*Two Days Later – Appalachian Mountains*
The trio's journey led them into a forgotten valley where even monsters refused to tread. Mist clung to the air like a warning. The system buzzed in Kenji's mind with static-like tension.
> *Quest Progress: Whisper of the Gods – 87%*
> *You are nearing a sealed divine domain.*
> *Warning: Temporal interference detected.*
Kenji could *feel* it — the space was warped, as though the present had bled into a forgotten time.
Lyra muttered, "This place isn't just hidden—it's *buried*."
---
*Ruins of the Temple*
They arrived before a crumbling structure carved into stone. Vines had wrapped its pillars like chains, and shattered murals bore strange symbols—Greek... but twisted. A faint whisper rode the wind.
> *System Alert: Echoing Presence Detected*
> *Passive Skill Gained: Whisper Sense – Allows perception of residual divine memory.*
As Kenji placed a hand on the door, it responded—not to his strength, but his *intent*.
> *System Compatibility Confirmed*
> *Unlocked: Divine Archive – Echo's Last Memory (Fragmented)*
A voice played in his mind, soft and tired:
*"The gods lied. The war was not against each other… but against those who knew the truth. We were silenced."*
---
*Inside the Temple*
Statues lined the corridor, each damaged, their names scraped off. Percy stopped before one.
"This one looks like…" He swallowed. "Hestia?"
But no flame remained.
They entered the inner sanctum, where a crystal floated midair, flickering with trapped energy. Touching it caused Kenji's system to surge.
> *Fragment Memory Retrieved: 1/4 – Echo's Testimony*
> *Unlocked: Skill – Voice of the Forgotten (Rare)*
> > Grants brief ability to relay divine messages long erased.
> *Currency Rewarded: +1000 Drachmas*
---
*Sudden Shift – Time Glitch*
Reality twisted.
For a moment, Kenji stood alone—Percy and Lyra frozen like statues.
From the darkness, a second version of himself stepped forward. Eyes glowing red. Cold. Confident.
"You're not ready," it said. "But I will be."
Then it vanished.
> *System Alert: Unknown Entity Scan… Match: 56.7% Genetic Overlap*
> *Labeling: Echo of the Diverged Self*
Kenji's hands trembled. The system pulsed gently, like a heartbeat.
He wasn't just facing gods or monsters now. He was facing *himself*—versions he might become.
---
*End of Chapter 30*