My Talent's Name Is Generator Chapter 974 Meeting Knight

My awakening was slow, my senses gradually reassembling while a dull ache permeated my body. The first sensation was a heavy pressure, a suppression that made even the slightest movement feel sluggish, as if my body and intent were no longer in sync. My eyes fluttered open after a moment, adjusting to the dim illumination of a vast, enclosed space. As my vision cleared, the realization dawned that I was no longer amidst the bustling streets of Ture.

I found myself within a grand hall.

It extended widely, constructed from dark, obsidian-like stone that occasionally shimmered with peculiar lights. The ceiling soared high above, flanked by symmetrical pillars lining the walls. Chains held me captive, securely fastened around my wrists and anchored behind me, immobilizing me. When I attempted even a minor shift, the restraints didn't merely hold firm; they seemed to actively drain my strength, stifling it before it could fully manifest.

Before me stood five imposing figures.

Each donned the same dark robes I had previously encountered. Their tall, slender forms remained motionless as they extended a hand, a peculiar flame flickering above each palm. This was no ordinary fire; it burned with an unnatural blackness, absorbing light rather than emitting it, its edges shimmering with a faint distortion. All five flames were directed squarely at me.

My gaze drifted past them.

At the hall's far end, slightly elevated, rested a throne. It was carved from the same dark stone as the surrounding architecture, yet its design was far more elaborate. Seated upon it was a man.

Even while seated, he possessed a commanding height, his posture relaxed. One arm rested against the throne's side, while the other lay draped across his lap. His skin bore that same faint bluish hue, and his emerald eyes were fixed upon me with undivided attention. His expression held no trace of hostility, only a simple, unadulterated curiosity.

I focused briefly.

[Believer Gin– Level 99]

"…Great," I murmured under my breath, the words barely audible.

The man slowly rose, descending from the elevated throne with effortless grace. He halted a short distance away, his gaze never wavering from mine.

"I am Ubai Hefu," he announced, his voice smooth and resonant, carrying clearly through the hall without the need for increased volume. "Commander of this city."

He observed me for another moment before continuing.

"Tell me," he inquired, "who are you, and from whence do you hail?"

I exhaled softly, tilting my head slightly as if contemplating his question.

"I'm a human," I responded. "Male, approximately 20 years of age. I've been traveling. Thought I'd pay a visit."

One of the robed figures behind Ubai shifted almost imperceptibly, but Ubai himself did not react. If anything, the corner of his mouth twitched into a faint smile.

"Interesting," he commented. "You choose to answer, yet offer no substance."

I managed a shrug, limited as it was by the chains.

"You asked."

His eyes narrowed slightly.

"We already know your identity, prince," he stated evenly. "We also know you should be deceased. However, operations can falter, so that is acceptable. This nonetheless raises a question… why are you here, and not in the tutorial?"

I met his gaze steadily.

"How would I know?" I replied truthfully.

A beat of silence passed, brief yet distinct, before he resumed.

"You entered this city unaccompanied," he continued, his tone remaining measured. "You breached a fortified barrier and engaged forces far exceeding your apparent level. You even injured one of my elites. Such actions are not characteristic of an ordinary participant. Therefore, I will ask again… how did you attain such strength so rapidly?"

I released a quiet breath.

"Gym," I offered casually. "You know, lifting weights and such. I used to do a considerable amount of squats too. Not sure if you'd be familiar with those, considering how slender and lean you all are… legs like candles."

This time, one of the robed individuals stepped forward, his gaze piercing me with intensity. Ubai, however, merely continued to observe me. The faint curve at his lips disappeared as his concentration on me intensified.

"And why did you attack this city?" he inquired pointedly.

"I did not attack the city," I countered. "Did you witness me doing so?"

Silence stretched for a moment. He then turned slightly, glancing toward the others present.

"It appears," he declared calmly, "that cooperation will not be forthcoming voluntarily."

He shifted his attention back to me.

"In that case, we shall proceed through other means."

He raised one hand slightly.

"Take him," he commanded. "And ensure he receives appropriate treatment."

The chains tightened momentarily before releasing their anchor from the floor. They remained secured around my wrists as the five figures advanced in unison. I offered no resistance. Not out of an inability to try, but because there was nothing to be gained from it at this juncture.

They escorted me from the hall, navigating through corridors constructed from the same dark stone. The architecture was uniform, utterly devoid of any superfluous ornamentation. Eventually, we arrived at a chamber housing an antiquated mechanical lift. Its metal frame appeared worn but was clearly functional, with cables ascending into the oppressive darkness above.

We were brought onto it, and I was compelled to follow.

The journey downward commenced.

With a grating sound, the elevator began its descent, lowering us gradually. The light from the world above diminished as we plunged deeper beneath the earth. After an seemingly endless drop, the confined space expanded into a vast chamber, excavated from the bedrock of the city. Its walls were lined with numerous cells, each secured by sturdy iron bars.

An profound silence permeated the area. It was so still that the thumping of my own heart was clearly audible.

They guided me across this subterranean expanse, halting before one particular cell. The door was unlatched and opened, and I was forcefully propelled inside without preamble. I staggered, regaining my balance just as the door swung shut. The locking mechanism engaged with a muted, definitive click.

Without offering any further words, they departed. I remained stationary for a brief period, allowing the quiet to envelop me.

Then, my attention was drawn to the chains.

I exerted pressure, attempting to break free.

Concentrating my efforts, I tried to channel strength through my body as I normally would. However, the instant I made the attempt, the familiar suppression mechanism activated. My Qi refused to cooperate, faltering as if an external force was disrupting the connection.

"...This is quite bothersome," I grumbled.

I surveyed my surroundings.

Every other cell stood empty. There wasn't a soul in sight.

I was entirely alone. It seemed even the other prisoners had been transported to the tutorial.

Taking a slow breath, I leaned back against the cool cell wall, initiating a mental review of my knowledge, potential strategies, and any overlooked details. Suddenly, a faint whisper reached my ears.

"Billion... is that you?"

My eyes widened immediately.

Pushing off the wall, I moved closer to the bars, peering intently into the shadows.

"Yes," I responded swiftly. "Who is it?"

A subtle shimmering distorted the air near the edge of my cell.

Then, a figure emerged. He didn't use the door; instead, he phased directly through the bars and fell heavily onto the floor within my cell.

For a moment, I could only stare. The man's condition was dire.

Truly dire.

His attire was in tatters, barely clinging to his frame. His body bore numerous wounds, a mixture of fresh injuries and older scars, overlaid with patches of unnaturally bubbling, infected skin. His breaths were shallow and labored.

"Knight?" I inquired, crouching down beside him.

"...Yeah," he rasped in reply.

My mind immediately sprang into action. I accessed the system interface and procured the most potent healing potion my funds would allow. The vial materialized in my palm. Without hesitation, I uncorked it and poured the contents into his mouth.

For a fleeting instant, nothing appeared to change.

Then, everything transformed.

The effect was instantaneous. The infection was the first to recede; the festering sores flattened and vanished as his skin regenerated. His wounds began to seal, torn flesh knitting itself back together while his breathing stabilized. Even his previously sparse hair grew rapidly, dark strands cascading down to frame his shoulders.

He let out a deep sigh and pushed himself up slightly, gazing at his own hands.

"Fuck..." he mumbled. "I thought I was a goner."

I shifted back slightly, a small chuckle escaping my lips.

"Not quite yet."

With him stabilized, I could properly assess his appearance. He possessed a lean physique, was tall, with dark hair falling to his shoulders. His eyes, now clear of pain, held a steady gaze.

I initiated a check.

[Defier Human – Level 32]

"...How did you end up in such a state?" I inquired.

He exhaled slowly, resting his back against the wall.

"Bad luck," he stated. "I was reincarnated directly into a battle. The body I inhabited was already dying, bearing a severe torso wound."

He paused briefly before continuing.

"I was essentially born a prisoner. Apparently, the original owner of this body had slain the family of the city's mayor."

I frowned slightly.

"And?"

Knight let out a faint, weary laugh.

"They were zealous believers," he explained. "But they were beginning to waver, showing signs of becoming Defiers."

He tilted his head back slightly.

"So, he eliminated them before they could change their allegiance. That fellow was a fanatical believer, you understand. The truly extreme kind."

He met my gaze once more. "And now, here we are."