Mui's hand trembled as the quill hovered over the air. The choice felt immense, too heavy for someone who'd only just learned the rules of this world. He glanced at Eileen, whose expression was unreadable.
"We leave," Mui finally wrote, the words glowing silver before dissolving.
The villagers murmured nervously as if they had overheard the decision. The man who had given them the crystal stepped forward, his brow furrowed.
"Leave?" he asked. "But the forest—"
"The forest isn't the problem," Eileen interrupted. "The Script is. Staying here might bring more enforcers or worse. Your best chance is letting us move forward."
The man hesitated, then nodded solemnly. "If that's your choice, we'll trust you."
As they prepared to leave, the villagers offered supplies—a satchel of dried fruits and bread, a flask of water, and a crudely drawn map of the forest paths. Mui accepted them with a grateful nod, though he wasn't sure how much use they'd be in a place where the Script controlled everything.
"Be careful," the man said as they stood at the edge of the village. "And thank you... for giving us hope."
Mui didn't feel like a hero, but he managed a small smile before following Eileen into the trees.
The forest seemed different now—denser, darker. The air was thick with tension, and every sound made Mui jump. Eileen led the way, her hand resting on the hilt of her dagger.
"How do you always seem so calm?" Mui asked, trying to keep up.
"I'm not calm," she replied, her tone clipped. "I've just learned not to waste energy panicking. You should try it."
"Great advice," he muttered, clutching the quill tighter.
Eileen smirked but didn't reply.
As they walked, the glowing crystal from the box began to pulse faintly in Mui's bag. He pulled it out, watching the light shift in intensity.
"It's reacting to something," Eileen observed.
"Reacting to what?" Mui asked.
She stopped, scanning the trees. "I'm not sure, but keep it out. It might guide us."
The crystal's light grew brighter as they continued, pulling them off the main path and deeper into the woods. Mui hesitated but followed, trusting its guidance more than his own instincts.
After an hour of walking, they came to a clearing. At its center stood a stone archway covered in twisting runes, glowing faintly like the crystal.
"What is that?" Mui asked, staring at the structure.
"A gateway," Eileen said, her eyes narrowing. "It looks like it leads to the next chapter of the story."
The crystal in Mui's hand pulsed violently, and glowing words appeared above the archway:
"The Reader's resolve will be tested beyond this point."
"Tested how?" Mui asked nervously.
Eileen shrugged. "Only one way to find out."
As they approached the archway, the runes flared, and the air shimmered. A figure stepped out from the glow—a young man with dark hair and piercing eyes, dressed in armor that seemed to hum with energy.
"Another enforcer?" Mui whispered, taking a step back.
"No," Eileen said, her hand tightening on her dagger. "This one's different."
The figure's eyes locked onto Mui, and a small smile tugged at his lips.
"Reader," the man said, his voice smooth and confident. "I've been waiting for you."
"Who are you?" Mui asked, his heart racing.
The man inclined his head. "Ronan. The Author sent me to ensure you don't stray too far from the Script."
"Great," Eileen muttered. "A babysitter."
Ronan ignored her, his gaze fixed on Mui. "The path you've chosen leads to chaos. I suggest you reconsider."
"And if I don't?" Mui asked, trying to sound braver than he felt.
Ronan's smile widened. "Then you'll face the consequences. The Script always balances the scales."
Eileen stepped between Mui and Ronan, her dagger drawn. "If you're here to stop us, you'd better be ready for a fight."
"I'm not here to fight," Ronan said calmly, though his hand rested on the hilt of his sword. "Not unless the Reader forces my hand."
He turned back to Mui. "You have power, but it's dangerous. This world is fragile, and every choice you make ripples through it. If you continue, you risk unraveling everything."
Mui felt the weight of Ronan's words but clenched the quill tighter. "I didn't ask to be here. If I'm in this story, I'll see it through my way."
Ronan's smile faded, replaced by a look of quiet resolve. "Very well. But know this: I'll be watching."
With that, he stepped back into the glow of the archway and vanished.
Eileen exhaled sharply. "Well, that was ominous."
"Who even was that guy?" Mui asked.
"An obstacle," she replied. "And probably not the last."
The runes on the archway flared again, signaling the way forward. Mui glanced at Eileen, who nodded.
"Ready?" she asked.
"Not even a little," Mui admitted.
"Good. Let's go."
Together, they stepped through the archway, leaving the forest—and the village—behind.
End...