Chapter 45 Exile Exploration (1)



As I prepared to venture into the Exile with Zephyr, a mix of excitement and happiness welled up inside me, like a bubbling cauldron of anticipation ready to overflow

'I can't believe that it worked,' I thought, my mind still reeling from the fact that Zephyr had asked me to accompany him.

I don't know how I ended up in this situation, but it was good for now. I wanted to enter the exile but thinking about it, I wouldn't have been able to clear it by myself with my current power.

Zephyr's presence in such situation was a godsend.

Blessed is he who expects nothing, for he shall never be disappointed, they say. It seems like it was indeed the truth.

As we ventured deeper into the forest, the ancient trees stood tall around us, their gnarled branches reaching out like skeletal fingers, whispering secrets carried on the wind. The scent of moss and damp earth permeated the air, mingling with the faint fragrance of wildflowers. Every rustle of leaves and distant hoot of an owl added to the mystique of our surroundings, a symphony of nature's symphony that played in harmony with our journey.

The forest embraced us, its dense foliage creating a sense of seclusion and mystery. Rays of moonlight filtered through the canopy above, casting dappled patterns on the forest floor, painting a tapestry of light and shadow. Time seemed to slow down, as if the forest itself held its breath, aware of the gravity of our purpose.

I followed Zephyr's lead, his steps deliberate and cautious, each footfall a calculated move. The ground beneath our feet felt solid and yet alive, as if it held ancient secrets that only the forest itself knew. Minutes turned into moments, and we continued delving deeper.

As I was about to question Zephyr, my impatience getting the better of me, the forest revealed its hidden secrets. It was as if the very fabric of nature recognized our presence.

The air grew heavy, as if charged with an otherworldly energy that set my senses ablaze. A tingling sensation crawled up my spine, sending goosebumps cascading across my skin. It was a tangible reminder that we were no longer in familiar territory, that the Exile awaited us.

I have entered many exiles and even cleared many in my previous life. For my eyes, the exile didn't look any special compared to the worse of what I have already seen.

If anything, It only fueled my desires to gain more strength.

But, there was no need to explain that to Zephyr, I just smiled and brushed it off.

"You sure talk big for someone who had a sword pressed at his neck some movements ago."

Zephyr said trying to provoke me, but I wasn't so easy to induce.

"Are you planning to talk all day? or should we enter the Exile now."

Although it wasn't my first time or anything special, I still couldn't help but feel excitement running through my body.

The time for words had passed; it was time for action. As we stepped foot into the Exile, anticipation crackled in the air like static electricity, an invisible force that seemed to pulse with every heartbeat.

And then, something unexpected happened!

[Demonic energy detected.]

[The artifact is reacting to the 'detached territory of the Forgotten God'!]

But before I could even react, a sudden surge of energy enveloped me, causing my vision to blur and distort.

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