Chereads / THE PILLAR / Chapter 5 - The Awakening

Chapter 5 - The Awakening

As she was about to leave the building, a sudden blue light flickered to life behind her, casting an ethereal glow that danced like stars against the darkness of the room. The light illuminated the shadows, creating a surreal spectacle that momentarily captivated her. A shiver coursed through her, and instinctively, she spun around, her heart racing.

But as she turned, the light vanished, leaving her engulfed in the oppressive gloom once more. Confusion gripped her mind. Had she truly seen that light, or had it merely been a figment of her imagination? 

What was that just now? she pondered, her brow furrowing in disbelief. I'm sure there was light here just a moment ago. Was I imagining things?

With a sigh, she shook her head, trying to dispel the creeping unease. I think I'm just tired. Let's get out of here.

She took a deep breath, her gaze lingering on the spot where the light had danced, as if willing it to return. Seconds stretched into an eternity as she stared, her heart still pounding, until she finally tore her eyes away and turned toward the exit.

Suddenly, a piercing scream erupted from her throat as she swung around. 

Kyaaaaa!!!

She fell to her knees, paralyzed by fear, her mind racing with thoughts that spun wildly out of control. After what felt like an eternity of silence, she forced herself to breathe, her heart hammering in her chest.

P…person!!

Why was there a naked man lying on the floor? Was he dead? She hadn't seen anyone when she was about to leave. What is happening to me today?

The young man sprawled near the exit was strikingly handsome, his deep black hair framing his chiseled features. His skin glistened as if freshly washed, and his athletic build spoke of strength. A strange familiarity tugged at her as she recognized him—he was the young gentleman she had glimpsed wandering the unknown city.

Steeling herself, she summoned the courage to approach the unconscious figure. With hesitant steps, she knelt beside him, her cheeks flushing as she took in his form. She slapped her cheeks lightly, scolding herself internally.

Don't have weird thoughts. Don't have weird thoughts.

After a moment, she slipped off her jacket and draped it over him, a gesture of kindness amidst the shock. Digging into her bag, she retrieved a pair of tattered pants and a shirt she always carried, carefully dressing him. 

As she looked down at him, a sense of relief washed over her. "He isn't dead; he's just sleeping," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "Where did he come from? Did he come from that light?"

A spark of realization ignited within her. So, I didn't imagine things? I actually saw the mysterious light.

Sigh! 

That can't be it; how can a person come from the light? 

Lost in thought, she studied him for a moment longer before standing up, determination coursing through her veins. She attempted to lift him onto her back, struggling at first but eventually managing to hoist him up. With heavy, labored steps, she made her way toward the exit, disappearing into the enveloping darkness of the night.

---

Inside the old, dilapidated room, a blend of gloom and faint rays of sunlight mingled, casting an eerie glow over the space. It felt as if the ghosts of the past lingered here, remnants of lives once lived more than a decade ago. The room was barren, a mere shell of its former self, with the roof partially collapsed, allowing glimpses of the cloudy orange sky above. 

The floor was a mosaic of shattered wood and decay, chilling drafts sweeping through the space, penetrating the cold walls. In one corner lay a young man, clad in ragged clothes—his shirt stained and patched, his pants tattered and grimy. 

In the far corner, a young girl slept, curled up in a ball, her knees drawn tightly to her chest. Despite the biting cold, she was wrapped in a cocoon of warmth, oblivious to the world around her.

Whoosh!!

A chilling gust of wind swept through the room, causing the young man to stir. He opened his eyes to the sight of the half-collapsed roof above him and the open door frame devoid of a door. Sitting up, he scanned the desolate surroundings, confusion etched across his face.

Where am I?

He struggled to collect his thoughts, grappling with the fog of memory that enveloped him. What happened?

Suddenly, a sharp pain pierced his head, a throbbing ache that threatened to pull him back into unconsciousness. He gritted his teeth, forcing himself to remain awake as the pain subsided, allowing him to catch his breath.

I remember now—I was transmigrated to an unknown place, wandered into that strange city, and now... here I am. 

Ahhh, I can't think anymore.

His thoughts were a chaotic whirlwind, a natural response to the surreal events he had encountered. He took a moment to breathe deeply, trying to piece together the fragments of his memory. 

After wandering that unknown city, I woke up here, and my mind is in chaos, filled with knowledge that feels imprinted yet elusive. Is this because of that place? 

He resolved to take his time unraveling the mysteries that surrounded him, but first, he needed to understand where he was.