The journey through the ruins stretched on for hours, the oppressive heat of the orange sun wearing down Vera's patience. She’d encountered a few more of the scavenger beasts—each fight easier than the last as her combat skills leveled up incrementally. But something gnawed at her mind: who was responsible for this? Why had she been brought here? And more importantly, who or what controlled this "System"?

As if reading her thoughts, a voice—low and ancient—spoke in the recesses of her mind.

"You are not the first to wield the powers of the System, nor will you be the last."

Vera froze, scanning her surroundings for any sign of the speaker. "Who's there? Show yourself!"

"I cannot," the voice rumbled, "for I am imprisoned within the Forge."

The Forge. She remembered something about that from her fragmented memory—whispers of an ancient relic, capable of shaping worlds. "What do you want with me?" she asked, narrowing her eyes.

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

"I am one of many," the voice continued. "The Forge is a prison for those who once ruled the stars. Now, we are bound to this world, fragments of our former selves. But you—you have the potential to change that. To wield the power of the Forge itself."

Vera scowled. "Why should I trust you? You expect me to free you? What’s in it for me?"

"Power beyond comprehension. Survival in this broken galaxy. And perhaps... the chance to return to where you came from."

The last line hit harder than expected. Return. Home. Earth. Could it be possible? Could the Forge really give her the power to reshape the universe?

"Fine," she muttered, kicking a piece of rubble aside. "I’ll play your game. But if you betray me, I’ll find a way to destroy you."

A dark chuckle echoed through her mind. "Then let us begin, Vera Kain. Let us begin."

Vera’s journey was only beginning. There were ruins to explore, relics to uncover, and a universe’s worth of secrets to unravel. But in the shadow of the looming cosmic conflict, one thing was certain: Vera was no longer just a survivor. She was a player in a much larger, much deadlier game. And she had no intention of losing.