Chapter 6 – The Scarlet Resonance
The cave was silent, but Raphael could still feel the monster's presence outside. Its roars echoed in the distance, like a constant threat. Here, in the temple, he had found the Scarlet Chains... and they had bound themselves to him, embedding themselves in his flesh.
He raised his arms. The chains vibrated impatiently, as if waiting for a command. Raphael took a deep breath.
"All right... let's see what you can do."
He threw the chains against the wall. The scarlet metal stretched out at once, striking the stone with brutal force. The wall cracked, splinters flying. Raphael stepped back, eyes wide.
"Oh... not bad." That's heavy stuff.
He repeated the experiment, the chains clanging against the rock, wrapping around a pillar before breaking it. Each movement seemed to obey his will, like an extension of his body. But each use tore at him with unbearable pain, as if the flesh of his arms were being torn apart.
The system appeared before him:
{ [Object: Scarlet Chains]
Status: Weapon bound to the wearer's blood.
Observation: The challenger tests his toy. Result: unnecessary destruction, gratuitous pain.
Comment: Congratulations, you are officially a masochist. }
Raphael grimaced.
"Can't you just say 'well done' for once? No, you always have to make fun of me."
He clenched his fists. What if I combine this with my perfect memory...
He activated his innate ability.
{ [Innate ability activated: Perfect Memory]
Duration: 5 minutes
Remaining uses today: 5
Backlash imminent. }
His mind lit up. Every detail of the temple, every crack in the wall, every vibration of the chains was engraved in him. But suddenly, the Scarlet Chains reacted. They wrapped themselves tighter around his arms, pulsing as if they were merging with his power.
A searing pain exploded through his body. Raphael screamed, falling to his knees. The chains burst into a scarlet red glow. His hair changed color, turning from black to scarlet pink, his eyes shining with the same glow.
The system reappeared, but this time, the interface changed before his eyes:
{ [Modified Innate Ability: Scarlet Memory]
Duration: 10 minutes (increased by resonance from Scarlet Chains)
Uses remaining today: 5
Sub-skill:
- Slowed Observation
Effect: The challenger's observation time is slowed. Enemy movements appear slower, allowing for more accurate analysis.
Transformation:
- Hair: Scarlet Pink
- Eyes: Scarlet Pink
Status: Resonant Form activated. }
Raphael stood frozen, panting, his arms burning.
"Wait... what?! Scarlet Memory?! And only five uses per day?!"
He burst out laughing nervously.
"Great... so I have an ability that makes me suffer like I'm being put through a meat grinder, and now you're reducing my chances of using it. Thanks, system, really, you're a real friend."
The system added a line, mockingly:
{ Comment: Less use, more pain. But at least you look stylish. }
Raphael slammed his fist on the floor, furious.
"Stylish?! You think I'm going to pick up monsters with my pink hair?!"
But despite his anger, he felt the new power. His senses were sharpened, the world seemed to slow down around him. Every detail was clear, every vibration perceptible.
He stood up, the scarlet chains fluttering around him like living snakes. His gaze was icy. With this... I can survive.
Yet a shiver ran down his spine. He felt like he was being watched. Not by the monster outside, nor by the system. Another presence, invisible but oppressive. The inscriptions on the temple seemed to vibrate, as if they were looking at him.
Raphael looked up at the walls.
"Who's there?"
Silence. Only the scarlet chains echoed, pulsing like a heart.
Then, suddenly, the scarlet glow faded. His hair returned to its black color, his eyes became green again. But the pain... it exploded, even more violent than before. Raphael collapsed, screaming, his body shaking as if a thousand blades were piercing him relentlessly.
He remained on the ground, trembling, each breath a torture. The system displayed one last message:
{ [Amplified backlash]
Observation: The challenger is experiencing extreme pain.
Comment: Well done, you're alive... but you look like a walking corpse. }
Raphael clenched his teeth, his fists tight. I won't give in. Not now.
He slowly got up, each movement painful, but his eyes shone with new resolve. The scarlet chains vibrated faintly, as if they recognized his determination.
He left the temple, his steps heavy but sure. In front of the cave entrance, he looked up at the system interface.
{ [Quest progress: 02:14 / Time remaining: 02:46] }
Raphael took a deep breath.
"Two hours and fourteen minutes... I have less than three hours left. So... let the game continue."
And he stepped out of the cave, ready to face hell.