Reborn as God: The strongest system

The air was thick with the scent of dust and decay, as well as the faint aroma of long-dried herbs and potions.

As they walked further into the lab, they found themselves surrounded by various workstations and tables, each adorned with an impressive array of magical trinkets, beakers, and alchemical apparatuses. It was clear that this had been a place of great learning and experimentation in its time.

Glass vials filled with strangely colored liquids sat atop dusty shelves, while enchanted crystals of various shapes and sizes were carefully arranged on nearby tables. Ancient scrolls and parchments, their edges tattered and frayed, were strewn about the room, as if hastily abandoned by their previous users.

At the center of the laboratory, a large stone table commanded attention. Covered in mysterious runes and symbols, it appeared to be the focal point of the room, where the most important experiments and rituals were likely conducted.

As Esdras and Celine explored the room, they couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the depth of knowledge and the wealth of magical power that must have once been concentrated within these walls. They could only imagine the incredible discoveries and breakthroughs that had taken place in this very room.

But the laboratory was not just a testament to the ancient elves' achievements; it also served as a grim reminder of the dangers inherent in their pursuits.

Broken beakers and the remnants of failed experiments lay scattered about the room, a testament to the inherent risks involved in pushing the boundaries of magical knowledge.

Despite the passage of time and the decay that had crept into every corner of the laboratory, Esdras and Celine knew that they had stumbled upon a treasure trove of knowledge and power. As they carefully examined the texts, they could feel the potential for incredible discoveries waiting to be uncovered.

As Esdras and Celine continued their exploration of the ancient laboratory, they discovered three particularly important areas that stood out amidst the magical clutter.

The first was a beautifully crafted cabinet, seemingly untouched by the ravages of time. Its intricate carvings and ornate design hinted at the treasures within.

When they carefully opened the cabinet, they found it filled with an assortment of magical ingredients, some of which were incredibly rare and valuable. The fact that these ingredients had been preserved so well for so long was a testament to the ancient elves' skill and knowledge in the arcane arts.

The second area of interest was the center of the laboratory, where a massive metallic pillar reached up towards the ceiling. Embedded within the pillar was an enormous mana stone, still pulsing with vibrant, potent energy.

It was evident that this stone was the power source for the entire laboratory, and even after countless years, it continued to emanate its energy. Esdras and Celine marveled at the ancient elves' mastery of magic, as well as their ability to harness and maintain such immense power for such an extended period.

"It's a mana reactor! Not bad, it's some archaic rune work but it can be fixed."

The pharaoh couldn't help but exclaim loudly.

The third and perhaps most intriguing area was located at the far end of the lab. At first glance, it appeared to be a simple, two-meter-deep pool filled with dark, stagnant water.

Celine ran over to the pool immediately her demeanor conveyed her urgency. She looked at the pool intently, her eyes almost unblinking.

Upon closer inspection, Esdras realized that this was no ordinary pool. The water's surface shimmered with an eerie, otherworldly light, and the air around it seemed to hum with an unsettling energy.

"What...is this?" Esdras asked, his voice strained. Although he could have used his third eye to find out, something told him he didn't want to know.

Celine hesitated, avoiding eye contact. "It's a gate to the... shadow realm," she finally admitted, her voice faint but firm.

Esdras gripped the edge of a nearby table and sat down, the gravity of the situation finally hitting him. This was the method Celine had mentioned - her fighting chance - but he didn't like it one bit.

"You said we could find another way," Esdras snapped, his temper flaring. "You said this was our chance! How is this supposed to help us? Are you just giving up?"

"If I remain in the material world, we have no chance! If the contract is fulfilled, it's over!" Celine shouted back.

"What do you mean? Explain everything," Esdras said, forcing himself to calm down.

Celine took a deep breath and sat beside him. "It may seem like the terms of the agreement were already met. However, the last part of the deal remains unfulfilled - the part where they pick me up and take me."

Esdras had a hunch that this was the case. "The Queen of Dusk didn't specify a time for some reason, but that leaves her vulnerable to something like this."

"But...that's not enough to invalidate the deal," Esdras concluded.

Celine nodded, "It's not enough, that's true. But we can definitely use this method to buy time."

"I'll come with you," Esdras insisted.

"You can't. You know you can't. You have things to do here, Esdras. It's too dangerous for both of us to go there now."

"It's too dangerous! That's my line," Esdras argued. "Am I supposed to let you just wander off into the shadow realm?!"

"Am I that pathetic to you?" Celine shouted, startling Esdras. "I'm not as weak as you think I am. I can't live in fear, Esdras! I can take her. I won't cower in fear!"

Esdras was struck by her words, realizing he hadn't considered Celine's feelings throughout all of this. She had changed, becoming more assertive and confident. She refused to be just another helpless victim, choosing to fight for her life, even if the plan seemed like suicide.

From a rational perspective, it looked like a desperate move, but what else could they do in this situation? Esdras had no other alternatives, no immediate plans to solve the issue. If Celine went through with this, there might be a faint glimmer of hope.

Indeed Celine was clumsy and too timid sometimes but that was in the past. He didn't know when it happened but Celine had changed.

She became much more assertive and confident, she wasn't afraid to get her hands dirty and now she overcame her fear.

She wouldn't be just another damsel in distress nor a helpless victim waiting to die without a fight. Even if this plan was completely crazy and had nothing but bravado to it, it was the crystallization of Celine's will to live and fight for her own life.

From a rational perceptive it looked like a suicide with extra steps but what else could be done in this situation?

Esdras had no other alternative, he had no plan to solve this issue at once. He had long-term plans but he didn't have the time.

Realistically speaking, they were out of time. There was no other way, and as much as Esdras hated to admit it, he had to accept the reality of their situation.

"Fine, fine. I'm the pathetic one, Celine. You did all of that for me, and I couldn't even help you at the most important time," Esdras sighed, feeling defeated.

"Esdras, don't say that. If time were to turn back, I would make the same choice. So what if things didn't go as we thought they would? We've always been together. I'll do my best down there, and you do your thing up here. Eventually, we will take care of this issue.

Don't think badly of yourself; it is what it is."

Esdras looked up and saw that Celine had tears in her eyes, though she refused to let them fall.

"Quit acting tough," he said softly, pulling her into a hug. "You do your thing, and I'll do mine. I like that. Don't be sad. Remember, you must take care of yourself. I know you can handle it, but I still worry.

Don't take any unnecessary risks, and always remember that you're there to buy time, not to fight against a rank 5 being."

As they peered into the murky depths of the portal, Esdras and Celine could feel a sense of foreboding emanating from it. They knew that the shadow realm was a place of darkness and danger, a parallel dimension that held untold horrors and secrets.

Celine and Esdras stood before the portal, its shimmering surface reflecting their solemn faces. The air around them crackled with the energy of the ancient magic that had been dormant for centuries, and now awakened for this moment.

Celine took a deep breath, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. She turned to face Esdras, her voice wavering with emotion. "Esdras, promise me you'll stay strong while I'm gone. I need to know you'll be okay."

Esdras nodded, trying to keep his own emotions in check. "I promise, Celine. I'll stay strong for you, and I'll be waiting for the day we can be together again."

They embraced one last time, their arms wrapped tightly around each other, seeking comfort and strength. As they held each other, the weight of their shared journey and the challenges they had overcome together seemed to press down on them, but they refused to let it break their resolve.

Finally, they pulled apart, their eyes meeting as they shared a final look of understanding and love. Celine wiped away her tears, took a deep breath, and stepped towards the edge of the pool.

"This isn't goodbye," she whispered, her eyes never leaving Esdras's. "It's just... see you later."

With that, she stepped into the portal, her body enveloped by the shimmering surface. Esdras watched as Celine vanished into the shadow realm, the air around the portal closing in as if to seal her away from the world she had left behind.

As the last of her form disappeared, Esdras felt his heart clench with a mix of fear and determination. He knew that Celine was strong, and that she would find a way to survive and return to him. But until that day, he would carry the weight of their shared hope, using it to fuel his own journey and to never give up until they were reunited.

Alone in the ancient lab, Esdras whispered a vow into the silence. "I'll find a way, Celine. I'll find a way to bring you back, and we'll be together again. I promise."