NOVEL WEB Chapter 4: Humans!!
After the Eagle's Departure
Zoser kept staring at the empty sky after the eagle had flown away, as if it had taken a piece of his fleeting comfort with it. But soon, he was forced to confront his grim reality. He began searching around for anything he could do when suddenly, he saw a transparent gazelle lightly stepping in front of him, as if its presence was not part of this world.
Hesitating for a moment, Zoser felt an internal pull drawing him toward the ethereal creature. Tentatively, he reached out, and as soon as his fingers brushed the creature, a surge of energy shot into his forehead. He felt an intense heat coursing through him, reminding him of the scarab embedded in his forehead. It was as if this spirit had awakened a hidden part of him.
Then, he sensed another pulse of heat below his navel, as though it originated from the depths of his being. Closing his eyes to focus on the sensation, Zoser visualized a glowing gaseous orb within himself. He realized this orb could be of use and struggled to extract it. It was challenging at first—gas was neither liquid to be poured nor solid to be held. After much effort, he managed to compress the gas and channel it through his energy pathways until it finally emerged in his hands as a faint glowing sphere.
Zoser gazed at the orb in amazement but couldn't sustain it for long. Within moments, it disappeared, leaving him drained. He realized this power wasn't just a luxury; it gave him a sense of fullness, suppressing his hunger. But now, exhaustion had brought that hunger roaring back.
Determined to find nourishment, Zoser searched tirelessly. Hours later, under the shadow of a tree, he spotted a familiar creature: a golden spider weaving its web, filled with honey ants he knew well. Carefully, he harvested what he needed, consuming the honey-stored ants. The nourishment revitalized him in ways he hadn't felt in a long time.
As night fell, Zoser realized the forest became far more perilous after dark. He decided to seek shelter and soon came across a narrow opening leading into a dark cave.
Zoser entered the cave cautiously, the darkness deepening as he ventured further. Each step brought an eerie chill, and he felt as though the cave itself was watching him. Suddenly, he noticed a faint light deeper inside.
Approaching with care, Zoser was abruptly struck by an unseen force, knocking him to the ground. Opening his eyes, he found a blade pressed against his neck, and a human figure looming over him.
It was a girl, around nineteen years old, her sharp eyes filled with both surprise and suspicion. She spoke sternly:
"How did you get here, child? This place is not meant for you."
Before Zoser could respond, another voice came from behind the girl:
"Lina, what is it?"
The girl turned toward the voice, revealing a tall man in his thirties. He held a staff carved with strange engravings and looked at Zoser with a penetrating gaze, as if trying to uncover his secrets.
The man, who seemed to command authority, said:
"Get off him, Lina. Let's hear his story first."
Lina hesitated but obeyed, removing the blade from Zoser. Slowly, he sat up, clutching his still-warm forehead where the spirit's touch lingered.
The man asked calmly:
"Who are you? And how did you end up here?"
Zoser hesitated briefly before replying in a faint voice:
"My name is Zoser… I got lost in the forest after my village was destroyed. I was looking for a place to hide."
The man was silent for a moment before a mysterious smile crossed his face.
"Welcome, Zoser. It seems you carry a secret far greater than what meets the eye."
Lina looked at Zoser with suspicion and said:
"Orion, we can't trust him easily. We must take him to the leader to decide."
The man nodded, replying:
"True, but there's no need to harm him."
Zoser slowly got to his feet, deciding to follow them, realizing this encounter could change the course of his journey forever.
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