Chapter 6 :Beneath the Thirteenth Chain
1123 Words
Chapter 6:Beneath the Thirteenth Chain
“Haha… I was just joking. We’re not going to do anything to them, and they won’t do anything to us. Now, let’s see what kind of talents you’ve got.”
So, Taichi, Quigo, and I set off toward the center of the village for an assessment. As we walked around, I noticed many unique and extraordinary abilities—things that would be considered impossible in my old world.
“Haha… amazing!” I couldn’t help but blurt out, my curiosity fully awakened. Taichi, walking beside me, added, “I’m sure I’ll get the strongest ability. I could crush any obstacle in my way.” While saying this, he glanced at Hazaqui with a cold, disdainful look, then smirked.
I had almost forgotten that he was a complete maniac with a naturally ruthless nature. Quigo listened to our conversation in silence, not saying a word. After about ten minutes, we finally reached our destination.
“Let’s go inside.”
I lifted my gaze toward the towering structure, feeling as if I were staring at a monument from another world. I began walking toward the temple. The path was paved with weathered grey stones, overgrown with moss and worn smooth by time. Each step echoed softly against the ancient ground. On both sides, tall wooden pillars stood, their surfaces darkened and polished by age, flickering in the warm golden light of the lanterns swaying gently in the breeze.
The temple loomed through a veil of mist like a mountain carved from stone, its roof disappearing into the clouds. Enormous statues of armored warriors stood in silence, their gaze fixed forward, casting a sense of solemnity and awe. As I approached, the faint chime of the temple’s bell seemed to resonate deep within my chest. Watching from a distance was Quigo, along with a small group dressed in strange garments, their eyes fixed on me.
“This is your warning,” Quigo said quietly. “From here on, you must follow the rules. No exceptions.”
I slowed my pace as I reached the colossal wooden gates, stopping just a few steps away. The carvings on the door glimmered faintly, and a gentle floral scent drifted from within. Quigo stepped forward, glanced at me, and with a solemn nod pushed the gates open. At once, a deep, resonant sound rolled out, as if the air itself were holding its breath.
Sunlight poured into the courtyard, where fragrant breezes mingled with the sweet scent of flowers. The air here was pure, almost otherworldly. Hundreds of crystal pillars rose toward the sky, glowing faintly. A young man approached, bowed slightly, and spoke, “Welcome. I am Ruu, guardian of this temple. Please, follow me.”
We walked to the center of the courtyard, where an elder awaited. His name was Thach Dinh Nguyen, the keeper of a gem said to hold the power of a human soul. In the middle of the yard, a great crystal sphere rested on a stone pedestal, surrounded by eight radiant gemstones of different colors — red, blue, green, yellow, black, white, silver, and gold.
Ruu gestured toward it. “This is the Vong Tham Dinh. When your heart wavers, Thach Dinh Nguyen will see through it and reveal your true nature.”
I swallowed hard, unsure why, but the gentle light from the stones seemed to weigh heavily on my chest. Quigo stood nearby, arms folded, silently watching — as though urging me to step forward without fear.
Ruu’s voice rang out:
“Begin the awakening.”
As I crossed the final steps, my heart pounded. The moment my fingers brushed the crystal, a flood of light burst from its core, racing through me like lightning. My body trembled, my senses drowned in heat and cold at once. It felt as if flames and blood were coursing together through every vein, tearing apart everything I thought I knew.
The space around me suddenly dimmed. I could no longer tell if I was standing on solid ground or floating in an endless circle of magic, as if suspended in the middle of a vast ocean. The water shimmered faintly in every direction, yet deep below, a glimmer of red light pulsed in rhythm with my heartbeat.
I sank deeper and deeper. The further I went, the stronger the feeling grew that something was waiting for me. At last, I saw it — a sword, massive and ancient, bound tightly by countless chains of steel.
A faint, chilling laugh echoed, like metal striking in the darkness:
“Finally… someone with the courage to step this far.”
I halted, taking half a step back, my eyes locked on the blade.
“Who are you?”
“I am the Vermilion Edge, the Seal of Chi Linh. If you can claim me, I can take any form you desire — sword, spear, bow, even armor. But…” — the voice lowered to a whisper — “with every summons, a part of your strength, your very life force, will flow into me. If you are strong, I will grow stronger. If you are weak… I will consume you.”
The voice pressed deeper into my mind, each word sharp as a blade:
“So… what do you truly want? To live? To survive? To protect? Or… to shatter the chains that bind you to this world?”
I clenched my fist.
“To protect! I will wield you, and you will fight beside me with my soul!”
From the darkness, a shadowy figure emerged, its tone almost amused.
“Haaaa… Good. I see your resolve. Break these seals, and I will grant you my power.”
I stepped forward and touched the first layer of chains. In an instant, glowing symbols flared to life. A powerful force erupted outward, the air crackling with energy. The sword’s form blazed with red light, as if ready to cut through the sky itself.
A loud c***k rang out, and the seal shattered. The blade trembled in my grip, releasing a surge of searing heat that flooded through my entire body. The remaining chains rattled wildly, as though daring me to break them and unleash its full strength.
Before I could take another step, the sphere of light collapsed. My vision cleared — I was back in the courtyard. But my hands now gripped a blazing sword, its heat burning into my skin.
Ruu’s expression turned pale as his gaze fell on the glowing marks beneath my feet.
“Impossible… You’ve awakened one of the Thirteen Seals of Vermilion Edge!”
Quigo stood in the corner, the corner of his mouth curling into a smirk.
“Interesting…”
- Writer
