Super Gene 2 Chapter 7: Beyond the Crystal Gate
Han Sen stepped through the crystalline gate, his senses immediately overwhelmed by the vastness of the world beyond. The air was charged with energy, humming like an invisible orchestra, while the sky above was a kaleidoscope of colors, constantly shifting and blending in mesmerizing patterns.
This new realm was unlike anything Han Sen had seen before. Towering mountains floated in the air, their peaks surrounded by swirling clouds of pure energy. Rivers of molten silver snaked through the lush valleys below, and trees with glowing leaves stretched toward the radiant sky.
"This isn't just a world," Han Sen murmured, awestruck. "It's a universe within itself."
The Guardian's voice echoed faintly, as if carried by the wind. "You have entered the Core Domain of the Abyss. Here, the laws of reality are as fluid as water, and survival requires more than strength. Tread carefully, for every step could be your last."
The Living Land
Han Sen began to move cautiously, his every sense alert. The ground beneath his feet was soft and warm, like living flesh, and it pulsed faintly with each step he took. He knelt and placed his hand on the ground, feeling a subtle rhythm coursing through it.
"It's alive," he realized. "This entire place is a living organism."
As he stood, a shadow moved in the corner of his vision. Han Sen spun around, his body tensing, but there was nothing there. The land around him was still, the only sound the faint hum of the energy-infused air.
"Something's watching me," Han Sen thought. "I can feel it."
The First Encounter
Han Sen continued forward, his path leading him to the edge of a shimmering lake. The water was unlike anything he had ever seen, its surface a mirror that reflected not just the surroundings but also the emotions of those who gazed into it.
As Han Sen stared into the lake, his reflection twisted and changed. It showed him not as he was but as he feared to be—a version of himself burdened by failure and regret.
"I won't fall for this again," Han Sen said, turning away from the lake.
But before he could take another step, the water rippled violently, and a figure emerged. It was humanoid but translucent, its body composed entirely of liquid light. Its face was featureless except for a pair of glowing eyes that bore into Han Sen's soul.
"You do not belong here," the being said, its voice resonating in Han Sen's mind. "Turn back, or face the consequences."
Han Sen's hand moved instinctively to his weapon, but he hesitated. The being didn't radiate hostility—it felt more like a warning, a guardian protecting its territory.
"I can't turn back," Han Sen said firmly. "I'm here for answers, and I won't leave until I get them."
The being tilted its head as if considering his words. Then, without warning, it lunged forward, its form shifting into a torrent of liquid light that engulfed Han Sen.
A Test of Harmony
Inside the torrent, Han Sen felt no pain, only pressure. The light seemed to probe his mind and spirit, testing his resolve. Visions of his past flashed before him—his triumphs and failures, his moments of strength and weakness.
"Why do you seek the Abyss?" the being's voice echoed around him.
Han Sen gritted his teeth. "To uncover the truth. To understand the secrets my grandfather sought to protect. And to become stronger."
The light pulsed, as if reacting to his words. "Strength alone will not suffice. The Abyss demands balance—between mind, body, and spirit. Do you possess such harmony?"
Han Sen focused inward, calming his racing thoughts and steadying his breathing. He let the energy of the being flow through him, not resisting but accepting it. The pressure began to ease, and the light surrounding him softened.
"You are not yet complete," the being said, withdrawing from him. "But you have potential. Continue your journey, and perhaps you will find what you seek."
The Realm of Echoes
The being dissolved into the air, leaving Han Sen standing on the shore of the lake. Ahead of him, a pathway of floating stones stretched across the water, leading to a towering spire that seemed to pierce the sky.
"That must be my next destination," Han Sen thought.
As he stepped onto the first stone, the air around him shimmered, and ghostly figures began to appear. They were faint, like echoes of the past, and each one moved with a purpose, as if reenacting moments from their lives.
Han Sen watched in silence as the figures passed him, their forms flickering like fading stars. Some appeared to be warriors, their armor battered and weapons drawn. Others were scholars, carrying scrolls and artifacts.
"These must be the remnants of those who came before me," Han Sen realized. "Their lives, their struggles, all preserved here."
One of the figures turned to him, its eyes glowing faintly. "Do not repeat our mistakes," it said, its voice a whisper carried by the wind. "The Abyss consumes all who are unprepared."
The Tower of Secrets
As Han Sen reached the base of the spire, he felt a surge of energy unlike anything he had experienced before. The tower radiated power, its walls covered in intricate runes that seemed to pulse in rhythm with his heartbeat.
"This place…" Han Sen whispered. "It's alive, just like the land."
The entrance to the tower was guarded by two massive statues, each one depicting a different creature—one a dragon with scales of molten gold, the other a phoenix with wings of blazing fire.
As Han Sen approached, the statues stirred, their eyes glowing with an intense light.
"Who dares seek the secrets of the Abyss?" the dragon rumbled, its voice shaking the ground.
Han Sen stood his ground, meeting their gaze with unwavering determination. "I am Han Sen. I seek the truth hidden within this world."
The phoenix spread its fiery wings, its voice melodic yet fierce. "Truth comes at a price. Are you willing to pay it?"
Han Sen's eyes burned with resolve. "Whatever it takes."
The statues exchanged a glance before stepping aside, the massive doors of the tower creaking open to reveal a spiraling staircase that disappeared into darkness.
"Enter," the phoenix said. "But know this—what lies within will test you beyond anything you've faced before."