GATE: First Encounter

Chapter 15

Taking another deep breath, I tried to gather my thoughts. I hoped the air filling my lungs would calm me, but I could feel that the restlessness inside me wouldn't fade so easily.

"Okay," I said, my voice more questioning than resolute. "If we need them to see me as strategically valuable, then how? How are we supposed to convince them?"

System's response wasn't what I had hoped for. Its uncertainty only tightened the knot in my chest.

"Unfortunately, I don't know the answer to that," it said in a calm, measured tone. "My knowledge is mostly based on your own knowledge. What I've said so far is the most logical deduction I could make based on your observations and experiences."

Those words unsettled me even more. My thoughts had turned into a maze—every turn led to a new question, and no path led to an exit. The symbiote on my arm... It could play a crucial role in my survival, but at the same time, it felt like a burden I was forced to carry. The idea that I didn't have full control triggered a deep unease within me.

"Control," I thought, as the word echoed through my mind. At the center of everything I was experiencing, that was the one thing I had lost. Invisible forces were watching and directing me—this alien world, the invader inside me, and now, the symbiote... They all made me question my freedom. Was I truly free? Or was this just the price I had to pay to survive?

Without realizing it, I was rubbing the symbiote on my arm. I had never felt its presence this strongly before. Was it a stranger—or a part of me now? "You and I," I murmured to myself, "is this a forced alliance, or something deeper?"

System was probably monitoring my thoughts, but it said nothing. That silence reminded me I was alone—but also proved that some control was still mine to wield. I had to make my own plans. Where System had no answers, I had to find them myself.

I leaned my head back and drew another long breath. A thought crept into my mind that I tried to push away: If I ever got out of here... would I want to keep being part of this system? Or would I try to sever this bond? But before anything else... I had to survive.

Just then, System's voice echoed in my mind like a warning:
"Alert: Mental attack could not be blocked. Affected area: 25% of the brain. No permanent damage. Suppression in progress."

The moment those words hit my brain, I felt like I'd taken a punch to the gut. I knew what was attacking me. The invader inside me had returned. As I braced myself for the headache I knew would follow, the room suddenly darkened. It was like a shadow had blanketed the world. My eyes were open, but I could only see a few steps ahead.

Then, two glowing red eyes emerged from the darkness. Their cold, piercing gaze sent chills through me. I froze in place, holding my breath. A deep, guttural growl followed—like a predator warning its prey before it struck.

From the depths of the darkness, a voice echoed:
"Your new friend is quite irritating," it said, voice laced with disdain and cold anger. "Slowing me down when I'm in a hurry... not my favorite thing."

Despite the fear and adrenaline rushing through me, a smirk tugged at my lips. Maybe it was a way to mask the fear. I responded with a faintly mocking tone, "Oh really? I think I quite like that."

The red eyes gleamed briefly, and the voice turned more threatening:
"Laugh while you can and enjoy your final moments. Your friend isn't strong enough to stop me—just enough to slow me down. But not for much longer. Once I take over your body, I'll make you both suffer. Especially you... for that arrogant attitude. I'll make you live in an endless nightmare."

His words echoed in my mind like poison, sinking into my chest. I was trembling, but I didn't want to show it. Instead, I locked eyes with the red glow and forced myself to speak:

"Maybe you shouldn't be so sure," I said. "I'm not that easy to break. You'll learn that soon enough."

The red eyes stared for a moment, then a dark laugh followed.
"Your arrogance is amusing. But hope only makes the fall harder. And when you fall... you'll remember me—every second of it."

With those final words, the red eyes slowly retreated into the darkness. The shadows lifted, and the room's familiar walls returned. But it didn't feel like a victory. The threat was still inside me. I hadn't won—just bought myself a little more time. The invader would return... stronger, more determined.

Then, System's voice echoed again, calm and analytical:
"Attack successfully repelled. Attacker unidentified. Threat level cannot be determined. Analysis in progress... Mental attacks classified as auditory and hallucinogenic. Neurological pressure identified as source of headaches. Future attack patterns... unpredictable."

The report was helpful—but when facing something like that, cold data brought little comfort. Still, System's presence reminded me I wasn't completely alone. I was grateful, but I also knew—this was a battle only I could fight.

I spoke to System in my mind:
"It's fine, System," I said. "Just slowing him down is enough. But please..." My tone was firm, determined. "Let this be our secret. I'll deal with him."

System was silent for a moment, as if considering my words. Then it responded:
"Understood. This information will remain between us. I will inform you if I uncover anything that may assist in future encounters."

I nodded slowly in agreement. Knowing I wasn't entirely alone gave me a sliver of comfort. But this creature... this war—it was mine to fight. And I wouldn't go down easily.