I opened my eyes, bracing myself for the excruciating pain I'd felt before—sharp, relentless, like something clawing through my very soul.
But… nothing.
No pain. No burning sensation. Just… peace.
Startled, I sat up, my eyes darting around the unfamiliar space. I was definitely not in my room. This room was smaller—or at least it seemed so compared to the lavish chambers I was used to. But it wasn't cramped or uncomfortable. It was cozy, almost serene.
As I got to my feet, hoping to get a better sense of where I was, a sudden voice echoed around me, calm yet mechanical.
{Welcome to the system, new host. We welcome you into our system. For details, please say: 'Details'.}
The voice made me jump. I glanced down instinctively—and there it was, glowing faintly in my palm: my mother's pendant.
"Did… did that voice come from this?" I whispered, still trying to process what was happening. Tentatively, I cleared my throat and said, "Details."
Immediately, the pendant pulsed with light—and a flood of information poured into my mind.
It was overwhelming, like someone trying to pour an ocean into a teacup. I staggered slightly as images, knowledge, and foreign sensations filled my senses. After a few seconds, everything settled.
So this is what it meant…
According to the system's data, the pendant wasn't just a keepsake. It contained an entire self-sustaining system—one that could only be accessed by the direct descendants of my mother's bloodline. Inside it was a sanctuary, a hidden realm, fully equipped with food, shelter, and a life-nourishing aura that could heal and strengthen its host over time.
No wonder touching it had nearly killed me before. My body must have gone into shock when it first activated. But now… now it welcomed me.
My lips parted into an incredulous smile. "This is insane! I have a secret place—inside a pendant? That's… sick!"
I could barely contain my excitement. This sounded straight out of a science fiction novel. Who made this? Some kind of ancient genius? The technology… or wait—could this be magic?
The thought sent a thrill through me. Technology was cool, but magic? That was beyond amazing.
Still buzzing with excitement, I looked around again, really taking in my surroundings this time. Scratch what I said earlier—this place wasn't just nice, it was exquisite.
The wooden walls were carved with such intricate designs, I was sure they belonged in a museum. Every detail had a touch of timeless artistry, from the elegant moldings to the soft golden lighting. The craftsmanship was out of this world.
Curious, I walked to the window and gasped.
The view outside was breathtaking—rolling fields of emerald green, orchards filled with trees heavy with fruit, flowers of every color swaying in the breeze. It was like a dream, untouched and eternal.
"I have to explore this place," I whispered to myself.
I stepped out of the room and into what appeared to be a spacious living area. My jaw dropped again.
This place wasn't a house—it was a private art exhibit.
The furniture gleamed as though freshly polished, the dining table looked like it had been carved from divine wood, its surface glistening like water under moonlight. Even the carpet under my feet was embroidered with detailed floral patterns that looked too perfect to walk on.
But the real magic was outside.
I wandered into the open, and for a moment, I couldn't breathe.
Nature here wasn't just alive—it was vibrant. The air smelled of fresh blossoms and sweet fruit. A soft breeze carried the music of rustling leaves and chirping birds.
Then I heard it—the soft sound of running water. I turned and nearly cried from awe.
A mini waterfall cascaded gracefully into a stream of crystalline water, so clear I could see straight to the riverbed. I leaned in and caught sight of my reflection—my skin looked more radiant, my eyes brighter.
Was this part of the system's healing effect?
Everything here felt pure. Safe. Sacred.
I kept walking until I reached a peach tree, its branches heavy with ripe, golden fruit. Without hesitation, I reached up, plucked one, and took a bite.
The taste exploded in my mouth—sweet, juicy, with a hint of honey and sunshine. Every peach I'd ever eaten before this now tasted like cardboard in comparison.
I leaned against the tree, savoring the flavor, letting the peace of the moment soak in.
"This... this is my sanctuary," I murmured.
I want to taste all the fruits here!
With my mouth already watering, I rushed back inside the house and made my way to the kitchen. It looked straight out of a fairytale—neat shelves, glowing lanterns, and sparkling counters. I grabbed the nearest basket, one made of woven vines with an elegant floral pattern, and dashed back outside like an excited child set loose in paradise.
The air was fresh, sweet with the scent of ripened fruit and blooming flowers. I began filling the basket, starting with a large, round watermelon at the bottom—it looked so juicy and perfect, it felt almost wrong to eat it. Next came some plump peaches and deep purple plums, their skin smooth and shining in the golden sunlight. Then I added two mangoes—soft and fragrant, promising sweetness with just one bite.
There were so many varieties! Fruits I hadn't even seen before, their colors bright and inviting. I picked a few at random, trusting my instincts. Strawberries as red as rubies, a handful of blueberries that glistened like little sapphires, a perfectly curved banana—it was all too perfect.
All these fruits, from different seasons, ripe at the same time and place? This place really was weird… but the good kind of weird. Like "where-have-you-been-all-my-life" kind of weird.
By the time I was done, the sun had started to dip below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange, lavender, and rose gold. The orchard was bathed in soft light, the leaves rustling like they were whispering secrets to the wind. I made my way back inside, feeling like the main character in a fantasy movie.
Once in the kitchen again, I carefully cleaned all the fruits, enjoying their fresh, natural scent. Then I sliced them one by one, arranging them into a colorful, mouthwatering fruit salad. When I was satisfied with my creation, I carried the bowl to a cozy chair near the wide window and sat down.
Outside, the evening had fully settled in. The stars had begun to sprinkle the sky, and the mini waterfall glowed faintly in the moonlight. I scooped up a spoonful of the salad and smiled—each bite tasted like joy.
--------------
It's been two days since I first arrived here.
As much as I loved this magical place—this hidden sanctuary—I knew I couldn't stay forever. There were things I needed to do, people I needed to face. I couldn't hide in this dream world, no matter how tempting it was.
For the past day, I'd searched every corner of the house, hoping to find some kind of exit, a door, a portal—something. But nothing.
Now I sat cross-legged on the bed, pendant in my hand, staring at it like it might suddenly speak again. I tapped it gently, tilted it, whispered at it. Still nothing.
"Come on," I muttered. "You brought me in, surely you can take me out…"
Then I remembered—when it first activated, it had said: 'Say "details" for more information.'
That means it's voice-operated! Yes! Finally a breakthrough!
"Let's goooo!" I whispered in triumph, already preparing to speak.
But before I could even open my mouth, a snarky voice echoed in the room.
{Good. You realized it in this lifetime. Congratulations!}
I blinked. What? That… that sounded sarcastic! Was the pendant… mocking me?
This voice was different from the calm, mechanical one I'd heard on my first day. This one had attitude. It almost sounded smug. Was my system picking on me?
Clearing my throat, I ignored the sass and said confidently, "I want to go back."
Instantly, the world around me began to distort. I felt like I was being pulled through a whirlpool, colors and lights spinning around me, faster and faster. It wasn't painful—but it was overwhelming, like being stretched and compressed at the same time.
And then… everything went black.
Not again!!