Chapter 757

As Simon turned his back to the statue, a dark, misty vapor rose silently from the skeletal remains. The eerie black fog swirled and hovered around him like a predator stalking its prey. "Such pathetic talent," a deep, disdainful voice rumbled from within the mist, low and malevolent. "Let's see if your body can withstand my power. Try not to disappoint me." "Who's there?" Simon spun around, his voice trembling as his eyes darted around the chamber. But there was nothing—only the echo of his own question bouncing off the stone walls. Confusion gave way to excitement. Simon's lips curled into a wide grin, his thoughts racing. It must be the Heavenly Force! He clutched his chest, anticipation surging through him. He'd been waiting for this—the gift, the transformation, the promised blessings. But the reality was far from what he'd imagined. The black mist drifted closer, circling his head like a storm cloud before descending over him. It seeped into his skin, disappearing as though