NOVEL WEB Chapter 13: Chapter 13: Whispers in the dark
The chasm gapes wide before me, a wound in the earth that breathes out cold, fetid air. I stand at its edge, peering into the abyss below. The Hollowborn may be gone, but the corruption… it still lingers. Strong. Alive.
"Void God," Lira's voice pulls me back. She's watching me with a mix of fear and concern. "We should go back. The village needs to know the creature's dead."
I don't move. My eyes stay locked on the darkness. "The creature was just the beginning."
The words settle heavily between us. I can feel it — something else down there. Older. More dangerous.
But she's right. The village needs to know. And I need time to prepare.
For whatever's waiting below.
---
We return to Emberpine Village by nightfall. The people gather when they see us, hope flickering in their eyes. I deliver the news without ceremony.
"The Hollowborn is dead. The woods are safe — for now."
The crowd erupts into cheers. Relief washes over the village like a wave. But I notice the elder, Dalen, watching me with a furrowed brow. He knows there's more.
Later, in the quiet of the elder's house, I explain the truth. The chasm. The lingering corruption.
"We've bought time," I say, "but whatever lies beneath… it's still waiting."
Dalen's face grows pale, but he nods slowly. "We'll be ready. And you — you've already done more than we could have hoped."
---
The village celebrates that night, but I don't stay. I sit on the outskirts, sharpening my blade. Preparing.
Lira finds me. "You really don't rest, huh?"
"Rest is a weakness I can't afford," I reply without looking up.
She's quiet for a while, then sits beside me. "You're planning to go back, aren't you? Into the chasm."
"Yes."
She sighs. "Of course you are."
But she doesn't try to stop me.
---
[System Notification]
Reputation Increase: Emberpine Village — Trusted Defender
Reward: 1,000 Gold, Healing Elixirs (x5), Stamina Draughts (x3)**
Current Stats (Level 16):
Attack: 4500
Defense: 1500
Health: 16,000
Mana: 9,000
Stamina: 8,000
Luck: 7
Reputation: Trusted Defender (Emberpine Village)
---
The next morning, I stand at the chasm's edge once more. The darkness calls. And this time, I answer.
I step into the void.