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M: TSIA Chapter 106: The Strange Ancient Temple
🕑 Added 2025-03-05 11:59:56 +0000 UTCLance looked at Vivi for a moment, then smiled faintly. "Alright. I'll take you to see this mysterious side of the world, so you won't be confused when facing similar situations in the future."
As Lance stepped into the center of the room, he created an avatar of himself that looked exactly like the original to stay at home. Soon after, the Lord of the White Sky—or more accurately, Aizen—appeared and possessed the avatar's body. After ensuring everything was ready, Lance wrapped one arm around Vivi's slender waist while cosmic energy began to envelop them both.
Without a sound, they soared into the night sky, heading toward the disaster location.
The portal that opened there was too conspicuous. Before understanding the details of the situation, it was better for them to move cautiously. After all, the distance to that place wasn't too far—only a two or three-minute journey at their speed.
...
...
...
On the other side, amidst the raging flames, Christine stood firm among the firefighters.
The White Lantern Ring on Christine's finger gave her extraordinary sensitivity. Through her enhanced five senses, Christine could feel something that others could not: a faint heartbeat behind the burning rubble.
Christine sharpened her hearing. There was no doubt about it. Someone was there.
In a loud voice, Christine pointed toward the sea of fire. "Over there! There's a survivor!"
A fire chief standing near Christine frowned and then shook his head. "That's impossible."
The man looked in the direction Christine pointed, then continued in a serious tone, "That area is the center of the fire. The flames have been raging for hours, and the heat is hot enough to melt steel. No human could survive there."
However, Christine remained insistent. Not only did she hear that heartbeat—she could sense the presence of something else. Something strange.
And for some reason, a chill suddenly crept down Christine's spine.
"But, I... I heard a heartbeat!" Christine insisted, although her voice was slightly hesitant.
The man in front of Christine, the experienced fire chief, observed her with an unreadable expression. He knew that this woman was not an ordinary person. Christine's superpowers were recognized by many. However, the raging fire before them was not something to be taken lightly.
"Maybe it's just your imagination?" The fire chief tried to remain calm, not wanting to offend Christine. He offered a thin smile, although his gaze was filled with concern. "There are many sounds around here—explosions, rubble, roaring flames—maybe your ears picked up something else."
Christine bit her lip, her eyes narrowing as she stared straight into the ferocious flames. "No," Christine said with conviction. "I hear it very clearly. That heartbeat... strong, steady. Someone is there—in the middle of the fire."
The fire chief took a deep breath. He was now in a dilemma. If this fire was something that could still be controlled, perhaps he would consider a search. However, this was beyond the limits.
"Miss White Lantern Messenger," the man said, his voice sounding more serious. "The fire in that area has surpassed its peak. We cannot contain it or isolate it any longer. The only option is to wait until all the fuel is exhausted and the fire goes out on its own. If we send people in there now... it wouldn't be a rescue, but a suicide mission."
Christine gritted her teeth. She knew what the man was saying was true. However, she also knew what she heard.
"I will try."
The power of a Shinigami at the level of a Shin'ō Academy student might not be very influential, but the cosmic energy from the White Lantern Ring was still able to protect Christine, ensuring she could enter without being harmed by the flames.
Without giving anyone a chance to stop her, Christine activated her White Lantern ring and shot into the sea of fire with burning determination.
The wave of heat greeted her like a slap of molten iron. Flames swirled around Christine as if they had a consciousness of their own, trying to consume her alive. However, the white light shining from Christine's body held back the assault. The White Lantern Ring provided protection, but Christine could still feel the immense pressure of the heat.
Get in fast and get out fast, Christine thought. No problem.
From the outside, the firefighters could only watch in awe as Christine charged through the flames with incredible speed.
Of course, Shunpo is an advanced movement technique among Shinigami skills. A student of Shin'ō Academy might not yet be able to use Shunpo, but they can still run at subsonic speeds over short distances without difficulty.
Christine's speed was so high that the air around her created enough pressure to split the flames, leaving a trail of swirling embers like a small tornado.
A tightness began to creep into Christine's chest. Even with the protection of the ring, the heat of the atmosphere made it difficult for Christine to breathe. The air felt like sharp sand burning her lungs every time she inhaled. However, Christine forced herself to stay focused.
Then, Christine saw it.
In the midst of the raging fire, there was something that shouldn't be there—a large hole.
Christine's eyes widened. Why is there a hole here?
The walls of the hole were pitch black, as if made from stone untouched by fire. It was from this hole that the heartbeat Christine heard originated.
Without wasting any time, Christine rushed to the edge of the hole and jumped in.
As Christine's feet touched the ground, she immediately realized that this was not an ordinary cave. It was a corridor. The air here was much cooler compared to above. The scent of damp earth mixed with remnants of thin smoke filled Christine's nose.
The sound of the heartbeat grew clearer.
"What is this place...?" Christine whispered, her eyes tracing the stone walls that felt too smooth for a natural cave.
Christine raised her hand, allowing the White Lantern Ring to emit a soft glow. As the light increased, the corridor became clearer—and deeper.
