The Spare's Second Chance in Apocalypse
Chapter 207: Ch 207: What’s the Solution? - Part 3

Chapter 207: Ch 207: What’s the Solution? - Part 3

Selene stood in the collapsing dungeon. The ground rumbled beneath her feet. Cracks spread across the walls as the dungeon’s stability crumbled.

Everyone else had already left. Selene had made sure of that. She stood alone now, facing the core.

Her hand reached out slowly. The core pulsed in her palm, radiating a strange warmth.

[Dungeon collapse initiated. Users are advised to leave the premises before the dungeon’s dull collapse.]

The system warned, but Selene didn’t care. The message seemed to be a public notice instead of one being sent to her alone.

And even if it was sent to her, Selene had no intention of leaving right now. Not when she felt so close to achieving...something...

A strange calm settled over her. She didn’t feel afraid. In fact, she felt... free.

"I don’t feel like myself. I feel as if my body is not my own and my limbs are moving without me commanding them to do so."

She murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. But the words felt distant, as if someone else had spoken them.

Still, she didn’t hesitate. She lifted the core and brought it to her lips.

This time, consuming the core was different.

No searing pain.

No overwhelming fatigue.

Instead, Selene felt weightless.

For a moment, she was everywhere.

She could feel the dungeon—its cracks, its crumbling walls, and even the echoes of magic within it. It was as if she had become one with the collapsing space.

[Second awakening detected. System database updating...Changing User Data...]

The system’s voice echoed in her mind.

Selene barely registered the notification.

Her mind felt submerged, like she was underwater. Her thoughts floated around her, distant and sluggish. Her body was moving, but she wasn’t in control.

She felt like she had nothing to worry about. The dungeon felt like herself and it made Selene feel calm like she had never felt before.

A presence stirred nearby.

"Selene..."

The voice was familiar.

Ethan.

Selene blinked, her vision clearing just enough to see him. Ethan stood a few steps away, his eyes wide with shock.

"What are you doing? Why... does your aura feel like the dungeon?""

His voice was low, but filled with concern.

Selene tried to speak, but her words came out in a dazed murmur.

"I... I ate the core...I think. It’s difficult to remember what happened..."

Ethan’s expression twisted. His face paled, and he looked almost sick.

"You what?"

Selene smiled faintly.

"I feel... like I can do anything."

Ethan’s jaw clenched. He took a step closer. His hand reached out, but he didn’t touch her yet.

"Selene, listen to me. You need to get out of here. Now."

He said softly.

But Selene shook her head. Her body swayed slightly, and her eyes glowed faintly with a strange light.

"I don’t want to leave. I’m... happy here."

She whispered. Her voice sounded distant, almost dreamy.

Ethan’s eyes filled with worry.

"Happy? Selene, the dungeon is collapsing. If we don’t leave now, we’ll both—"

"I know. But I’m not scared"

Selene cut him off. Her tone was calm, almost too calm.

Ethan’s face hardened. He took another step closer and grabbed her arm, his grip firm but gentle.

"Don’t let the core consume you. You’re not thinking clearly."

He urged, his voice pleading now.

Selene tilted her head, her gaze distant but somehow focused on him.

"I’m not being consumed. I’m... free. For the first time."

She said softly.

Ethan’s fingers tightened around her wrist.

"Selene, please."

Her heart skipped a beat at the raw emotion in his voice.

But then, her lips curled into a soft smile.

"You don’t have to be scared anymore, Ethan. You can stay here with me."

She murmured. Her free hand lifted, brushing lightly against his face.

Ethan froze.

"The world outside...It’s cruel. It hurts."

Selene’s voice grew softer, almost wistful.

Her thumb traced his jaw gently, her touch feather-light.

"But here... I can protect you. I can keep you safe."

Her eyes glowed brighter, the light in them almost hypnotic.

Ethan’s expression darkened. His grip on her arm loosened, but only slightly.

"Selene..."

His voice was barely above a whisper now.

"You don’t have to fight anymore. Stay with me. I’ll take care of you."

Her words were almost a plea.

For a moment, silence stretched between them.

Ethan’s eyes softened, and something flickered in his gaze—pain, sadness... and something else.

"Selene."

He murmured, his voice full of sorrow.

His hand gently cupped her face, his thumb brushing against her cheek.

"I can’t stay."

Selene blinked, her glowing eyes dimming for a second.

"What?"

"You don’t belong here...And neither do I."

Ethan said softly. His gaze locked onto hers.

Selene’s heart clenched.

"But... I can protect you here."

Ethan’s smile was bittersweet.

"You’ve always protected me. Now, let’s get going."

His eyes darkened.

Selene’s body tensed.

"This power...It’s changing you. And I won’t let it take you away from me."

Ethan continued, his tone steady but firm.

Selene’s mind swirled with confusion. The dungeon’s energy pulsed through her veins. She felt invincible. Yet, Ethan’s words echoed in her mind, stirring something inside her.

"I don’t... want to leave."

She whispered, but her voice trembled now.

Ethan leaned closer, his forehead almost touching hers.

"Come back to me, Selene. Please."

He whispered softly.

Selene’s heart pounded in her chest.

His warmth. His voice.

It was pulling her back.

The core’s influence resisted. The dungeon’s power whispered promises of strength and safety.

But Ethan’s touch anchored her.

"Ethan..."

Her voice was barely audible.

"Come back."

He repeated gently, his eyes pleading with hers.

Selene’s vision blurred. Her mind felt like it was being pulled in two directions.

But her heart...

It chose Ethan.

A tear slipped down her cheek as her glowing eyes dimmed.

The connection to the dungeon wavered.

Ethan’s hand tightened around hers.

"I’m here."

He whispered.

Selene’s body sagged, and the glow around her faded.

Ethan caught her as she stumbled, pulling her close.

"It’s okay! I’ve got you."

He murmured softly.

She felt truly free.