Chapter 14: So I hit the jackpot after all
The store was still shrouded in dimness, broken only by streaks of light filtering through the shattered windows. Adam moved between the shelves, kicking boxes and peering into every crevice, searching for anything that might still be edible. Valeria followed him silently, lightly—like a shadow—but with clear curiosity glinting in her eyes.
"So..." she suddenly began, breaking his train of thought. "What was that ability you were so desperately trying to understand?"
Adam was digging through a cardboard box between the shelves, shifting through cans that looked like they’d gone through hell—and lost. Finally, he pulled one out that appeared undamaged and tossed it over his shoulder with little enthusiasm.
"Void Manipulation."
For a fraction of a second, something flickered in her eyes. Adam didn’t notice—he kept rummaging through the box as if nothing had happened, and only after a moment tossed out casually:
"You know it?"
Valeria stopped and looked out the window, as if searching for something on the horizon.
"I do," she said slowly. "It’s a power older than this world. It once belonged to a being whose name isn’t worth mentioning now. It was powerful. But that’s all I can tell you for now. The rest... is locked. Knowledge not meant for worlds of your level."
Adam frowned. "Knowledge not meant for my world? What does that even mean? Why would something be forbidden... just because I’m from here?"
Valeria sighed softly, as if expecting the question but not particularly eager to answer it.
"It’s not just about where you’re from, Adam. It’s about developmental structure. Every world embraced by the Essence Record goes through stages—like a child learning to walk, talk, think. The knowledge you’re asking about isn’t just facts. It’s tools. And any tool, in unprepared hands, can become a weapon."