The park was eerily quiet now, save for the soft rustling of leaves in the wind. The creature, the hybrid tiger-leopard beast, lay motionless on the ground, a twisted heap of fur and blood. Its glowing eyes were no longer a threat, and the tension that had filled the air moments ago began to dissipate. But Lin Yu didn't feel any relief.
Cheng Xi was standing a few feet away, her hands trembling at her sides as she stared at the fallen beast. Lin Yu knew that in any other situation, she would've been terrified, but now, there was something different in her expression. Something like disbelief and fear, mixed with awe.
"How… how did you do that?" she asked in a small, shaky voice.
Lin Yu stepped away from the creature, wiping sweat from his brow as he turned to her. "I used the energy around us," he said, his voice strained. "It's not enough yet, but I have some control over it."
Cheng Xi's confusion deepened. "But that energy—what do you mean? You're not… just a normal person, are you?"
Lin Yu's gaze hardened. It was only a matter of time before she figured it out. The truth couldn't remain hidden forever. But now was not the time to explain everything. Not when the danger wasn't over.
"I'm not," he said quietly, his eyes flicking to the creature. "And neither are you, not really. You're in danger because of me."
Cheng Xi took a hesitant step forward. "What are you talking about? What do you mean, danger?"
Lin Yu's thoughts raced. He could feel the pulse of spiritual energy in the air, still faint, but strong enough to give him a sense of urgency. The beast had been a test, a warning. The true enemy was still out there, watching, waiting.
"I can't explain everything right now," he said, his tone heavy with the weight of his words. "But trust me—someone is controlling these creatures. Someone who has the power to manipulate this world. And that someone is after you."
Her expression faltered, a flash of fear crossing her face. "Me? Why me?"
"I don't know," Lin Yu admitted, his frustration growing. "But I'll figure it out. You have to stay close to me, Cheng Xi. There's no time to explain, and I don't have all the answers. But you're safer with me than you are anywhere else right now."
Cheng Xi stared at him, her brow furrowed in disbelief. "You're talking about things I don't understand. What kind of world are you in, Lin Yu? And why are you saying I'm in danger?"
林宇还想多说,但他处境的真相——发生在他身上的现实,纵一切的力量——太过复杂,无法用三言两语来解释.他曾经指挥的力量,粉碎他生活的背叛,地球间螺的奇怪吸引力
他们站在那里很长一段时间,局势的重担沉重地笼罩在他们之间.林宇知道,他越是解释,就越会把她拉入一个她不该身处的世界.但如果他不能保护她,如果他不能保护她的安全,他为之奋斗的一切都会被困
"我们得走了,"林宇突然说道,声音急促."他们有更多.我不知道在哪里,但我可以
Cheng Xi nodded slowly, though her eyes still held uncertainty. "Where do we go?"
"Anywhere but here. Away from the city. I can't let you stay in the open any longer."
He took her hand before she could protest, leading her away from the fallen beast and deeper into the park. The familiar trees and pathways that had once seemed so peaceful now felt like they were closing in on them. Lin Yu's instincts were sharp, but the uncertainty of his power and the lingering threat of whatever forces were behind this weighed heavily on his mind.
As they walked, Lin Yu scanned their surroundings, his senses attuned to every sound, every movement. Something was out there, lurking in the shadows.
They reached the edge of the park, where the city's noise began to fade into the background. Lin Yu stopped for a moment, his eyes scanning the area. He could feel the pulse of spiritual energy again, faint but growing stronger. The beast wasn't the only one. There were others—creatures, entities, or perhaps something far worse, controlling it all.
"I need to take you somewhere safe," Lin Yu muttered to himself. "Somewhere they won't find us."
Cheng Xi stopped walking, looking back at him, still clearly confused. "Where? What's going on, Lin Yu? Who is after me? What is happening?"
"I can't tell you yet," he replied, his voice strained. "But trust me—if you want to stay safe, you need to listen. I'm not from this world, Cheng Xi. I'm not… human, not in the way you think."
Her eyes widened. "What do you mean?"
"Later," Lin Yu said, cutting her off. "I'll explain everything when we're safe. Just… stay with me."
They moved quickly, heading toward the outskirts of the city. Lin Yu's mind raced. There were too many questions and too few answers. His time was running out. The forces pulling the strings behind the scenes were still watching. And every step he took toward protecting Cheng Xi only brought them closer to whatever plans those forces had in store.
As they walked through the darkened streets, Lin Yu suddenly sensed something—an energy, a presence. Someone—or something—was approaching them. His pulse quickened.
"We need to hurry," Lin Yu said urgently, pulling Cheng Xi closer.
They ran through the alleys, their footsteps echoing in the empty streets. Lin Yu's mind raced as he scanned their surroundings, feeling the weight of the approaching danger. Whatever was out there, it was coming fast.
Suddenly, a figure emerged from the shadows ahead. The air grew colder as the figure stepped forward, blocking their path. Lin Yu's heart sank as he recognized the figure standing before them.
It was the same man from the library.