Rewrite The Star

CHAPTER 54 : LEAD THE WAY

CHAPTER 54: LEAD THE WAY

Creed began to dream, finding himself in a dense forest. A figure appeared before him—human-shaped but without a head or hands.

“Are you… an alien?” Creed asked bluntly.

“Excuse me, how dare you call me an alien,” the figure replied indignantly. “I’m the orb you've been speaking with.”

“Oh, you’re actually a living creature,” Creed said, unimpressed.

“Forget about that.” The figure waved it off. “Since you can now see me, it means you’re getting closer to what I seek—the Book of Time.”

“Oh, right, the Book of Time,” Creed said, nodding.

The figure approached him. “Walk with me,” he said, gesturing along the forest path. Creed shrugged and followed.

As they strolled, Creed glanced at the strange figure and asked, “So, why exactly do you want the book?”

The figure sighed. “You know, it’s unsettling to hear you talk to me without my face being here.”

“That’s a you problem,” Creed quipped.

“Fine,” the figure muttered. “I need the book to end my curse. It holds unimaginable power—even heaven itself can’t match it.”

“Even if I do find the book, how am I supposed to get it to you?” Creed asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Good question,” the figure mused. “Still figuring that part out.”

They walked in silence for a moment, then the figure said, “When you entered that abandoned house, I sensed a lot of magic emanating from beneath it. I believe that’s where the book is hidden.”

“Can you lead the way?” Creed asked.

“I think there's an entrance beneath the old house right in front of where you’re all staying. That might lead down.”

Creed gave him a curious look. “How do you know where we are and sense magic?”

“I’m inside your body—don’t ask me how. I can sense where you are and pick up on magic nearby.”
As they walked, the figure’s tone shifted. “Be cautious, Creed. When you go down there, protect everyone… especially Atlas.”

Creed’s gaze narrowed. “Why especially Atlas?”

The figure let out a mischievous laugh. “Because you liiiike him, don’t you?” he said in a teasing tone. Creed felt heat rise to his face, which was rare for him.

“Me, in love? No,” he muttered, looking away.

The figure chuckled louder, mocking, “I was waiting for you,” in a perfect imitation of Creed’s tone from earlier.

“I will kill you,” Creed muttered under his breath, embarrassed.

The figure grew serious again. “There’s danger ahead. Make sure your bond is strong and stay together.”
Creed suddenly jolted awake, finding Atlas sleeping peacefully beside him. He noticed they were unconsciously holding each other. He brushed a soft kiss on Atlas’s forehead, and Atlas’s eyes fluttered open.

“Morning, Creed,” Atlas murmured, sleepily.

“Yeah, morning,” Creed replied.

Later that morning, they set off to search for the way to the basement. Creed guided them, following the instructions the figure had given him. The others were surprised by how quickly he located the hidden entrance. As they stepped through, the entire pathway lit up with flames, casting eerie shadows along the walls.

“This is creepy. I wanna go home,” Nowell muttered.

“Then go on,” Darren teased.

“Just kidding,” Nowell replied quickly, though his face paled a bit.

They began descending into the unknown, with Darren and Atlas leading, while Nowell and Creed took up the rear. Somehow, the atmosphere between Nowell and Creed created a noticeable tension, which Atlas picked up on.

“What is this pressure?” Darren whispered to Atlas.

“It’s been like this since yesterday,” Atlas muttered, glancing back. He could almost feel the daggers Creed was mentally throwing at Nowell.

“I swear, I’ll turn him into dust,” Creed thought, watching Nowell.

In Nowell’s mind, he fumed, “What is this guy’s problem, acting so close to Atlas?”

They continued down the darkening corridor, each step carrying them further from daylight. Eventually, no light remained, but thankfully, Darren had brought a torch, which flickered weakly but illuminated their path.

“Is this tunnel endless?” Atlas complained.

“No clue,” Darren replied, looking just as frustrated.

Suddenly, a disturbing noise echoed behind them—something squelching and slithering. Turning, they saw a horde of slime creatures, known as Sluggits, advancing on them. Nowell quickly threw a branch at the creatures, managing to knock a few aside. But the displaced Sluggits fused into one massive creature, doubling in size.

Both Atlas and Darren paled, unprepared to face such a sticky menace.

“Run!” Darren shouted, as they turned and sprinted down the hallway, the monstrous Sluggit in close pursuit.