Chapter 17: Into the Hollow
ZRRROOOMMMM—
A piercing hum split the quiet as a sleek, cobalt-blue cruiser glided across a road less traveled. The once-gleaming, rune-lined expressways of the inner districts had long faded into memory, replaced by a cracked concrete ribbon that stretched far into the horizon like a forgotten promise.
Low grasses swayed along the roadside, and sparse trees leaned like ancient watchers of this lonely path.
Inside the cruiser, Lei Feng sat comfortably, his elbow resting against the armrest, eyes fixed on his phone screen. A soft-blue marker pulsed over a map display as if calling to him from beyond the digital veil.
We're close, he thought, eyes narrowing. It's only been thirty minutes, but if I went on foot... a day and six hours. This speed… it's insane.
His voice remained in his mind, but his heart thudded with anticipation.
Outside his window, the towering silhouettes of the city had since faded, swallowed by open land and wild winds. The soft tune of an ambient travel song played through the car's speakers, enhancing the peace of the moment.
Whoosh...
The air outside brushed past with a rush, chasing the car like a spirit of freedom.
At the wheel, Lee Brian wore a calm smile, both hands steady as stone. He didn't speak much during the trip—just let the road and the music carry the moment.
As they neared their destination, the landscape changed: the land dipped and curved, the grass grew more lush, and patches of mist began to drift lazily along the edges of the path.
Then it appeared—an old transit station nestled at a slight curve, marked by a wide arching banner that swayed gently in the breeze:
[Transit Nexus: Nova Gate – Hallow Branch]
Below it, a weathered sign pointed to a shadowed path:
→ Whispering Hollow
Lee Brian eased his foot onto the brake. The cruiser rolled to a graceful halt, dust swirling behind the tires.
He turned slightly to Lei Feng, smiling beneath his grizzled stubble.
"Young man," he said warmly, "We're here."
Lei Feng nodded in gratitude. He tapped his screen swiftly and transferred the fare.
Beep!
From Lee Brian's wristband, a soft chime echoed.
[8000 credits credited to your account.]
His smile widened. "Thanks, young man," he repeated with more sincerity.
Lei Feng received a debit alert from his Corelink bracelet but ignored it. He stepped out of the car, letting the wind rush into his jacket.
It was different out here—the air was untamed, not the sanitized chill of filtered urban life. It carried the scent of moss, distant rainfall, and something old… something whispering.
With a final wave, Lee Brian climbed back in.
VROOOM—
The cruiser's engine roared, tires spinning into a sharp reverse before drifting off into the dust-filled distance.
Good luck with your adventure! Lee Brian's voice faded as he disappeared down the lonely road.
Lei Feng stood alone now, watching the dust settle before shifting his gaze to the station.
"A branch…?" he muttered, raising an eyebrow.
He had expected wilderness, not a functioning checkpoint.
But his phone vibrated softly, confirming it.
[Destination reached: Whispering Hollow — Main Entrance]
[Status: Tier 0 Safe Zone]
Lei Feng sighed in realization. "Oh right… Safe Zones." He tapped his head gently. "Civilian friendly rest stops and observation posts…"
Behind the small station, an enormous gate loomed—ancient but reinforced. It arched like the mouth of another world.
Two guards stood alert, armored and still as statues.
Beyond the gate, the land shifted dramatically: silvergrass rolled across gentle slopes, mists weaved through winding valleys, and towering trees stood proud like ancient sentinels. Strange glowing runes pulsed softly along stones and bark, breathing faint light into the rising dawn.
The very air seemed alive—filled with distant murmurs, an ethereal music only the heart could hear. The atmosphere shimmered with magic and serenity.
Lei Feng's heart raced.
Yes… this is the place.
He clenched his fists, excitement boiling within.
"Inventory."
A soft shimmer blinked in the air beside him. From empty space, a sword materialized—long, worn, and dull.
The Nameless Sword.
No shine, no carvings, just an old relic... yet it hummed with power beneath its rusted skin.
Lei Feng stepped forward—but halted.
He wasn't alone.
A small group appeared, moving confidently toward the gate. Five of them—young, perhaps sixteen. Armored and armed. A party.
Three boys, two girls… adventurers?
One of the boys wore heavy plated armor, a massive shield strapped to his back. Another bore a sleek sword at his waist, while the third clutched a staff and wore a pointed black hat like some kind of battle-mage.
The girls were equally striking—one with a bow slung behind her, her gear lightweight but tactical. The other held a glowing orb, a faint healing aura flowing gently from her palms.
A proper team, Lei Feng thought, intrigued. Tanker, damage dealer, healer…
The group approached the guards.
One stepped forward—tall, blonde, with sharp hazel eyes and porcelain skin. He moved with ease, confidence stitched into his steps.
One of the guards, a towering man in silver armor, stepped forward. A scar ran down his jawline, his gaze like a drawn blade.
"State your business," the guard asked, voice like thunder.
The blonde swordsman bowed slightly. "Training mission. We're here to enter Whispering Hollow."
"ID?"
The swordsman handed over a sleek card. Lei Feng blinked, heart skipping a beat.
ID…? I don't have one!
The guard scanned the card.
"Hmm… Aiden Bright. Student of Edenheart Academy. Level 18, Swordsman Class."
The guard's tone softened. "Alright, I'll check the rest."
One by one, the party stepped forward, presenting their sleek academy IDs with calm confidence.
The girl with the bow was next. She tucked a strand of fiery red hair behind her ear and handed over her card.
> "Lyra Quinn. Student of Edenheart Academy. Level 17, Archer Class," the guard read aloud. He gave a nod of approval. "Sharp eyes and fast feet. Good."
The boy with the staff followed, his hat tilting slightly as he adjusted his grip.
> "Riven Hale. Student of Edenheart Academy. Level 16, Arcane Mage Class". Look out for your friends out there.
Next came the girl with the glowing orb, her gentle smile never wavering.
> "Mira Vai. Student of Edenheart Academy. Level 15, Healer Class." The guard gave her a rare smile. "They'll count on you."
Finally, the heavily armored boy stepped up with a confident grunt, his shield strapped tight.
> "Garry Flint. Student of Edenheart Academy. Level 17, Guardian Class," the guard said with raised brows. "Solid."
Lei Feng's thoughts were a storm.
Edenheart… that's Lei Mei's academy. They're probably here to train too. Wait…
His gaze flared as he noticed the guard turned had finished checking their cards.
"All done. You can go," The guard said with a smile, he raised his hands giving signal for the other guard to open the gate.
Aiden turned to his group. "Alright, let's hone our skills. Maybe get lucky before the tournament qualifiers."
Tournament? Then… Lei Mei might also be somewhere practicing. She said she was participating.
Lei Feng smiled—then froze as the gates opened and the group stepped through, vanishing down the winding, mist-covered path beyond.
He was still on the outside.
No ID. No clearance. No academy badge. No party.
How the hell do I get in?
He bit his lip, anxiety fluttering.
Think, Lei Feng… Think!
Then suddenly—his eyes lit up. A grin spread across his face like sunlight breaking through clouds.
"I have a crazy idea," he said aloud, voice low, eyes sparkling with mischief.
---
Lei Feng approached the gate at a brisk pace, boots crunching against the gravel with each urgent step.
The two guards stiffened. One stepped forward—broad-shouldered, scar bisecting the left side of his jaw, armor glinting with a dull sheen.
His voice was a bark. "Hey! Stop right there! Are you trying to rush a checkpoint?"
The other, slightly leaner but no less stern, raised a brow. "State your business."
Lei Feng didn't flinch. He barely even looked at them. His eyes scanned past the gates, as if still trying to catch a glimpse of the group that had gone in moments before.
He didn't miss a beat.
"Those kids—the Edenheart group. They came through here, right?"
The lean guard narrowed his eyes. "What's it to you?"
"I'm their overseer," Lei Feng replied coldly. "Instructor's apprentice. I was assigned to monitor their field run."
The scar-faced guard folded his arms. "Got proof?"
Lei Feng offered the perfect pause—just long enough to register irritation.
"My ID got lost during transit. Already flagged it with Edenheart's relay hub. You can check the system if you want, but every second you waste is another second those kids could be getting themselves killed in there."
The lean guard shifted, clearly uncertain. "He's not wrong. If he is their monitor…"
The taller one scoffed. "You believe every slick-talker who shows up claiming a title?"
"I don't have time for this," Lei Feng snapped, taking a step forward. "If something happens to those kids because of checkpoint delay, you really think Edenheart won't trace it back here? You think they won't send a report—and a disciplinary squad?"
The two guards exchanged a tense glance.
The leaner guard broke first. "Look, we could check the roster, but that'll take time. And if he's bluffing, it's on me."
"You're too soft, Taro," the scar-faced guard muttered.
Lei Feng raised an eyebrow slightly.
So that's his name.
"I'll take full responsibility," Taro said, pressing his palm to the rune-lock control.
The tall guard muttered a curse under his breath but stepped back, clearly unhappy.
"You're making a mistake."
Maybe, Taro said. But it's my call.
CLUNK—GRRROOOAAN…
The gates opened slowly, metal grinding as mist slithered out like living fog.
Lei Feng strode through, heart pounding beneath a mask of calm.
That was too close…
But the rush of victory—of pulling it off—was electric.
What a performance… he thought, smirking to himself.
If Lei Mei saw that, she'd probably smack me… or be impressed.
Beyond the gate, the Hollow waited—alive, eerie, and beautiful.
He adjusted his grip on the sword at his waist.
Alright. Let's see what lies ahead.