The cold stone corridors of the Forbidden Wing echoed with the sound of footsteps as Mark was led deeper into the Hunter Association's most secretive facility. The air was heavy, tinged with an ancient aura that made his skin crawl. The walls were lined with symbols that seemed to shimmer, pulsating with faint energy.
Two guards flanked him, their expressions blank, their eyes fixed forward. They wore black armor inscribed with protective runes, and their auras were suffocatingly powerful. Mark could feel the pressure weighing down on him, making it hard to breathe. He was no match for them—even with his new power.
After descending several flights of stairs, they reached a massive iron door engraved with more of the strange symbols. One of the guards stepped forward and placed his hand on the door. The runes glowed brightly, and with a heavy groan, the door creaked open.
Mark's eyes widened as he stepped through, his heart pounding in his chest. The room was vast, a cavernous hall lined with stone pillars that reached up to a domed ceiling. Chains of light crisscrossed the chamber, forming a barrier that radiated a powerful aura. In the center of the room was a raised platform, surrounded by glowing inscriptions.
The guard motioned toward the platform. "Stand there."
Mark hesitated, his feet glued to the ground. "What… What is this place?"
The other guard's face remained expressionless. "The Forbidden Wing. It's where the Association contains things… that don't belong in this world." His eyes flicked to Mark. "Things like you."
Mark's blood ran cold. "You're… imprisoning me?"
The guard's gaze softened, just for a moment. "For now. Until we understand what you are."
Mark's fists tightened, anger bubbling inside him. He wanted to argue, to fight, but his body was weak, his mind swirling with fear and confusion. He slowly walked to the platform, his legs trembling. As soon as he stepped onto the glowing inscriptions, the chains of light descended, wrapping around him like vines. He flinched, expecting pain, but they were strangely warm, their light gentle and soft.
A voice echoed through the chamber, ancient and cold.
[Sealing Protocol Activated. Analyzing subject…]
[Auto Max Skill Holder Detected. Power source: Unknown. Origin: Undefined.]
Mark's eyes widened as the chains tightened, their light intensifying. His body felt heavy, his movements sluggish. It was like the chains were draining his energy, binding him to the platform.
The guards turned to leave, their armor clanking against the stone floor. "Rest. You'll be questioned tomorrow," one of them said, his voice echoing off the cold walls.
The iron door slammed shut behind them, and Mark was alone. His heart pounded in his chest, fear clawing at his throat. Was this it? Was he going to be trapped here forever?
He struggled against the chains, but they wouldn't budge. It was as if they were made of pure energy, their light pulsating with ancient power. He could feel them pressing down on him, suppressing his strength, his aura. He was completely powerless.
A cold chill ran down his spine. He had never felt this helpless before. Not even when he was an E-rank Hunter, barely scraping by. Back then, he at least had his freedom. But now… he was a prisoner, trapped by his own power.
His body trembled, anger and frustration boiling inside him. "Damn it… This isn't fair! I didn't ask for this power!" He shouted, his voice echoing through the empty hall. "I didn't want any of this!"
The chains responded, tightening around him as if reacting to his anger. Mark gritted his teeth, pain shooting through his body. He closed his eyes, fighting back tears. "I just… wanted to protect my family…"
Silence filled the chamber, cold and suffocating. Mark's shoulders slumped, his head hanging low. He felt defeated, broken. For the first time in his life, he truly felt powerless.
A faint voice echoed in his mind, cold and mechanical.
[Host in distress. Activating support protocol.]
[New Skill Acquired: Abyssal Sight – Max Level]
[Ability to perceive hidden energies and see through illusions.]
Mark's eyes snapped open as his vision changed. The room around him was no longer just stone and light. He could see the energy flowing through the chains, the symbols etched into the walls glowing with a dark, pulsating aura. It was ancient and complex, woven together with layers of protective magic.
He could see the faint outlines of other prisoners, trapped behind barriers of light—creatures of shadow and fire, beings that defied reality. They writhed and twisted, their forms shifting and changing, their eyes glowing with malice.
Mark's blood ran cold. This wasn't just a prison. It was a containment chamber for monsters.
His heart raced as he looked down at himself, the chains of light wrapped around his body, pulsating with the same ancient energy. They were treating him like a monster—like he was one of those creatures.
Panic surged through him, his breath coming in short gasps. "No… No, this isn't right. I'm not like them! I'm human!"
The chains tightened, their light growing harsher, colder. Mark's body shook, pain ripping through his chest. He could feel his power reacting, struggling against the restraints. It was like a beast inside him, roaring to be free.
His vision blurred, darkness creeping in at the edges. He could hear whispers, faint and distant, like voices from another world. They were cold, echoing, speaking in a language he didn't understand. But he could feel their intent—hatred, anger, despair.
Mark's body convulsed, his aura flaring with dark energy. The chains glowed brighter, their light fighting against the darkness. He screamed, his voice echoing through the hall as the power inside him surged, threatening to consume him.
And then, everything went silent.
The darkness faded, and Mark collapsed to his knees, gasping for breath. The chains loosened, their light dimming. He looked up, his eyes glowing with a faint, crimson light that slowly faded.
His heart raced, his mind swirling with fear and confusion. What was happening to him? Why did he feel so… different?
As he struggled to understand, the cold, mechanical voice echoed in his mind once more.
[Warning: Abyssal Influence Detected. Containment Protocol Activated.]
[Power Source… Incomplete. Seek Origin Core to stabilize.]
Mark's eyes widened. Origin Core? What was that? And why did he need it to stabilize his power?
Before he could process it, the iron door creaked open, and a figure stepped inside, their aura cold and suffocating.
Mark's heart skipped a beat as he recognized the man. It was Quintin Mendrez, one of the Elite Council members known for his ruthless methods and merciless power. His eyes were cold, his face devoid of emotion.
Quintin's voice was like ice. "You're awake… Good. It's time for your interrogation."
Mark's body went cold, his fists tightening as he prepared for whatever was coming next. He had to survive. He had to find answers. And above all… he had to escape this prison.
End of Chapter 6