I Steal The System

The First Catastrophe

Nestled within a tightly guarded, pristine forest in the heartland, a scene unfolded that wasn't typical for the secluded area. Today, it wasn't the untamed wilderness that sparked intrigue; it was the presence of two men, standing amidst the dense greenery, their attention riveted on something that lay before them.

"Donned in a mask resembling a monkey, is this what they discovered?" inquired one man, his identity veiled by the sculpted disguise.

Beside him, another figure stood, his face equally obscured but with a plain white mask, its simplicity stark against the elaborate carving of his companion's.

"Indeed, sir. Reports suggest that the area is teeming with unidentifiable energy fluctuations," the man in the plain mask replied.

"I can sense it. Even when I harness my inner strength, I can't decipher these energy pulses."

The timbre of his voice suggested a man in his prime, likely under forty.

His hand, outstretched towards the pulsating, soft yellow light. It bore resembla