Chapter 11: Eyes of Ashwood
The gates slammed shut behind him with the finality of a coffin lid. Inside, the torchlight revealed cobbled streets and wooden houses pressed close together, their shutters barred tight. Yet from every crack of window and half-closed door, eyes peered at him.
Whispers spread like fire in dry grass.
"Look at them…"
"Cursed things, walking behind him."
"System-bearer."
Elias's jaw tightened. Every step through the main street felt heavier, the tether to his obsidian servants dragging at his chest like shackles. His breath came shallow, each inhale aware of the suspicion crawling over him.
Captain Seris walked ahead, her cloak swaying, every inch the commander. Two guards flanked him with spears, their knuckles white on the shafts.
The girl walked at his side, serene as ever, her faint smile untouched by the glares. "See how they look at you? Fear is the first chain, Elias. Break it, or wear it forever."
He muttered, "You're enjoying this."
Her eyes glimmered. "Immensely."
The system chimed, cold and precise:
> [Echo IV Progress: 83%]
Condition: Survive the night under scrutiny.]
Sub-condition: Trust of one resident required.]
Seris halted at a stone building near the square. Its wooden doors bore the insignia of a rising sun. "You'll stay here tonight," she said firmly. "Under watch. Cause no trouble, and you'll leave in the morning."
Her gaze cut into him like a blade. "But understand this, stranger—Ashwood has no love for system-bearers. Some call you cursed. Others call you plague. You'll prove yourself in time… or you'll be cast out."
Elias forced a nod, though his chest burned at the words. "And if I prove myself?"
For the first time, Seris's expression softened. Just a flicker. "Then maybe Ashwood will call you ally."
The system pulsed faintly in his vision, highlighting her words.
> [Potential Trust Candidate Identified: Captain Seris.]
The guards shoved the doors open, revealing a bare chamber with a straw bed, a bucket of water, and little else. They gestured him inside. His bound warriors lingered at the threshold, still as statues, until Seris motioned sharply. "They stay outside."
Pain lanced Elias's chest as the tether stretched thin, but the warriors obeyed, posting themselves at the doorway. He stumbled into the room, sweat streaking his temple.
The girl followed, ignoring the guards' scowls. She leaned against the wall, watching him with that same unreadable smile. "So, Elias… will you chase their trust? Or let their fear consume you?"
The door slammed shut. Bolts locked in place.
Darkness pressed in, broken only by the pale glow of moonlight through a slit window.
Elias sank onto the bed, his body screaming from exhaustion, but the system whispered one final message in his mind:
> [Echo IV Final Phase Approaching.]
Trigger: Midnight.]
The bells of Ashwood tolled the hour, and with each chime, shadows in the room seemed to thicken, twisting unnaturally.
Elias realized with a chill—this trial was far from over.