SWNOVELXO Chapter 12: THE VOICE OF THE VOID
Chapter 12: The Voice of the Void
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The Journey Ahead
The glowing pathway stretched endlessly before them, flickering faintly as though it could vanish at any moment. The group walked cautiously, their earlier victory over the shadow guardian still fresh in their minds.
Yuki stared at the artifact in his hand, its surface now dull and lifeless. "So… does this thing have an off switch, or does it just power down whenever it feels like it?"
Buzzzy hovered beside him. "Analysis: The artifact's energy reserves may require replenishment. Recommend locating a source of compatible energy."
Yuki groaned. "Great. Another fetch quest."
Kaida rolled her eyes. "Stop complaining. That artifact saved us back there. You just need to learn how to use it properly."
Aria remained silent, her gaze fixed on the horizon. The stars seemed to swirl unnaturally, as if the void itself were alive and watching them.
"What's on your mind, Aria?" Kaida asked, noticing her tension.
"This place," Aria said softly. "The Void Realm… it's more than just a dimension. It's sentient. Every step we take, it's studying us, adapting."
"Wonderful," Yuki muttered. "An evil realm with a personality. Just what we needed."
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A Whisper in the Dark
As they continued walking, the air grew colder, and the faint hum of the pathway was replaced by an eerie silence.
Yuki shivered. "Is it just me, or is this place getting creepier?"
Before anyone could respond, a deep, resonant voice echoed around them, sending chills down their spines.
"Welcome, wanderers. You who dare to tread the paths of the Void."
The group froze. The voice seemed to come from everywhere and nowhere at once.
Kaida drew her sword, her eyes scanning the surroundings. "Who's there? Show yourself!"
The voice chuckled, low and menacing. "There is no need for weapons. I am not your enemy… yet."
Yuki took a step back, clutching the artifact. "Uh, can we skip the ominous riddles and get to the part where you tell us what you want?"
The voice ignored him. "You seek power, do you not? The Void offers much to those who are willing to sacrifice."
Aria stepped forward, her tone steady. "We're not here to make deals with the Void. We're passing through."
The voice laughed, louder this time. "Passing through? Foolish girl. No one passes through the Void unscathed."
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A Test of Resolve
The pathway beneath their feet began to crack, pieces falling away into the infinite abyss below. The group scrambled to keep their footing as the voice continued.
"If you wish to proceed, you must prove your worth. Show me the strength of your resolve."
A swirling vortex of shadow energy appeared before them, growing larger with each passing second. From within it emerged a massive creature—a serpentine being with glowing red eyes and scales that shimmered like liquid darkness.
"Of course," Yuki muttered. "Another monster. Just what I needed today."
The serpent lunged toward them, its movements impossibly fast. Kaida leapt into action, her sword clashing against its fangs. Sparks flew, and the force of the impact sent her skidding backward.
"Stay behind me!" she shouted, raising her weapon again.
Aria summoned a shield of light, deflecting the serpent's tail as it whipped toward Yuki. "Yuki, use the artifact!"
"It's not working!" Yuki yelled, shaking the artifact in frustration.
Buzzzy hovered over him, its sensors glowing. "Recommendation: Focus on the serpent's core. Its energy is linked to the Void itself."
"Sure, because hitting the giant shadow snake is so easy," Yuki grumbled.
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Unlocking the Artifact's Power
As the battle raged on, Yuki felt a strange pull from the artifact. It was faint, like a whisper at the edge of his mind, but it was there.
He closed his eyes, trying to block out the chaos around him. He focused on the artifact, on the warmth he'd felt before.
Show me your resolve.
The voice echoed in his mind, clearer now. Yuki clenched his fists, frustration and determination surging through him. "I don't know what you want from me, but I'm not giving up!"
The artifact began to glow faintly, its energy returning. A surge of light burst from it, striking the serpent's core. The creature let out a deafening roar, writhing in pain.
"You did it!" Kaida shouted, her sword cutting into the serpent's side.
The serpent recoiled, its form flickering. Aria stepped forward, her hands glowing with energy. "Yuki, keep going! It's weakening!"
Yuki raised the artifact again, this time with more confidence. The light grew stronger, enveloping the serpent completely.
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A New Path
When the light faded, the serpent was gone, and the pathway was whole once more. The voice returned, its tone softer but still unsettling.
"Interesting. Perhaps you are not as weak as you appear."
Kaida glared at the empty void. "If you're done testing us, we'll be on our way."
The voice chuckled. "Very well. But know this—your journey is far from over. The Void does not give its blessings freely. You will face greater trials ahead."
The air shifted, and a new pathway appeared, leading to a distant island shrouded in mist.
"This is your next destination," the voice said. "Reach it, and you may find the answers you seek. Fail, and you will join the countless souls lost to the Void."
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A Moment of Reflection
As the group began walking toward the new pathway, Yuki couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched.
"Why does everything in this realm have to be so cryptic?" he muttered.
Kaida smirked. "Because it's the Void. If it were straightforward, it wouldn't be nearly as terrifying."
Aria glanced at Yuki, her expression thoughtful. "You're starting to understand the artifact. That's good. But you need to trust it—and yourself."
Yuki sighed. "Trusting myself is easy. It's trusting this creepy glowing rock that's the hard part."
Buzzzy beeped. "Probability of success has increased to 42%. Progress noted."
"Forty-two percent?" Yuki said, groaning. "Remind me to reprogram you when we get out of here."
Kaida laughed. "Let's just focus on surviving first."
As they continued along the glowing path, the mist ahead began to clear, revealing a towering structure in the distance. Its spires reached into the void, pulsing with a dark energy that made Yuki's stomach churn.
"Whatever that is," Aria said, her voice low, "it's where we're going next."
Yuki swallowed hard. "Fantastic. I can't wait."
Unbeknownst to them, shadows moved in the distance, silent and watching. The Void was far from finished with them.
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End of Chapter 12