The tunnels grew darker and narrower, yet I pressed on. The greenish metal claw I had acquired was firmly gripped in one hand. Its weight felt foreign, but there was an odd sense of comfort in it—almost as if the object were an extension of myself.
My mind was still haunted by the images of the battlefield I had witnessed. Gods, colossal beasts, and rivers of blood. It all felt like a nightmare, yet I knew it was more than just an illusion. It was the reality of this world—or perhaps its history.
Every step I took raised new questions. Was I truly part of the cycle the voice spoke of? If so, what was my purpose here? Why was I chosen? And if this world was merely a game of the gods, who was moving the pieces on this cosmic chessboard?
The faint sound of trickling water reached my ears—a sign of life amidst the lifeless silence of the cave. A mix of curiosity and fear pushed me to quicken my pace.
***
I emerged into a vast chamber housing an underground lake, its crystal-clear surface reflecting the soft glow of luminescent moss clinging to the cave's ceiling. The water was so calm it resembled a mirror, but I knew better than to trust such stillness.
In the middle of the lake stood a massive stone pillar, its surface etched with intricate symbols similar to the carvings I had seen earlier.
I stared at the pillar, my curiosity growing. Without realizing it, I moved closer to the water's edge. But as my claw touched the lake's surface, something beneath began to stir.
Small ripples formed, growing into larger waves. Slowly, something emerged from the depths.
The creature had a sleek, serpentine body like a fish, but its scales glistened like a dragon's. Its piercing blue eyes locked onto mine, filled with malice and wariness. Long fangs jutted from its mouth, and its tail whipped the water with a menacing rhythm.
Instinctively, my sense of survival flared. This was no mere creature—it was a predator.
"Another weakling daring to trespass into my domain," the creature's voice echoed, though its mouth remained still. "Who are you, and what do you seek here?"
I hesitated, unsure how to respond. I had never encountered a being that could speak before.
"I... I'm just looking for a way out," I finally replied, trying to mask my unease.
The creature narrowed its glowing eyes, clearly dissatisfied with my answer. "You carry something that does not belong to you," it said, its gaze fixed on the metal claw in my hand.
I tightened my grip on the artifact, sensing the growing threat.
"This belongs to me now," I said firmly, hiding my fear.
The creature laughed, its voice reverberating throughout the chamber. "Foolish mortal. You think that trinket will save you here? You don't even know the power you hold."
Before I could react, the creature surged from the water with blinding speed, its body soaring through the air before landing in front of me, sending waves crashing in every direction.
***
The battle began in an instant. The creature attacked with fangs and claws, forcing me to dodge and search for openings to strike back. I realized my speed and strength had increased after my recent transformation, but even so, this creature was far stronger.
As it lunged at me again, I raised the metal claw to block. The clash produced a deafening metallic clang, and I felt a surge of energy coursing through me from the artifact.
Suddenly, a burst of energy shot out from the claw, striking the creature and sending it hurtling backward. It let out a pained roar, but instead of retreating, it seemed even more enraged.
"You will regret wielding that power!" it bellowed, charging at me once more.
This time, I was ready. The claw seemed to guide my movements, each strike and counterattack feeling instinctual.
I sidestepped its attack, pivoted, and slashed at its side with the claw. The blow connected, cracking its scales and drawing blood.
The creature recoiled, its expression a mix of pain and shock. It realized I wasn't as helpless as I seemed.
***
The battle raged on, fierce and unrelenting. But eventually, I gained the upper hand. The creature lay sprawled on the edge of the lake, its breaths shallow and labored.
"Will you kill me now?" it asked, its voice quieter and devoid of malice.
I stared at it, feeling a strange conflict within me. Part of me wanted to end its life—to prove my dominance. Yet another part resisted, reminding me that I was more than just an animal driven by primal instincts.
"I won't kill you, as long as you don't attack me again," I said at last.
The creature let out a weak chuckle. "You are strange for one born of this world. Most would have taken my life without hesitation."
It paused, its glowing eyes meeting mine. "If you truly seek to understand this world, climb the Black Pillar. There, you may find the answers you're looking for... or perhaps your destruction."
I nodded, unsure of the meaning behind its words. After ensuring it would not attack again, I turned and continued my journey, leaving the lake and heading toward the direction it had indicated.
***
As I disappeared into the darkness once more, a realization dawned upon me. Each step I took led me further from the person I once was. But perhaps that wasn't a bad thing.
This world did not need a man named Alaric.
This world needed someone who could survive, no matter what they became.