The artifact buzzed in my head, its presence both familiar and alien. It was inside me, fusing with my thoughts, intertwining with my body, making me feel both invincible and vulnerable at the same time. Every sensation was amplified—the warmth of the air, the hum of the ship beneath my feet, even the sounds of my own breathing. It was as if the world had been recalibrated, and now I saw it in sharp focus, a sharpness I hadn't known I could possess.
But my mind, racing with the new knowledge it was receiving, had no time for rest. glimpses of distant stars and memories of a time long past.
I believe fate has brought you to me, it said, its tone laced with something ancient .there is much you must learn.
I shook my head, trying to push the voice out. But I found it impossible. Every thought was now entangled with it. It was as if my mind was split into two.
But I couldn't focus on that now. The footsteps, the voices—those were real. They were closing in.
I had to move. Fast.
I pulled myself up from the floor, my body still aching from how hard I hit the floor after the artifact's integration. The ship's corridors felt longer than before, more like tunnels, each one lined with strange symbols I couldn't comprehend.I headed for the exit even though it was the direction of the footsteps.
They grew louder, echoing through the metallic halls. I turned a corner, gasping as I saw him. Rael. His massive frame filled the corridor, and his expression was one I hadn't seen before—shock, mixed with a hint of disbelief.
"What the hell are you doing here?" he asked, his voice sharp but laced with genuine surprise. His eyes scanned me, taking in the disheveled state I was in, the sweat on my brow, the slight tremor in my hands.
I hesitated, my mind racing. Rael wasn't supposed to be here. No one was supposed to be here. "I could ask you the same thing," I shot back, trying to sound composed despite the chaos in my head.
He took a cautious step forward, his brow furrowed. "We picked up a strange signal from this area. Command sent me and my team to check it out. But you? What are you doing here?"
I shrugged, forcing a casual tone. "You know how I like adventure, I came across this old ship and thought I'd check it out. See if there was anything worth salvaging."
Rael's gaze hardened, suspicion flickering across his face. "And? did you Find anything?"
Suddenly, a voice cut through my thoughts, calm and commanding. Say no. I will explain later, once we are safe.
"No," I said quickly, shaking my head. "Nothing. I couldn't understand the tech used to build this thing."
" And what about that injury on your face?" He asked
"Oh this?" I asked pointing at the tiny but bleeding wound I had on my forehead
" I wasn't paying attention so I tripped on something"
Rael didn't look convinced, but he didn't press further. Instead, he sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "You shouldn't be here. This place... it's not safe."
I almost laughed at the irony. "You're here too, aren't you?"
"That's different," he muttered, his tone evasive. He glanced down the corridor, his body tense as if expecting someone—or something—to appear. "Look, if you're smart, you'll leave. Now."
The artifact buzzed again, its presence more insistent. You cannot leave, we need this ship"
"Ok ok " I said, brushing past Rael. He didn't stop me, but I could feel his eyes on my back as I moved further down the corridor.
Once I was out of earshot, I whispered, "What's going on?"
The artifact's voice responded,I will explain. This ship—it has drawn many before you. Creatures, beings from across the stars, all seeking the knowledge I possess. They did not succeed. You, however, are different.
"Why?"
Because I chose and bonded with you. But our bond is incomplete. Integration is at only ten percent.We need it to get to 100 if we are to be in perfect synchrony.
I frowned, my mind spinning. "What? Why do we need that?"
"Because you can't have access to all my abilities. I understand that trust must be earned. but For now, we must focus on survival.and we need to get Rael and his team off the ship"...