Chapter 234: Chapter 224: In Darkness, Hope Still Remains

For a moment, Jon was plunged into an unprecedented state of confusion.

These words intertwined with the fragments of his past memories.

He remembered the friends he had fought alongside in the game world, those times of adventure undertaken purely for fun and challenge.

He thought of his struggle to survive in Nomu Village when he first crossed over, of Old Sutton’s alcohol-laced rebukes and the gifts hidden beneath his rough exterior.

He thought of the fire burning in Reya’s emerald eyes and her unabashed passion...

Rosalind’s tendency toward self-sacrifice, hidden deep beneath a cold exterior, and her fervent loyalty...

And Dolores, who was right behind him at this very moment, lost in the confusion of her own origins but with a newly placed trust in him...

He even recalled Ivory’s subtle probing and Pascal’s worldly efficiency...

All these vivid faces and experiences, his firm resolution to establish a foothold in this world, build up his power, delve into Arcane Magic, and ultimately find his way home...

’Could it be that all of this was just proceeding according to a script written long ago?’

’Was this all a game of chess set up thousands of years ago by the fallen God of Destiny, Wyatt?’

’Were all his struggles, choices, and efforts along the way—all the achievements he thought he’d won through his own will and intelligence—nothing more than him being pulled by the invisible strings of "Destiny" toward a predetermined end?’

’Especially that terrifying, colossal eye made of galaxies and black holes he’d glimpsed in the "Talent Illusion Realm," and those heavy words: "Witness the end"!’

’Was that the despairing scene the prophecy ultimately pointed to?’

’What could he, a so-called "variable," possibly change in the face of such an indescribable existence?’

A profound sense of powerlessness and the vexing feeling of being manipulated washed over him, almost overwhelming the joy of having just acquired a new talent and completed his trial.

But just as his spirits sank, a voice, cautious yet full of unconcealable concern, sounded beside him, shattering the heavy silence on the altar.

"Boss?"

Dolores had, at some point, gathered the courage to step onto the altar. Her amber eyes were fixed on the tense line of Jon’s profile, as if she sensed the violent turmoil within him.

She looked at Jon’s hands, clenched so tightly his knuckles had turned white, and at his ice-blue eyes, which seemed exceptionally grim in the soft light. After a moment’s hesitation, she reminded him in a small voice.

"Um... shouldn’t we... shouldn’t we be heading back? This place... it feels strange."

She glanced around the vast, empty underground space. The glowing vines and the jade altar were beautiful, but knowing the tragic song they carried made the place feel all the more desolate and... ominous.

The girl’s voice was like a clear spring, instantly jolting Jon from the swamp of his thoughts.

He snapped back to his senses, his pupils contracting.

’Right, now isn’t the time to get lost in philosophical debates.’

Below the altar, Moon and Sati were nervously gripping their weapons, their gazes warily scanning the surroundings, full of reverence for the unknown.

And there was Dolores, the girl who had just revealed her deepest secret to him and placed all her hope in him, now looking at him with a mix of unease and pure concern.

’As the leader of this team, as their pillar of support, I absolutely cannot show any weakness or confusion here and now.’

His innate resilience and instinctual need for control suppressed the turmoil in his heart.

Jon took a deep breath, forcefully suppressing the complex emotions churning in his chest. He straightened his back, and his ice-blue eyes regained their usual calm and sharpness.

"Mm."

He responded, his voice low but clear, carrying an unquestionable tone of command.

"Mission complete. Pack up. We’re heading back immediately."

Finally, he glanced at the [Seed of Primal Nature] in his hand, which throbbed faintly as if it were alive. He felt the vast and pure Life Force it contained, his gaze profound.

At that moment, he inexplicably recalled the meaningful congratulatory message he received upon completing his Warrior Trial Task.

[Master your Destiny, traveler from a foreign land—]

’In the darkness... hope still remains...’

’Hah... Destiny...’

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