I opened my eyes and stared at the ceiling blankly, the smooth stone surface of the hideout coming into focus as my vision adjusted to the soft glow of the lanterns I'd embedded into the walls. I looked around, disoriented, and realized I was lying comfortably on the couch I'd crafted, the monster leather cool against my skin.
I was about to stand when a sharp pain shot through my chest, right where the Spectral Seal pulsed beneath my flesh. It was like a hot iron pressing into my bones, immobilizing me. I couldn't even move.
"Damn it," I muttered under my breath, more annoyed than alarmed.
I closed my eyes again and called out internally to the system, my mind reaching for that elusive presence. 'Hey system! What happened to you again?'
Silence. No response, just the echo of my own thoughts.
I sighed long and loudly, letting my head sink helplessly into the cushion. Perfect. Either the system was updating or ignoring me on purpose—both equally irritating.
And then it hit me.
