Rebound In Time

Mitchell's steps were heavy as he trudged toward his cave. The forest around him was alive with sound—the rustle of leaves, the distant call of birds, the chirping of insects—but all of it felt muted, drowned beneath the storm of his thoughts. The visions of the purple God and crimson nightmare still lingered, like shadows at the edge of his perception, and Jack's voice—though comforting—had only raised more questions than answers.

The cave lay nestled at the base of a craggy hill, hidden from casual passersby by the thick underbrush and tall, ancient trees. It was close enough to the nearby village for supplies but far enough to avoid prying eyes. As Mitchell approached, the entrance loomed before him—a jagged, rocky mouth sealed by a smooth, unyielding wall of stone. Inscribed across its surface were glowing purple runes, their light dim but unmistakable.

He stopped in front of it and placed his hand on the cold surface, hesitating for a moment. The runes seemed to react to his touch, faintly pulsing like a heartbeat.

"Jack," Mitchell muttered, his voice tinged with frustration and exhaustion. "Do your thing."

Jack's voice, distant but steady, echoed in his mind. "Focus, Mitchell. You can do this . Channel it".

Mitchell closed his eyes, letting out a slow breath as he concentrated. He felt the familiar sensation of Jack's presence stirring within him, a faint but undeniable energy. The purple aura began to seep from his hand, spreading across the surface of the stone. The runes flared to life, casting an ethereal glow that illuminated the area.

The stone wall shuddered, a low rumble resonating through the ground, before it split apart with a sharp crack. The entrance yawned open, revealing the dark interior of the cave. Mitchell stepped inside, the cool air washing over him like a balm.

The interior was breathtaking, even after all this time. Smooth, crystalline walls shimmered faintly in the dim light, veins of luminous minerals casting a soft glow that lit the space. The cavern was larger than it appeared from the outside, with various alcoves and passages branching off like the roots of an ancient tree. At the far end was a small, clear pool fed by a steady trickle of water from above—a natural spring that served as his bath and water source.

Mitchell headed straight for the pool, shrugging off his tattered jacket and shirt. The fabric was stained and frayed, a testament to the rough days he'd spent wandering and battling for survival. He grimaced at the sight.

As he approached the pool, he noticed the faint hum of energy emanating from the surrounding stone. The Spirit Realm's technology was something he still struggled to wrap his head around, but it had its perks. He tossed his clothes onto a nearby platform, which lit up in response. The platform began to glow, and with a faint hum, the clothes seemed to dissolve into a swirl of light.

Moments later, they reappeared, fresh and whole, as if they had never been damaged. Mitchell picked up the jacket, running his fingers over the fabric. It felt brand new, the texture soft and clean. He let out an impressed whistle.

"Technology here is something else," he muttered, shaking his head. "We could use this back home."

Jack's voice was faintly amused. "Spirit energy and ingenuity. A potent combination."

Mitchell turned his attention back to the pool, stripping down and slipping into the cool, clear water. He sank in with a sigh, the tension in his muscles slowly easing as the water seemed to wash away more than just dirt and grime. It felt almost therapeutic, the energy within the water revitalizing him in a way that was both physical and mental.

After a while, he climbed out, drying off with a towel he'd left nearby and dressing in his newly restored clothes. He felt lighter, fresher, and ready to face the next challenge—whatever it might be.

He later went to admire the rooms in the cave. They all looked so luxurious and unique. ' How did they stay like this for so long, i have slept for over a hundred years ' he asked himself inwardly .

"You like what you see? " jack asked in a proud voice. This was a cave abode he used a few years back when he was still at spirit repository . The artificial cleaning still continues even after all of these years.

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The village wasn't far, a short walk from the forest's edge. It was a modest settlement, with cobblestone streets and wooden buildings, but it was bustling with activity. Vendors called out from market stalls, cultivators with low cultivation bases chatted and laughed as they went about their day, and children darted through the streets in play.

Mitchell's destination was the Adventurer's Guild, a large, sturdy building near the center of the village. It was a place where mercenaries, explorers, and all manner of adventurers gathered to take on jobs, trade information, and restock supplies. He needed food, and taking on a few missions seemed like the best way to earn the coins he needed.

As he approached the guild, he was distracted by the sights and sounds of the busy street. He didn't notice the young woman stepping out of the guild's entrance until it was too late.

They collided, and Mitchell stumbled back, barely catching himself. The girl let out a small muffled sound.