Chapter 1: Turning Point of Destiny
In bustling New York, skyscrapers rise high, and neon lights flicker, creating a dreamlike world. However, in the corners of the city lies a forgotten place—the slums.
Lyra, a young and resilient girl, lives in the slums. She has long, jet-black hair, and her eyes shine with an indomitable spirit. Though her clothes are worn, they are clean and tidy, reflecting her love and respect for life.
Every day, Lyra hustles to make a living. She works as a cashier in a small supermarket, where the work is hard and the pay is meager. Yet, she never complains, knowing that only through her own efforts can she change her destiny.
One day, Lyra finishes work and heads home as usual. Walking through the narrow, dimly lit streets of the slums, she calculates her expenses for the month. The surroundings are dilapidated, with walls covered in peeling paint and garbage strewn in corners, emitting an unpleasant odor. Lyra furrows her brow slightly but has long grown accustomed to such scenes.
Suddenly, she feels someone following her. An inexplicable sense of unease washes over her, and she quickens her pace, her heartbeat racing. She glances back occasionally but can only see blurred shadows under the dim lights.
"Who’s there?" Lyra calls out nervously, her voice echoing in the silent street. But there is no response, only the sound of her own footsteps reverberating in the air.
The follower quickens their pace as well, and a wave of intense fear surges within Lyra. She looks around, hoping to find someone to help her, but the street is eerily empty. The silence is terrifying, as if the entire world has abandoned her.
Lyra's breathing becomes rapid, and her mind races with fearful thoughts. She doesn’t know who the follower is or what their intentions are. All she knows is that she must escape this danger as quickly as possible.
The follower is getting closer, and Lyra feels her heart leap into her throat. She can hear her own heartbeat, as if it’s about to burst from her chest. Her palms begin to sweat, and her legs feel weak.
Just as she prepares to run, a shadow suddenly bursts from a nearby alley and tackles her to the ground. Lyra looks up in terror at the man before her, who wears an evil grin.
His eyes are filled with desire and malice, sending chills down Lyra's spine. She struggles desperately, but the man is too strong for her to escape.
“Don’t be afraid, sweetheart. As long as you behave, I won’t hurt you,” he says, beginning to tear at Lyra's clothes.
Lyra is engulfed in despair and fear. She scratches and kicks, but the man holds her down firmly, rendering her immobile. She screams for help, but her voice seems so weak in the stillness of the slums.
“Help! Help!” Lyra cries, her voice filled with terror and desperation. She doesn’t know if anyone can hear her cries, but she refuses to give up hope.
The man begins to assault her, and Lyra feels immense pain and humiliation. Anger and despair fill her heart, and she cannot understand why fate has been so cruel to her. Tears stream down her face as she feels her world collapsing.
Just when she thinks she is about to break, a mysterious force suddenly surges within her. Lyra feels her body becoming incredibly strong, as if an infinite power is burning inside her.
With a powerful shove, she unexpectedly sends the man flying backward. He looks at her in fear, unable to believe his eyes. Lyra stands up, her gaze filled with anger and determination.
“You will not harm me again!” Lyra shouts. Her voice carries strength and resolve, instilling fear in the man.
Terrified, he turns to flee, but Lyra does not let him escape. She chases after him, using her newfound strength to subdue him. Her fists feel like iron, each punch landing heavily on him.
The man groans in pain, but Lyra feels no pity. She recalls the suffering and humiliation she just endured, and her anger becomes even more uncontainable.
“You monster, you will pay for your actions!” Lyra says as she continues to strike. Her eyes burn with fury, as if she wants to reduce him to ashes.
Lyra hands the man over to the police. The officers are astonished by her strength but take the man away to face legal consequences.
Back home, Lyra is filled with complex emotions. She feels pain and humiliation from her ordeal, yet she is also surprised and confused by her mysterious power. She doesn’t know where this strength came from or what impact it will have on her life.
Sitting on her bed, she hugs herself tightly. Her body still trembles slightly, the recent experience leaving her shaken. The man’s evil face keeps flashing in her mind, making her feel nauseous and afraid.
“Why did this happen? Why is fate so cruel to me?” Lyra says through tears. She feels as if her world has crumbled, and she doesn’t know how to move forward.
However, Lyra is not one to give up easily. She knows she cannot continue like this. She must face reality bravely and find a way to heal her emotional wounds.
Lyra starts to recall the mysterious power she felt earlier. She doesn’t know where it comes from, but she can sense its strength. She thinks that if she can master this power, perhaps she can protect herself and others.
Closing her eyes, Lyra concentrates on feeling the power within her. She senses a warm energy flowing through her, as if a life is awakening inside her.
She tries to control this power, focusing it in her hands. She feels her hands becoming incredibly strong, as if she could destroy anything. She lightly waves her hand, and the nearby table shakes slightly.
Lyra stares at her hand in astonishment, filled with curiosity and excitement. What is this power? Will it always be there? She doesn’t know the answers, but she decides to explore this strength further.
For the next few hours, Lyra practices controlling this power. She discovers that as long as she concentrates, she can manipulate the size and direction of this energy. She can use it to lift heavy objects, break walls, and even enhance her agility and strength.
Her heart swells with hope and courage. She knows this power is a gift from above, and she intends to use it to change her fate.
However, Lyra also realizes that this power is not all-powerful. She must use it cautiously, ensuring no one discovers her secret. Otherwise, she may face even greater danger.
Lyra decides not to tell anyone about her ordeal or her newfound abilities just yet. She wants to explore the mysteries of this power on her own and find a way to control it.
As time passes, Lyra becomes more familiar with her abilities. She begins to think about how to use this power to protect herself and help others. She understands that in this world filled with danger and injustice, she needs to fight for what is right using her strength.
Yet, Lyra knows that everything must be approached with caution. She cannot let her emotions dictate her actions, or she may fall into even greater peril.
Sitting on her bed, Lyra contemplates her future. She knows she cannot return to her old life; she must use her mysterious power to create a better future for herself and others.
However, Lyra also feels an overwhelming sense of fatigue. Today’s experiences have taken a tremendous toll on her mind and body, and she needs to rest to regain her strength and spirit.
Lying in bed, she closes her eyes. The events of the day replay in her mind, preventing her from sleeping. But gradually, exhaustion washes over her, and her consciousness begins to fade.
Finally, Lyra falls into a deep sleep. Her breathing becomes steady and deep, as if she has entered a tranquil world. In this world, there is no pain or fear, only peace and serenity.
Lyra does not know what her future holds, but she understands that she must face everything with courage. She believes that as long as she perseveres, she will find her own path to the light.