Ares exhaled slowly, steadying his breathing as he stood before the pulsating artifact. The energy it emitted wasn’t hostile, but there was something unsettlingly familiar about it—like a sound just beyond hearing or a thought on the edge of recognition.

  System: [Unclassified structure detected. Analyzing...] [ERROR]

  The text flickered in his vision before stabilizing.

  System: [Insufficient data. Suggested action: Scan surrounding ruins for additional information]

  Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

  Ares frowned. The system had suggested scanning before, but this time, it was directing him toward something specific. The symbols carved into the stone walls.

  His eyes traced the intricate patterns, some worn by time, others sharp and deliberate. They weren’t just random etchings—this was language.

  Ares placed a hand on the cold surface. The symbols extended deep into the stone, more than just surface scratches. Were they carved with tools? Or something else?

  The system flickered again.

  System: [Attempting pattern recognition...][ERROR] [Partial translation available]

  His pulse quickened.

  “Show me.”

  A moment later, fragmented text appeared before him:

  System: [—flow—conduit—organ—energy—]

  [—stabilization failure—]

  [—loss of control—]

  Ares’ breath hitched. His mind raced, piecing together what little information he had.

  Flow. Conduit. Organ. Energy.

  This place—it wasn’t just a ruin. It was a research facility.

  And whatever they had been studying… it was connected to the energy inside him.