As the group ventured deeper into the dungeon, the air grew colder, and the walls of the cavern seemed to close in. The light-hearted chatter from earlier faded, replaced with quiet determination. JC walked near the back, his crimson eyes scanning the path ahead, but his mind was elsewhere.
A faint glow shimmered before his eyes—his system window. The others couldn't see it, but it was always there, quietly reminding him of the secrets he bore alone.
---
The System's Revelation
The window displayed his stats, achievements, and quests. Most of it was standard fare—missions completed, dungeons cleared—but his eyes lingered on a particular line near the bottom:
[Locked Skill: Peak Godhood]
Condition: Reach Level 5000
JC's lips tightened into a thin line. He was currently sitting at Level 3720, a remarkable feat, but still far from the threshold required.
Peak Godhood, he thought to himself. The culmination of everything I've worked for.
The description beneath the skill flashed briefly:
"Unlock the power of the gods themselves. Transcend mortality and reshape the world."
It sounded unbelievable, even to him. And yet, the thought of wielding such power was both thrilling and terrifying.
---
Keeping Secrets
"Hey, JC!" Mark's voice broke through his thoughts.
JC blinked, closing the system window with a thought. "Yeah?"
"You've been quiet again," Mark said, walking up beside him. "What's going on in that big brain of yours?"
"Just thinking," JC replied, his tone calm and measured.
"About what?" Angel asked, falling into step on his other side.
"Nothing important," JC said quickly, offering a faint smile to deflect their curiosity.
Lissy, who had been watching him closely, didn't press him but gave him a knowing look. JC avoided her gaze, not wanting her to pick up on his unease.
---
A Burden to Bear
As they continued walking, JC felt the weight of the secret pressing down on him. He had always kept his deepest struggles to himself, believing it was better to shield the others from the truth.
They don't need to know about this yet, he thought. Not until I'm ready. Not until I've reached the peak.
He clenched his fists, his marks glowing faintly beneath his cloak.
"Everything okay back there?" Lissy called out, glancing over her shoulder.
JC nodded. "Yeah, just keeping watch."
She smiled softly. "Don't forget we're here too, okay?"
"I won't," JC said, though his thoughts remained distant.
---
The Road Ahead
The group eventually reached a large cavern with multiple branching paths, each one dark and ominous. They paused to decide which way to go, their voices echoing slightly in the empty space.
JC stood a bit apart from the group, his gaze lingering on the paths ahead. Each one represented a challenge, a step closer to leveling up, to unlocking his full potential.
Level 5000, he thought. I'll get there. No matter what it takes.
"JC?" Lissy's voice pulled him from his thoughts.
He turned to her, his calm smile returning. "Let's keep moving."
The group nodded, unaware of the immense burden their leader carried as they pressed onward into the unknown.