At the heart of a forgotten chamber, Jim froze. Before him stood a colossal crystalline structure, its surface glowing faintly with an inner radiance. He approached, his hand trembling as he reached out to touch its cold surface. Inside, he could see her. Encased in the crystal was a figure—a woman of otherworldly beauty. Her form seemed human but also something more, an intricate interplay of flesh and crystal, She radiated a serene grace, her face calm, as if caught in eternal sleep. Jim's heart pounded in his chest, an ache of fear warring within him, He turned to leave, his mind spinning with questions, but his path was blocked by the sound of heavy boots. Lorn appeared at the chamber entrance, flanked by five of his men. Their lanterns bobbed in the darkness, casting harsh light over the scene.
Their armor is hardly that of knights—just thick, dirt-streaked gambesons, the quilted fabric patched so many times it's more stitch than cloth, Over them, they wear leather vests, cracked and darkened by sweat and grime, Their helmets, dented iron caps, sit low over their brows, the edges rusted where metal meets the damp air, Beneath them, their faces are shadowed, streaked with dust, their beards unkempt, Their hands, wrapped in rough leather gloves, are calloused from gripping pickaxes day and night, Their boots, heavy and reinforced with iron at the toes, are thick with dried mud and the fine, glittering dust of the mines, Belts, worn and frayed, hold a few crude tools—small hammers, dull daggers, and pouches likely filled with nothing but rock chips and exhaustion, Tattered wool cloaks drape over their shoulders, more for warmth than status, the edges frayed where they have caught on jagged stone.
"You've been sneaking around, boy," Lorn growled, his voice echoing off the walls.
"And now I see why."
Jim took a step back, his hands raised.
"I didn't do anything! I just found it—I swear!"
Lorn's eyes narrowed.
"Found it? This mining belongs to the king, and any crystal inside it does too. We pay you to mine the crystal, not to waste time! You eat and drink—remember, the king is the only reason you're alive, and you show your gratitude by playing? We need to finish as fast as possible before the rift closes and traps us inside. I'm going to teach you a lesson—just wait!"
He motioned for two of his men.
"Get it out of there."
The two men moved toward the crystal, their hands brushing the smooth surface as they studied it for any cracks or weaknesses.
Meanwhile, Lorn turned his full attention to Jim.
"You think you can steal from the king and get away with it?" Lorn snarled.
He shoved Jim backward, his strength sending the boy sprawling onto the rocky ground.
Jim scrambled to his feet, but Lorn was on him.
His fist connected with Jim's jaw, the blow sending pain radiating through his skull.
"Thieves like you don't deserve mercy," Lorn spat.
Two more guards grabbed Jim, pinning his arms while Lorn struck him again.
Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth as he struggled to breathe.
The fifth man, stationed at the chamber's entrance, glanced back nervously at the scene.
His grip tightened on his weapon as if sensing something was wrong.
Jim's plea for mercy was cut short by a sudden, deafening crack.
The crystalline structure split open, and a blinding red light burst from within, filling the chamber.
The sound was unbearable, an eerie, resonant hum that shook the walls.
Jim barely registered the chaos around him as the guards stumbled back, shielding their eyes.
The two men closest to the crystal turned, their faces twisted in confusion.
But before they could react, the red light flared violently, and they fell to the ground without a sound, their bodies motionless.
Jim's mind struggled to keep up with what was happening.
One moment, Lorn was yelling orders, his voice sharp and commanding.
The next, the room was filled with a sickening crack and the sound of bodies hitting stone.
It all happened so fast.
The last thing Jim saw before the light dimmed was Lorn's wide-eyed face, his mouth open in a silent scream.
The guards beside him dropped in quick succession, their lives snuffed out in an instant.
The one by the entrance turned and ran, his footsteps fading into the tunnel.
When the light faded, Jim's senses returned in fragments.
The coppery scent of blood filled the air, mingling with the acrid tang of fear.
He blinked, his vision adjusting to the dim chamber.
She stood there, fully free from the shattered crystal.
Her body was a perfect blend of human and gemstone, her glowing form exuding an unearthly presence.
And she was naked.
Jim's cheeks burned as he stared, unable to comprehend what he was seeing.
But her gaze was fixed not on him but on the fallen men around her.
The room was silent save for a single sound.
Drip.
A droplet of blood fell from her hand, striking the stone floor with a quiet finality.
Jim trembled as her eyes turned to him, unreadable and yet strangely calm.
She moved forward, slow and deliberate.
He flinched, thinking his end had come.
But instead of striking, she stood over him, gazing down at him with an intensity that made his breath hitch.
Her presence was overwhelming, her proximity both terrifying and strangely magnetic.
Her eyes, glowing faintly, turned back to Jim.
Then, to his utter astonishment, she leaned down.
He braced himself, certain her next move would be to end his life.
But instead, her lips met his.
The kiss was soft yet powerful, filled with something he couldn't describe.
It was as though she was imprinting something upon him—a connection, a mark, a silent understanding.
i love you ! say it in very soft voice
When she pulled back, her gaze lingered on him for a moment longer.
Then, without a word, she turned and walked back to the shattered remains of the crystal.
Sitting among the shards, she folded her legs, resting her hands on her knees.
Her eyes never left his.
Still trembling, Jim hesitated before stepping up.
Jim's trembling hand reached out to one of the fallen guards to help him get up.
He tugged at his coat, his fingers fumbling to remove it.
Holding it out to her, he whispered hoarsely, "Here... take this."
Wrapping it around herself, she secured it loosely, its size far too large for her slender frame, her silent presence both unnerving and oddly comforting.
Then, a huge black spider with glowing red eyes crawled into the cave.
It moved with eerie speed, snatching up the guard who had tried to flee.
The man barely had time to scream before the creature sank its fangs into him, beginning its gruesome feast.
She tensed, ready to fight the beast—but before she could act, a group of knights emerged behind black spider, Seeing their shining armor and drawn weapons, she stepped back, letting them take the fight instead.
The massive black spider let out a shrill, chittering hiss as it sank its fangs deeper into the fallen guard's body, its red eyes gleaming with hunger.
The massive black spider reared up, its crimson eyes glowing like burning coals.
Its fangs dripped with venom as it screeched, the sound bouncing off the cave walls.
Just as it lunged, ten red-haired warriors rushed forward, their movements swift and precise.
They hurled out iron restraints, heavy chains laced with runes that clanked and tightened around the beast's legs and torso.
The spider thrashed, its powerful limbs straining against the bonds, but the iron held firm.
Seizing the moment, six more red-haired warriors charged in, their blades gleaming in the dim light.
One after another, they struck with brutal efficiency, slicing through the spider's legs.
The thick, armored limbs cracked and fell, their severed ends steaming as they hit the cold stone floor.
The spider let out a shrill, inhuman wail before collapsing, its body slamming into the ground with a heavy thud.
As it writhed, a voice rang out from behind—"The Molten Abyss!"
tow warriors, standing just beyond the fallen creature, raised their hands.
A deep crimson glow spread beneath the beast as blazing runes ignited the stone.
Then, with a sudden roar, the ground itself burst into flames, swallowing the spider in a searing inferno.
The monster screeched, its charred exoskeleton cracking under the relentless heat.
The fire roared, but it was not over yet.
Another voice cut through the chaos—"Blazing Torrent!"
A moment later, five warriors unleashed a final assault, sending forth a surge of fire, a wave of destruction that struck the burning spider with explosive force.
The flames engulfed what remained of the beast, turning its body into ash within seconds.
The spider let out one final, piercing wail before collapsing in a smoldering heap, its massive body curling inward as the fire consumed it from within As the fire died down, the cave fell silent.
In the center of the smoldering remains, a black crystal lay untouched amid the soot and embers.
Then, a sharp voice cut through the fading embers "Reorganize!"
At once, the red-haired warriors began moving.
They stepped into formation with precise, practiced movements, forming a disciplined line.
The ten red ponytail hairs positioned themselves at the rear, standing in perfect alignment.
Ahead of them, five warriors stood in formation, their weapons still gleaming from battle.
At the very front, tow warriors remained, their stance firm, as if ready for the next command.
It was then that you noticed something strange—the red ponytails-haired warriors all wore masks, concealing their faces entirely.
Unlike them, the other ten warriors stood with their faces uncovered, their expressions sharp and unwavering.
Before you could dwell on it, another group approached.
Sixteen knights stepped forward, their armor clanking with each step.
Despite not having seen them fight, you noticed something odd—two of them were breathing heavily, their shoulders rising and falling as if exhausted from battle that never happened.
The fight was over.
The beast was dead.
She exhaled slowly.
She had been ready to fight, but it seemed the knights had handled it well enough.
For now.
I grabbed her hand and whispered, "It's safe now. Calm down."
She looked at me and slowly stepped behind me.
Now that the battle was over, the royal guards turned to us.
Were they going to fight us next?
"Relax," one of the knight said.
"You're safe now."
As the smoldering corpse of the spider crackled and burned, one of the knights stepped forward.
He removed his scorched helmet, revealing a stern face lined with battle experience.
His short blond hair was damp with sweat, and his piercing blue eyes studied Jim and the others carefully.
"Captain Richardson of the Knights of Heaven's Port," he introduced himself, his voice steady and commanding.
"This rift has entered the fourth cycle. It's becoming more unstable and dangerous by the minute. It would be wise to retreat to the safe zone before it's too late."
Jim, still catching his breath, wiped the soot from his face and stepped forward.
"Hello, Captain. I'm Jim. I'm looking for my friends—we're miners, working for the King's company."
Captain Richardson frowned slightly, glancing at the deep, pulsing glow further inside the cave.
"If your friends are still in here, we need to find them quickly. The rift won't stay open much longer."
Jim nodded, determination in his eyes.
He wasn't leaving without them.
Captain Richardson's expression remained firm as he glanced at Jim and the others.
"I have my orders—to evacuate all civilians," he stated.
Then, turning to one of his men, he gave a sharp nod.
"Sir Alden, take them to the safe zone."
The knight, a tall man with a scar across his cheek, stepped forward.
"Understood, Captain."
He gestured for Jim and the others to follow.
Jim hesitated, his hands clenching into fists.
"But my friends—"
Richardson met his gaze, unwavering.
"We'll continue searching for more survivors. But you need to leave—now."
As the group prepared to leave, two adventurers began to argue among themselves.
They are mercenaries working under the Guild Company.
"That black spider crystal is worth a fortune," one of them grumbled, a wiry man with a rough beard.
"We killed the damn thing; we should take loot."
Taking it said Sir Alden but do not get behind.
The other adventurer is a red-haired woman clad in leather armor, scoffed it is heavy crystal.
Sir Alden didn't turn, but his voice was sharp.
"It is dangerous move faster."
Sir Alden marched ahead with steady, purposeful steps, behind him his man there armor gleaming under the dim torchlight.
Their white and blue plate armor stood out among the dark, soot-covered cave walls, a symbol of the Knights of Heaven's Port.
A golden winged emblem was engraved on the chest plate, representing their Divine Protector.
Their pauldrons were broad, reinforced for battle, while a long blue cape draped over their back, slightly tattered from past encounters.
At their side hung a silver longsword, its hilt decorated with intricate engravings of celestial patterns.
As we walked, one of the adventurers narrowed his eyes at the girl in their group.
"Hey... she moved before any of us even reacted."
His voice carried curiosity and suspicion.
Sir Alden glanced at her, his expression unreadable.
"Doll," he muttered under his breath.
The adventurer raised an eyebrow.
"Is she an advanced version? I've never seen one like her before. The old ones always had masks covering their faces. That means she must be new."
Sir Alden remained silent, his gaze lingering on her for a moment before looking ahead.
The girl stood slightly apart from the rest, her short red hair barely reaching her shoulders.
Unlike the knights' heavy armor, she wore a sleek, tactical suit of dark steel and reinforced plates, built for speed rather than raw defense.
On her left shoulder, the same winged emblem as Sir Alden's was etched into the armor, marking her connection to the knights.
But what stood out the most was the small engraving of numbers and letters behind her right ear, barely visible against her pale skin.
The second adventurer scoffed.
"What is she, anyway? And how the hell can she use magic? No human can cast magic naturally."
Sir Alden exhaled slowly before answering.
"She is a new Unity. A prototype we are testing for the company. There are only four others like her."
The first adventurer frowned.
"And the other two?"
Sir Alden's expression darkened slightly.
"They are... special. If you want to know more, ask Captain Richardson. They belong to him."
"Before we got to the safe zone the woman asked grimly," Did you hear about Rosalie Colony?".
The bearded man nodded, his expression turning somber.
"Destroyed. Wiped out completely. by monsters H.E.N."
Silence fell over the group as the weight of her words settled in.
The path to the safe zone suddenly felt much longer.
As we entered the safe zone, we found ourselves in a small, temporary fortress built into the cavern.
The walls were made of thick stone and reinforced wooden beams, hastily but effectively constructed to withstand the dangers of the rift.
Torches flickered along the walls, casting long shadows, while a few watchmen in armor patrolled the perimeter, their hands never far from their weapons.
Sir Alden led us to the heavy iron doors at the entrance.
With a deep creak, they swung open, revealing the fort's interior.
The space was cramped but functional—supply crates, weapons, and bedrolls lined the walls, while a few other survivors huddled around small fires, resting from their ordeals.
"Go up the stairs to the second floor," Sir Alden instructed.
"You'll meet the manager there. He'll sort out your stay."
Then The two disappeared through the heavy iron doors, rejoining their group of knights.
Their mission wasn't over yet.
We followed his directions, climbing a set of wooden stairs that creaked under our weight.
At the top, we were met by a man sitting behind a sturdy, battle-worn desk.
He was in his mid-forties, with graying brown hair, sharp eyes, and a well-kept goatee.
His clothes were practical—a thick coat with reinforced leather plates—and on his belt hung a dagger, though it looked more ceremonial than practical.
He glanced up from a stack of documents, recognition flashing in his eyes when he saw the two adventurers.
"Well, well… look who made it back in one piece."
His voice was deep, laced with amusement.
"Didn't think I'd be seeing you two so soon."
One of the adventurers smirked.
"Yeah, yeah, Taron, we get it. We're hard to kill."
Jim, shifting uncomfortably, stepped forward.
"You're the manager here?"
Taron nodded, leaning back in his chair.
"That's right. I oversee things for the Guild Company in this sector. You're with them?"
He motioned to the adventurers.
"No," Jim shook his head.
"I'm a miner. Looking for my friends."
Taron exhaled, rubbing his temple.
"Miners, huh? That's rough. I'll see what I can do. For now, I'll have a room prepared for you. Get some rest—you'll need it."
A guard led us to a small room—barebones but better than the cold rock outside.
A few wooden beds, a dim lantern, and a wash basin and table were all we had, but it was enough.
Before heading to their own rooms, the two adventurers turned to Jim.
One of them reached into a small pouch and pulled out a chunk of dark crystal, still faintly pulsing with residual energy.
"This is your cut from the spider," he said, handing it over.
"You were there, so it's only fair you get a share," she said.
Jim took it, the cool surface tingling against his skin.
"Thanks."
The adventurers nodded before heading off, but, uh, is there any food here?"i ask guard
"You miners are all the same. Go to the mess hall. They should have something warm for you."
I got some food then went to my room to eat it with her.
When I opened the door I saw her standing there waiting for me.
"Are you always this silent? That's boring. Wait… but didn't you speak back then? Or was I just imagining it? And what about food? You don't eat either?"
I was thinking... you've been without food for so long. How have you survived?"
you have been sleeping most of the time maybe that is the reason you do not need to eat ? She said nothing but Then, slowly, she began to eat. I noticed with every bite she took, her body replaced the crystal parts with flesh. It looked as if she was regenerating her body by eating. She stopped after her crystal body parts were completely hidden, and flesh covered them entirely.
"I finished eating in silence while she watched me with her beautiful eyes.
I reclined on the bed, the cool sheets pressing against my back as I settled into the soft embrace of the mattress.
My head tilted slightly, my eyes tracing her every movement as she stood near the doorway.
Her fingers moved with a quiet grace, loosening the clasp of the tattered wool cloak I had given her earlier.
The fabric slid from her shoulders, cascading to the floor in a whisper of surrender.
She stepped out of it, her figure illuminated by the dim, golden light filtering through the room, and for a moment, time seemed to pause.
She moved toward me with a deliberate slowness, her bare feet barely making a sound against the floor.
The air between us grew heavier, charged with an unspoken tension that made my pulse quicken.
Her eyes never left mine, dark and intent, as if she could see straight through to the ache I hadn't yet voiced.
When she reached the edge of the bed, she paused, her gaze lingering on me as though memorizing the moment.
Then, she leaned in, her hands finding the hem of my shirt.
Her fingers brushed against my skin, sending a jolt of warmth through me.
Slowly, almost teasingly, she began to undress me, her touch deliberate and unhurried.
Each button undone, each piece of fabric pushed aside felt like a revelation, exposing not just my body but the raw vulnerability I hadn't realized I was holding onto.
I didn't stop her—I couldn't.
Her touch was intoxicating, and I was willingly, helplessly, under her spell.
Her palm cupped my cheek, her thumb brushing lightly over my skin as if to soothe the tension coiled within me.
She leaned in closer, her breath warm and uneven against my lips, and then she kissed me.
It wasn't a gentle kiss—it was hungry, desperate, as if she had been waiting for this moment as long as I had.
Her lips moved against mine with a rhythm that left me dizzy, her hands tangling in my hair, pulling me closer as if she feared I might slip away.
But she didn't stop there.
Her lips trailed down, leaving a searing path from my mouth to the curve of my jaw, then lower to the sensitive hollow of my throat.
Each kiss was a brand, a claim, and I felt myself unraveling beneath her touch.
Her hands followed, exploring every inch of me with a reverence that made my breath catch.
She kissed her way down my chest, her lips soft yet insistent, her touch igniting a fire that spread through my veins.
Her movements were slow, deliberate, as if she wanted to savor every second, every gasp, every shiver she drew from me.
And I let her.
I let her take control, let her unravel me piece by piece, until there was nothing left but the two of us, the heat of her body, and the promise of something more.
Do you like it? The voice from before was back. Yes, i do
Then I closed my eyes and enjoyed the moment. Then I heard her say, 'System, connect.