As Kami stood helplessly at the center of the four roads, uncertainty weighed upon him. He did not know which path to take. Then, his gaze fell upon the ancient book in his hands.
"What is the meaning of the Four Paths of the Awakened Ways?" he asked quietly.
In response, glowing words began to form across the pages:
"This shall choose the pattern by which you awaken and systemize your abilities."
Kami frowned in confusion.
"I didn't come here for abilities," he muttered, "I came for the truth."
He took a step forward—slowly, lifelessly—as if drawn by something unseen. Then, all at once, he turned back, burst into a sprint, and leapt high into the air. His hand caught the edge of the chandelier that hung above him, and with every ounce of strength left in him, he pulled.
The chandelier tore loose from its chains, crashing down through the transparent glass floor. Kami fell with it, whispering to himself, "Whatever should happen… let it be."
They both hit the ground with thunderous force. Silence followed.
When Kami opened his eyes, he found himself in a thick, foggy expanse. Crawling free from the shattered chandelier, he reached for the small lamp he once carried. Its flame flickered faintly, guiding his steps as he moved deeper into the mist.
Gradually, the fog began to fade, revealing a desolate terrain filled with jagged rocks and forgotten relics. The air itself seemed black, heavy with despair.
Then, from the darkness, he saw it—an enormous beast with dark, flaming fur. Three heads. Many tails. A streak of white around its neck, and eyes burning with pure, murderous intent.
Kami froze, fear tightening his chest. He stumbled back as more creatures emerged—smaller, though no less dreadful. Some had black fur, others white. The great alpha among them threw back its heads and unleashed a deafening howl that shook the ground.
The force sent Kami staggering. When the howl ceased, the beast fixed its gaze directly on him. Kami's breath hitched—then he ran.
He ran without direction, lungs burning, heart hammering. When he dared to look back, the beasts had begun their pursuit. Desperate, he searched for a place to hide and spotted a massive, bent rock nearby.
He dove beneath it, gasping for breath, trying to steady his trembling hands. As he lay there, he heard a faint creaking sound beneath him. The ground shifted—and he realized there was a hidden door below.
Before he could think, a low growl echoed above him. Peering out, he saw one of the white-furred beasts glaring down from atop the rock. Startled, he pushed against the hidden door with all his might. It gave way suddenly, and Kami tumbled into the darkness below.
He fell fast, hitting the ground hard. Pain shot through his body. Gasping, he rose slowly, his lamp still clutched in his hand. Its flame was dying.
Blowing gently, he coaxed the fire back to life. The flickering light illuminated the chamber around him—an underground place soaked in red mist.
There, before him, were countless souls—forsaken lives bound in chains, their faint forms writhing in eternal silence.
Kami stood frozen, the weight of pity and dread washing over him. The air was thick with sorrow. And he knew… this was no ordinary place.
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