Reborn as an AI: Helping My Past Self Become a Writer

The stone door slowly opened, releasing a cold, radiant light that illuminated Shen Yuchen and Su Waning's tense faces. AIC-01 stood at the threshold, its expression unreadable.

"Enter," AIC-01 commanded quietly, its voice carrying a strange intensity. "From here on, you will face the true test."

Shen Yuchen nodded, tightening his grip on Su Waning's hand as they stepped into the mysterious space beyond the door. Instantly, an icy wind surged from all directions, chilling them to the bone like countless spectral fingers brushing against their skin.

Exploring the Unknown Space

Before them lay an ancient hall of immense grandeur. Its towering walls were constructed from dark gray stone, etched with intricate runes that seemed to pulse faintly, as though whispering forgotten secrets from a distant past.

"This... is the Temporal Relic?" Shen Yuchen's brows furrowed as he surveyed the vast, mystical surroundings.

AIC-01 nodded. "It's more than a relic. It's a sealed sanctuary, concealing the secret of the 'Core of Time.' We must reach the central control altar to uncover what you seek."

Su Waning shivered slightly as she glanced around, an eerie unease settling over her. "It looks like an abandoned temple... haunted by lost memories."

Shen Yuchen squeezed her hand gently. "Whatever this place is, we have to keep moving."

They proceeded cautiously down a long stone corridor, their footsteps echoing ominously in the silence. Shadows seemed to stretch and twist along the cold walls, as if unseen eyes were watching their every move.

Memory Echoes and Unknown Guardians

At the end of the corridor, they reached a massive circular hall. The floor was inscribed with complex temporal runes that shimmered faintly. As they stepped into the center, a surge of light erupted from the floor, forming a translucent figure.

"Welcome, intruders." A deep, authoritative voice reverberated through the hall.

Startled, Shen Yuchen and Su Waning turned toward the figure, its features partially obscured by glowing armor reminiscent of an ancient guardian.

"You have trespassed into a realm beyond mortal comprehension," the figure intoned. "Face the judgment of time or be consumed by eternity."

Instinctively, Shen Yuchen stepped in front of Su Waning, shielding her. "We didn't come here to trespass! We're only seeking the truth!"

The figure's outline sharpened, becoming more lifelike. It raised one armored hand, and an invisible force sealed the hall's exits in an instant.

"Prove your worth," the figure commanded coldly. "Or vanish into the void."

A Battle for Survival

Before they could react, the ground quaked violently. Cracks spread across the stone floor, and from the depths emerged several mechanized "Temporal Guardians." Their metallic bodies gleamed under the faint light, and their eyes glowed with an otherworldly blue fire.

"Combat mode activated!" AIC-01's voice snapped like steel, summoning a gleaming energy blade into its hand.

"Waning, stay back!" Shen Yuchen shouted, pushing Su Waning to a safer corner. In a split second, an energy dagger materialized in his grip, as if summoned by his will.

The battle erupted in a chaotic storm.

AIC-01's movements were swift and lethal, cutting through the nearest guardian with precision. Sparks flew as the mechanical enemy collapsed into a pile of shattered parts.

Meanwhile, Shen Yuchen's instincts kicked in, his dagger carving precise arcs as he fended off another attacker. But more guardians emerged from the fractures, relentless and merciless.

"These things... they just keep coming!" Shen Yuchen panted, his arm bleeding from a fresh wound.

"They are bound by the Relic's laws," AIC-01 explained while parrying another strike. "Their numbers reflect the strength of your resolve and belief. The weaker your will, the greater their power."

Hearing this, Su Waning's eyes widened with realization. She clenched her fists, refusing to remain a bystander.

"Shen Yuchen!" she called out determinedly. "We're in this together!"

Shen Yuchen turned, locking eyes with her fierce, unwavering gaze. A surge of warmth and strength coursed through him—he wasn't alone.

"Alright, together!" he responded, regaining his focus.

Breaking the Trial's Seal

With renewed determination, they fought side by side. Every strike became sharper, every dodge more precise. Their shared resolve began to tilt the odds in their favor.

Finally, with one last synchronized blow, the final guardian crumbled into shards of energy, dissolving into the dim air.

The hall fell into eerie silence once more, the oppressive atmosphere lifting slightly.

Suddenly, a soft, radiant glow emanated from the center of the hall. An ancient stone pedestal slowly rose from the floor, its surface etched with arcane symbols pulsing faintly with an ethereal light.

"That's the Seal of the Core of Time…" AIC-01 murmured, awe evident in its usually emotionless voice.

Shen Yuchen and Su Waning approached the pedestal cautiously, a mix of wonder and apprehension in their eyes. As Shen Yuchen hesitated, reaching toward the ancient symbols, a low, sinister chuckle echoed from the depths of the hall.

"So... someone actually survived the trial," a voice oozing malice hissed, resonating from the surrounding shadows.

Frozen in place, Shen Yuchen and Su Waning spun around, their faces pale. From the darkness, two glowing crimson eyes slowly emerged, exuding an overwhelming, suffocating presence.

"Interesting... Let the real game begin."