Extra Borne: Transmigrated Into A System Apocalypse Soulsborne Novel

The path to the towering spire was a haze of oppressive silence, broken only by the rhythmic thudding of the giants' massive footsteps. The chains binding my wrists and ankles clinked with every step, each sound a reminder of our captivity.

As we approached the spiraling tower, its sheer size loomed over us, blocking out the sun. Its surface wasn't smooth stone but something… unnatural. Shadows seemed to ripple across its dark surface, like black ink suspended in water. The air grew colder the closer we got, the chill settling deep into my bones.

The giant leading us stopped before an enormous set of doors carved into the base of the spire. They were covered in intricate patterns, twisting shapes and spirals that seemed to writhe when I looked at them for too long. Without hesitation, the giant pushed the doors open, the deep groan of stone grinding against stone reverberating through the air.

What lay beyond made me freeze in my tracks.

It was a throne room, but like everything else here, it was grotesquely oversized. The throne itself was carved from some dark, gleaming material, its surface jagged and sharp, as though it could cut anyone who dared sit upon it. Beneath the throne, embedded into the floor, was another massive door.

"Go in," the giant barked, his deep voice rumbling like distant thunder.

No one argued. The sight of those enormous hands, capable of crushing bones like twigs, was motivation enough. I nudged Celia and motioned for her to stay close to me. She gave a subtle nod and stepped closer, her chains rattling faintly as we moved together.

We passed through the grand chamber, the air thick with an unnatural weight. Every detail of the room felt off, the towering stone chairs that surrounded a massive, weathered table, the way the dim light flickered unnaturally, casting distorted shadows that danced across the walls.

Before I could take in more, the door behind us creaked open again.

I turned to see another giant entering the chamber, his heavy footsteps echoing ominously. Behind him, four more followed, their towering forms filling the space with an overwhelming presence.

One of them carried a large box, held effortlessly in one hand. My stomach twisted. What now?

The first giant, clearly their leader, stepped forward. His skin red, his armor was more ornate than the others', the dark metal adorned with jagged edges and strange, glowing runes that pulsed faintly like a heartbeat. Without a word, he gestured for the giant with the box to step forward.

The box was dropped unceremoniously onto the floor, the thud echoing in the silent chamber.

The leader turned to face us, his voice booming. "Eat."

With a single powerful kick, he sent the box tumbling over, its contents spilling onto the cold stone floor.

I recoiled instinctively, bile rising in my throat.

Black, writhing larvae spilled out, their glossy bodies glistening in the dim light. They were massive, each one as thick as my wrist and unnervingly active, squirming and wriggling as though trying to escape.

The chained people around me gasped, some stepping back despite their restraints. Murmurs of disbelief rippled through the group.

"What… what is that?"

"They can't expect us to eat that…"

"This is insane!"

I glanced at Celia. She stood still, her gaze fixed on the larvae. Her expression was unreadable, calm yet intense, as if trying to make sense of what lay before us.

The giant leader stomped his foot, the force of it shaking the ground. Everyone fell silent, the unspoken message clear... defy us, and you'll regret it.

I swallowed hard, my mind racing. What choice do we have? Refusal means death. Eating this… thing might mean the same. But at least it's a chance.

Before anyone could act, one of the prisoners, a man in his late thirties, his face gaunt and hollow, stepped forward. He moved hesitantly, trembling as he reached down and picked up one of the wriggling larvae.

The room was deathly silent as he brought it to his mouth.

He closed his eyes and swallowed it whole.

We all waited, breath held, expecting something horrific to happen. A scream, convulsions, anything. But… nothing. He stood there, pale and shaking, but otherwise unharmed.

A wave of reluctant relief washed over the group.

One by one, the others began stepping forward, each grabbing a larvae and choking it down. Their faces twisted with disgust, but they forced themselves to do it. The fear of the giants outweighed their revulsion.

Celia turned to me, her expression questioning. "Should we grab one?"

I forced a weak smile, trying to mask my unease. "What, you want them to bash our heads in with those hands first?"

Before I could say more, she darted forward, snatching one of the larvae with surprising speed. She turned back, a smirk playing on her lips.

"Cheater," I muttered under my breath as I followed her lead.

The larvae was cold and slimy in my hand, its wriggling movements sending a shiver of revulsion through me. Celia and I exchanged a glance, silently counting down.

Together, we swallowed.

It slid down my throat like ice, the sensation so alien and unnatural I almost gagged. My stomach churned violently, threatening to rebel, but I forced it to settle.

Moments passed. Then, the silence was broken.

A strangled cry came from one of the prisoners.

I turned just in time to see him collapse, his body convulsing violently. Blood gushed from his mouth, his eyes wide with terror. Then he went still, his lifeless form crumpling to the floor.

Panic erupted among the group.

My stomach twisted painfully, a low rumble echoing from within. I clenched my fists, trying to suppress the growing dread.

Was this how they planned to kill us?