A Bug In Fate

There were moments when words simply weren’t enough to describe what a person was feeling.

Alden was experiencing one of those moments.

He stood there, staring at the ancient wall.

His mind went blank.

English.

It was English.

A language that should never have existed in this world.

His breathing became uneven as countless questions flashed through his mind.

Who wrote this?

How did English end up here?

Was there someone else from Earth before him?

His hands trembled slightly.

Not from fear...

But from excitement.

"Hey, did you find something?"

Mina’s voice pulled him back to reality.

Alden quickly took a deep breath and forced himself to calm down.

He couldn’t let anyone notice his reaction.

"Oh?"

Mina walked over and looked at the wall.

"What does it say?"

"You can’t read it?"

Alden asked casually, pretending he couldn’t understand it either.

Mina stared at the strange letters for a few seconds before shaking her head.

"No."

"I’ve never seen writing like this before."

She frowned slightly.

"It doesn’t look like the common language."

"Maybe it’s just some old script."

She didn’t pay much attention to it and simply shrugged.

Alden remained silent.

If even Mina had never seen this language...

Then English truly didn’t belong in this world.

Which made the words carved into the wall even more terrifying.

"Hey, what are you two doing over there?"

While Alden and Mina were looking at the strange writing, Liam walked over.

"Can you read it?"

Alden asked, trying to keep his voice calm, though a trace of expectation remained hidden in his eyes.

Liam stepped closer and examined the inscription for a few moments.

"Hmm..."

He shook his head.

"I’ve never seen a language like this before."

"Maybe it’s just some old script."

Alden couldn’t hide the slight disappointment in his eyes, though he didn’t blame Liam.

"Well, we shouldn’t waste any more time."

Liam stepped away from the wall.

"We still have a mission to finish."

"You’re right."

Alden nodded.

Standing there wasn’t going to reveal the answers he was looking for.

If he wanted to uncover the truth behind those words...

He would have to return someday, with more time and more knowledge.

The three continued exploring the underground ruins.

This time, however, Alden observed every wall, every pillar, and every carving with far greater attention.

He didn’t want to overlook another clue.

After all...

Sometimes a single sentence was enough to change everything someone believed about the world.

After searching another tunnel, the three gathered once again.

This time, they stood before the widest tunnel among all the paths.

"I think this is the right one."

Mina whispered as she took the lead.

Alden and Liam quietly followed behind her.

Unlike before, none of them spoke.

Their footsteps were slow and careful, making sure not to create even the slightest sound.

The ancient stone walls surrounded them as they advanced deeper into the darkness.

Alden kept his Mana Sense active the entire time.

At the same time, his eyes occasionally wandered toward the walls, hoping to find another clue like the one before.

Suddenly...

He sensed several presences ahead.

Alden immediately raised his hand, signaling the other two to stop.

"They’re ahead."

He lowered his voice to a whisper.

"They aren’t moving... they’re probably asleep."

Liam and Mina exchanged surprised glances.

Neither of them had sensed anything yet, yet Alden had already located the monsters.

Still, this wasn’t the time to ask questions.

Liam quickly thought for a moment before speaking.

"We’ll move in quietly."

"I’ll use my wind spell to block their escape."

"While they’re restrained, the two of you capture the weakest one."

Alden shook his head.

"I’ll guard the exit instead."

"You two already know how to fight together. It’ll be easier if you work as a pair."

Liam nodded after a moment of silence, finding sense in what he said.

"Alright."

Beside him, Mina glanced at Alden for a brief moment before silently agreeing.

The three continued forward without another word.

Every step was light.

Every breath was controlled.

They weren’t about to waste the perfect opportunity while their target was off guard.

A few moments later...

Their footsteps came to a halt.

Slowly, all three of them raised their heads.

Above them...

Dozens of small creatures hung upside down from the ceiling like bats.

Mist-like feathers gently drifted around their bodies as they slept peacefully in the darkness.

The three hid themselves near the entrance.

At this point, talking was no longer an option.

Even the slightest sound could wake the monsters.

They could only communicate through simple hand gestures.

Alden looked at the two and gave them a thumbs-up before quietly drawing his sword.

A sword made by an amateur, to be exact.

Liam and Mina slowly moved forward, carefully placing each step to avoid making any noise.

The Mistfeathers weren’t very big.

Each one was only about the size of a puppy.

Yet the faint mist surrounding their bodies gave off a strange feeling.

It was enough to make anyone stay alert.

Alden was no exception.

Ever since arriving in this world, he had learned one thing.

Never underestimate your opponent.

And never lower your guard until you’re certain your enemy is dead.

One should never judge a book by its cover.

Alden rubbed his nose.

It had been itching for a while now.

He guessed it was because they had spent too much time underground.

Ahead, Liam and Mina stopped beneath one of the Mistfeathers.

It was only at the peak of the Awakened Realm.

Compared to the others hanging from the ceiling—most of which were in the Spark and Rupture Realms—it was clearly the weakest among them.

Mana slowly gathered in Liam’s hand.

A small green magic circle appeared before his palm.

"Wind Lock..."

He whispered as he prepared to cast the spell.

Everything was going according to plan.

Unfortunately...

Unexpected things seemed to follow Alden wherever he went.

"...Achoo!"

The sneeze echoed throughout the silent chamber.

For a brief second...

Nothing happened.

Then...

One pair of eyes slowly opened.

Another followed.

Then another.

Within moments, every Mistfeather hanging from the ceiling had awakened.

Silence filled the chamber.

Liam slowly turned his head toward Alden.

Mina did the same.

The three stared at each other without saying a word.

Alden scratched the back of his head awkwardly.

"...My bad?"

The very next second...

The entire underground chamber erupted into chaos.

Visit and read more novel to help us update chapter quickly. Thank you so much!