Eren waited until the cabin was completely silent. The faint crackle of the dying fire was the only sound as he cracked the door open just enough to peek inside. Lira was curled up on the makeshift bed, her breathing slow and even. She was deep asleep.
The Survival System's latest hint echoed in his mind:
Hint: The satchel holds key evidence. Gain access without direct confrontation.
He slipped inside, moving with the practiced silence of someone who had long adapted to the unpredictability of survival. Each step was deliberate, his weight distributed evenly to avoid the creak of the wooden floorboards. The satchel was within arm's reach, resting near Lira's hand.
Eren crouched, his gaze flicking between the satchel and Lira's face. Her grip on the strap had slackened as she slept, but her expression remained troubled. Whatever she was hiding, it wasn't trivial. He hesitated for a moment, the faintest pang of unease tugging at his conscience. But the system's mission was clear, and his survival often depended on following its directives.
Carefully, he eased the satchel strap from her grasp. She stirred slightly, muttering something incomprehensible, but did not wake. Eren held his breath, waiting until her breathing steadied again before retreating to the far side of the cabin.
In the faint glow of the firelight, he opened the satchel. Inside, he found a collection of papers, a small leather-bound journal, and a strange crystal that pulsed faintly with an inner light. The crystal drew his attention immediately; its energy felt almost alive, and it emanated a subtle warmth.
New Discovery: Mysterious Crystal
Analysis: Artifact of unknown origin. Possible connection to the shadow organization.
Eren's eyes narrowed as he examined the papers. They were written in a language he didn't recognize, filled with complex symbols and diagrams. The journal, however, was in common script. He flipped through its pages, quickly skimming the entries.
"They're watching me. Every step, every word—I can feel their eyes."
"I shouldn't have taken it, but if they find out I know the truth…"
"The artifact—it's more powerful than they realize. But it's also dangerous. If they get their hands on it…"
Eren's frown deepened. The entries painted a grim picture. Lira had stolen something significant from a powerful group, and now they were hunting her. The artifact—the crystal—was clearly at the center of it all.
He closed the journal and returned everything to the satchel, careful to arrange it exactly as he'd found it. Sliding it back near Lira's hand, he retreated to his spot by the fire, his mind racing.
Mission Update:
Objective: Uncover Lira's secret without alerting her.
Progress: 80% (Key evidence obtained.)
Next Hint: Observe interactions for potential threats.
The system's update confirmed what he'd suspected: this wasn't over. Lira's problem was about to become his, whether he liked it or not. For now, he'd let her think her secret was safe. The more she believed he was indifferent, the more likely she'd let something slip.
Eren leaned back against the wall, his cold gaze fixed on the satchel. He had no intention of getting dragged into whatever mess she'd created. But if the shadow organization was as dangerous as she'd hinted, he needed to be prepared.
"Just my luck," he muttered under his breath, the faintest hint of bitterness in his voice. The fire crackled softly, casting long shadows across the cabin as he settled in for another sleepless night.