Geek wolf

Eli awoke, feeling something strange about the space around him. The ground beneath him was a dark liquid, and as far as he could see, the sky and horizon were composed of the same black, unchanging material. Where was he? Wasn't he just with that Forgemaster guy? Unease creeping in, he started walking forward.

He wasn't sure how long he walked, but nothing ever changed. The black liquid beneath his feet remained constant, and the oppressive sky stretched endlessly before him. Finally, in a desperate attempt to break free, he activated his Pure Eyes. It felt like lightning surged through his body—not just his body but the entire space around him. Cracks formed everywhere, like shattered glass running through the air.

Thankfully, his Pure Eyes still opened, and immediately, his other senses flooded back to him. He felt a strange sensation on his face, like a crack running across it—not just his face, but the entire space seemed to be fracturing. As he focused, he began to notice something new: colors breaking through the gray and black void.

There were only two colors visible in the space—purple and blue. The purple hue gave off a metallic, blood-like taste and smelled like the sharp tang after cutting yourself with a knife. It was oddly specific, but it helped him form a theory: he must have accidentally damaged his brain when he used it to attack. Was this strange space his mind?

Eli relaxed slightly. If he was stuck in his mind, it meant he was still alive. That was enough for now.

Turning his attention to the other color, the blue light, he felt a strange sensation, as if a marble were resting in his mouth. He guessed it had something to do with the marble he had swallowed earlier. But why was it here, in his mind? The light seemed to emanate from one direction, so Eli decided to follow it.

He wasn't hungry, but he felt exhausted—likely due to the mental energy this place required. Though he was perceiving it as walking, he knew he wasn't truly moving his body. Whatever he was doing was draining his mental power. Hours seemed to pass with no end to the blue light in sight. Eventually, he sat down to rest before getting up again, determined to keep going.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Eli reached the source. "I finally made it," he said, panting.

In front of him was a glowing blue orb, its glassy surface radiating light. Tentatively, Eli reached out and touched it.

Item: Focus Marble

Level: 10

Attribute: Spirit

Defense: 1000/1000

Attack: 600/600

Description: "Fidgeting with it slightly reduces anxiety greatly." Ascended the gate of 9. Note: Upgrading becomes much harder; new abilities are only gained at level 12 onwards.

Synchronicity: 75%

Ability: Mind Engine – Generates a peculiar energy that allows the mind to stretch outside the body.

Eli studied the description and the new additions to the screen. He understood the new ability somewhat, but what was Synchronicity? He decided to set that aside for now. What mattered was the ability: the marble generated energy. But instead of specifically stating its purpose was to allow the mind to exert force on the external world, it described that as just one effect.

He guessed there might be other uses. The energy from the marble seemed to be holding his mind together. Eli frowned. Am I too lucky? The man who caught him had been foolish enough to shove the marble into his mouth. Not only that, but he'd torn Eli's pocket open, putting the potions there into his mouth too. It almost felt choreographed.

Eli shook his head. He didn't want to dwell on that right now. He was stuck in his mind, and this marble seemed like his best chance to escape.

Out of the corner of his eye, he caught a flicker of red. Turning, he saw a blurry, glass-like shape floating in the black liquid that covered the ground of his mind.

"What's this?" he muttered, walking over and touching it.

Item: Mind Shard

Level: 0

Attribute: Spirit

Defense: 6/10

Attack: 0/0

Description: Remnants of the mind center, responsible for perceiving and controlling the external body when not shattered.

Synchronicity: ∞%

Eli read the description and dreaded settling into his chest. The name alone gave him a foreboding feeling, but as he read further, that feeling worsened. He took a step back, his face pale. Slowly, he looked beyond the fragment of his mind in front of him at the countless colorful lights spread across the vast, open space.

A small, crazed chuckle escaped his lips.

"Is this my prison?"