temples as pain pulsed from his stab wound. Each throb brought back memories that didn't quite belong to him—flashes of betrayal, screams of horror, and a darkness that threatened to swallow him whole.
Suddenly, a soft, mechanical whirring drew his attention. He turned to see a small, insect-like creature hovering in the corner of the room, its metallic body glinting ominously. A chill ran down his spine as he recognized it from his last moments alive.
Before he could react, the insect shot forward, buzzing toward him with incredible speed. Aiden barely had time to gasp before it collided with him, a sharp pain piercing through his skull.
"No!" he screamed, but the creature had already burrowed deep into his consciousness. An overwhelming surge of energy flooded his mind, feeling like a torrent of data was being force-fed into him—images, spells, and emotions crashing together like waves against a cliff.
His head spun as the pain intensified. "Stop! I can't… take this!" He fell to his knees, clutching his temples, fighting against the invasive rush of memories. It felt as if his brain was being rewired, each jolt sending waves of agony through him.
With a deep breath, he focused on the energy swirling inside him, forcing himself to stabilize the chaotic influx. "I can control this," he whispered, determination hardening his resolve.
The creature released a low hum, vibrating in tandem with the energy inside him. As the pain subsided, Aiden began to understand what was happening. The memories of Zhang Yan intertwined with his own, creating a strange fusion of identities. He could feel Zhang Yan's emotions—his hopes, his failures, and the desire for strength—all mingling with Aiden's own drive.
"
We're mixed together now," Aiden realized, a mix of fear and exhilaration surging within him. The boundaries between them had blurred, leaving him to navigate the chaos of shared strengths and vulnerabilities. He felt the weight of Zhang Yan's memories merging with his own, each moment a thread in the fabric of their combined existence.
Aiden closed his eyes, embracing the dizzying rush. This was a new beginning, an unsettling fusion of their essences that promised both danger and incredible potential. The fear that had gripped him began to shift, morphing into a sense of purpose. Together, they would transcend the limits of their former selves.
"I will not be a victim again," he vowed, the fire of both their spirits igniting within him. With newfound clarity and power, he stepped toward the door, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead in this world.
As he opened the door, he could feel the weight of their combined memories and ambitions.
From this moment on, he would be Zhang Yan.