Triple X System

Chapter 7: The Depths of Despair

The laboratory was a sterile, cold place, the hum of machinery and the soft glow of screens the only signs of life. But amidst the sea of metal and wires, one thing stood out - the pod, a gleaming, crystal clear container that held within it the key to Troy’s hopes and fears.

Lynn, his daughter, the princess of Lumia kingdom, floated inside, her delicate features frozen in a peaceful slime. Her long, flowing hair drifted around her head like a halo, and her skin was deathly pale, a stark contrast to the vibrant, lively girl she once was.

Troy’s eyes were fixed on the pod, his gaze burning with a mix of emotions. He had visited this place every day for weeks, standing in front of the pod, watching Lynn’s still form, and wondering what had led her to betray him.

The scientists and technicians had long given up trying to understand the king’s fascination with the pod. They had learned to avoid him, to leave him to his thoughts, and to focus on the work at hand - unlocking the secrets of the pod and the mysteries of Lynn’s abilities.

As Troy stood there, lost in thought, the door to the laboratory slid open, and a figure slipped in. It was Reze, the brilliant scientist who had created the pod and had been working tirelessly to unlock its secrets.

Reze’s eyes were fixed on Troy, a look of concern etched on her face. She had been watching him, studying him, and she knew that he was on the edge of a breakdown.

”Your Majesty,” she said, her voice soft and gentle. ”May I have a word with you?”

Troy didn’t respond, his eyes still fixed on the pod. Reze hesitated, then took a step closer.

”Your Majesty, we have made some progress,” she said, her voice a little louder. ”We’ve been studying Lynn’s abilities, and we believe that she may hold the key to unlocking the secrets of the mana rain.”

Troy’s eyes flickered, his gaze snapping to Reze. ”Tell me,” he growled, his voice low and menacing.

Reze took a deep breath, her eyes darting to the pod and then back to Troy. ”We believe that Lynn’s abilities are connected to the mana rain,” she said, her voice steady. ”We think that she may have been awakened by it, and that she may hold the key to harnessing its power.”

Troy’s expression was unreadable, his eyes fixed on Reze. ”And what do you propose we do with this information?” he asked, his voice cold.

Reze hesitated, her eyes darting to the pod and then back to Troy. ”We need to study her, Your Majesty,” she said, her voice soft. ”We need to understand her abilities, and how to harness them.”

Troy’s expression didn’t change, but his eyes seemed to burn with an inner fire. He knew what Reze was asking, and he knew that he had to make a decision.

The fate of Lumia kingdom hung in the balance, and Troy was the only one who could tip the scales.

As he stood there, frozen in indecision, the pod seemed to hum louder, the sound echoing through the laboratory like a warning.

The fate of Lynn, and the kingdom, hung in the balance, and Troy was the only one who could decide their fate.

The darkness closed in, the shadows cast by the machinery and equipment seeming to grow longer and more menacing. The air was thick with tension, the silence oppressive and heavy.

Troy’s eyes were fixed on Reze, his gaze burning with a mix of emotions. He knew what he had to do, but he was afraid to take the first step.

The pod hummed on, a beacon of hope and despair, a reminder of the power and the danger that lay within Lynn.

As the silence stretched out, Reze’s eyes seemed to bore into Troy’s soul, her gaze a reminder of the responsibility that lay on his shoulders.

The king’s decision would change everything, and the fate of Lumia kingdom hung in the balance, waiting for Troy’s decision.

The laboratory was quiet, the only sound the soft hum of the pod, a reminder that time was running out.

Troy’s eyes seemed to flash with a newfound determination, his expression set in a firm, resolute line.

”Proceed,” he said, his voice low and cold. ”Study her, learn everything you can.”

Reze’s eyes seemed to gleam with excitement, her face set in a determined expression.

”Yes, Your Majesty,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

As Troy turned to leave, the pod seemed to hum louder, the sound echoing through the laboratory like a warning.

The fate of Lynn, and the kingdom, was now in Reze’s hands, and the outcome was far from certain.

The darkness closed in, the shadows cast by the machinery and equipment seeming to grow longer and more menacing.

The game was afoot, and the stakes were higher than ever before.

As Troy disappeared into the shadows, the pod continued to hum, a reminder of the power and the danger that lay within Lynn.

The future was uncertain, but one thing was clear - the fate of Lumia kingdom hung in the balance, and the outcome would be decided in the depths of the laboratory.

.......

Back in kraken...

Elara, the blonde witch was indulged in reading som ancient books. That were worn out by the edges, having a rough texture from the constant use.

’She’s completely ignoring us.’ Kyle thought, watching her movements. They weren’t casual or normal,but calculative and planned. Executed in a professional mannerism, giving Kyle an awkward vibe.

[At least she’s not trying to kill you.] Snow joked to which Kyle rolled his eyes, as not funny.

”Oh! I almost forgot ~” Elara’s voice trailed off as she sprung to her feet. The book clutched tightly in her grip.

”What?” Kyle’s tone was plain and full of wariness at the witch with blonde hair.

”Those two needs to be tested based on what abilities they received from the global pandemic.” She stated, making Kyle raise a brow confused.

”What test?” He asked, cautious of the blonde beauty. Not responding she giggled softly, the room suddenly vanished along with her.

”What just happened? We’re outside?” Layla groaned, thudding to the floor alongside Lucias.

They were previously recouping on the bed while Kyle kept watching, but for some reason they had been kicked out.

”Damn witch!” Kyle gritted his teeth, bottling in his rage.

He didn’t know what sick motives elara had, but it was clear she didn’t trust them. Likewise did they, but to push them out so open was another topic.

[It seems she wants to test your survival skills, and determine your worth for her pairing up with your group. The goal is simple, survive the day and reach the cottage.] Snow uttered in Kyle’s head.

’Oh yeah? And how are we supposed to reach the cottage if we have no clue where it is?’ Kyle retorded with an inward sarcastic tone.

[Tsk! As your master and future wife I’m insulted.] Snow scoffed with a light pout. [Though you’ve been moved, the cottage location isn’t that far from here.]

’Isn’t there a map of screen with an outlined picture of this environment?’ He asked, which snow calmly stated no.

”We’re moving out.” Kyle gestured already walking forward.

”W-what!?” Layla exclaimed with a white face. ”What about that woman and.. shelter?”

Not stopping Kyle ignored her whining. ”As you can see, we’re currently on our own. So unless you want to stay here and be good for whatever’s behind the bushes. Then be my guest.”

He replied with a cold tone making Layla gulp hard. ”Hey wait up!” She yelled trailing after Kyle and lucias.

...

Back in the cottage..

Elara could be seen balanced perfectly on the soft cushioned chair. Made from the furs of a bear type beast she’d probably killed, a mug in her hand. Protruding out hot steams from whatever content was inside.

Casually taking a sip from the mug, she proceeded to take a deep brown cookie. Circle in shape, containing fragments of what appeared to be nuts and dark chocolate.

”Delicious.” She commented with a lewd smile, bringing her tongue out in ecstasy. Chewing with her mouth closed, like an elegant princess.

Savouring the sweet taste of the cookies, taking some sips from the content in hand.

”Time for a refill.” Snapping her fingers, nothing seemed to have happened to the mug. Still emitting the hot steams vapour.

”Now this is more like it. Nothing but some peace and quietness.” Her voice was indifferent, without any emotion or remorse.

For forcefully evicting the trio out from the abode of her cottage some few minutes ago.

”I wonder if they’ll survive?” Her hands trailed the surface of the thick glass mug. Her eyes brimming with excitement, the image of a particular image in her mind.

”From my little assessment, I can tell he’s no doubt the one Yua made mention of.” A sick smile crept to her lips, gazing at the bonfire burning rigorously at the center of the room.

”Guess we’ll just have to wait and see if he’s ready for the task ahead.” She shrugged, leaning back into the comfort of the well cushioned chair.