Chapter 549 Second Act - The Real Beginning
"So you're finally awake," a sweet voice echoed in my ears, pulling me from my long sleep. As my vision cleared, I saw a beautiful woman with short orange hair and eyes.
She wore a brown leather jacket, similar to those seen in fantasy movies. Around her neck hung green gems that radiated a faint, powerful energy.
A bow, crafted from some kind of ancient wood, was slung across her back, along with arrows tipped with green gems.
"Where am I?" I asked.
"As expected of a greenhorn," she sighed, treating me like I was an idiot, which really didn't sit well with me.
"I said where am I? Answer me," I demanded, using my suggestion ability on her.
"Idiot, do you think your mind control will work on me?" she sneered with contempt.
Before I could react, she slapped me hard across the face. The impact was so powerful it felt like being hit by a train, sending me crashing against the wall with a resounding thud.
"Do that stupid thing again, greenhorn, and I'll kill you," she warned.
Wait, what just happened?
It wasn't that I had become too weak to handle the blow; it was that the woman was outrageously strong.
"Greenhorn, are you still confused? Remember being trap in a super realistic copy of your world?" she asked.
"Yes," I answered.
"How many years did you spend before you realized it?" she asked with curiosity.
I paused for a moment before answering. "A few hours?,"
"Bullshit!" she chuckled, then started laughing.
"You're telling me it only took you a couple of hours to realize it? What are you, a godlike genius?" She continued to laugh, tears forming in her eyes.
"Listen here, greenhorn. Only the selected few can wake up from that and it took them months . Even I took 2 years to realize it."
"So, it means you're the idiot one?" I spat back, dusting off my clothes.
I was inside a huge cavern. The light was dim, and shadows moved around the rocks.
Below me was a big round metal platform that looked really out of place. It was shiny and cold, very different from the rough, natural rocks around it.
Looking closely, I noticed patterns etched into the metal. They looked like symbols or codes.
"Idiot? Do you know who I am?" she interrupted my thoughts with a burst of confidence. She drew an arrow from her back, ready to show just how powerful she was.
"I conquered my whole world using only this bow." she added
I instinctively felt fear, sensing just how powerful those arrows were.
"Alright, I believe you," I said, waving my hands in surrender. I had no idea where I was, so I needed to adjust and adapt.
I felt like I could beat her if I wanted to, but that would leave me with no one to ask questions.
Besides, she hadn't killed me while I was asleep, so she must have come here for another reason.
"So what is this place?" I asked, keeping my tone firm but not too aggressive. Stay updated via My Virtual Library Empire
She glanced at me, her expression still annoyed
"You're in a prison ," she replied, her voice cold and serious. "A place where people crazy enough to mess with time are locked up."
I blinked, trying to process her words. "Wait, prison? "
"Yes, genius," she scoffed. "You've tampered with time enough that the wraiths noticed. Now you're stuck here forever "
"But I thought I destroyed the them when I destroyed the multiverse," I muttered aloud.
"You? Destroyed the multiverse?" she said between laughs.
"Listen, whatever you experienced was nothing but someone playing games with you."
"But I even meet..."
"Yeah, yeah. You met that white figure, right? It's the same old story with different outcome based on how dramatic he wanted your life to be. That guy is the 'God,' and we were basically just his toys. I'm betting that whole multiverse destruction feat was just him messing with you."
"Are you saying that everything I experienced after meeting him was fake?" I asked, the idea making me shiver.
"Not everything. If we had similar experiences, then he probably let you return to your world first, after having his fun with you. He must have put you in this prison later, once you showed him that you could still entertain him."
"That's just crazy," I said, rubbing my temples.
"The most dangerous god is a bored one," she replied with a heavy sigh.
"Then what about my real reality?" I asked quickly.
"No idea" she sighed. "I'm also trapped in this place. "
"Is there a way to escape?" I asked, glancing around.
It didn't seem like the kind of place I'd want to stay for long.
She smirked, crossing her arms. "Escape? Sure, if you like to waste your time. No one's ever gotten out. But hey, you're welcome to try. It'll be... entertaining to watch."
I didn't like the way she said it, but I held back my irritation. After all, we were both stuck here, whether I liked it or not.
"So, where are the others?" I inquired, hoping for some useful information.
"I don't know," she shrugged. "They're either dead or hiding somewhere. This place isn't just dangerous—it strips most of our power from the world we came from. I wouldn't be too cocky if I were you. Greenhorns like you who still think they're big shots? You'll end up dead in no time,"
"I'll take that into consideration," I replied, choosing to tolerate her attitude for the moment.
I wasn't used to this—feeling vulnerable. Back in Earth, I was untouchable. Here, though? I had no idea what the rules were, so it was better to stick with her.
"Can I at least ask what's your name?" I inquired, trying to keep my tone as neutral as possible.
She looked at me for a moment, as if deciding whether I was worth the answer.
Then, with a slight smirk, she replied, "Aria. And don't get too comfortable, greenhorn. I been here for way longer than you can imagine,"
Aria. It didn't tell me much, but it was a start.
"My name is Zyden," I said, extending my hand for a handshake. "I'm not used to this place, so it would help a lot if you took me under your wing."
I could read her kind from miles away. She probably came here hoping to make me her lackey, so I'd play along for now.
If kissing her feet was what it took to make my life easier, I'd do it. I was really good at sucking up when it was needed.
Besides, I had to admit, she was really beautiful. She also smelled nice, like lavender which somehow stimulate my desires.
Her expression softened, and a satisfied smile spread across her face.
"Now you're speaking my language," she said, her tone lightening. "It's good to see you're not just another arrogant fool. I might be able to use someone with your attitude. Stick with me, and I'll show you the ropes."
"Thank you very much," I said with a gentle smile, returning her gesture. Though the smile was entirely fake, my acting skills made it look genuine.
"Just follow me," she said, "This place will be gone soon, and we need to get out before more people arrive."