Killed Me? Now I Have Your Power Chapter 439: True Soul Core
Previously on Killed Me? Now I Have Your Power...
Kaden observed in silence while the shrieking, wailing spirits rushed at him with terrifying velocity.
He remained motionless, sensing his Trait Soulbrand radiate outward, causing the incoming spirits to halt just an inch away, circling him without cease.
Next to him, Rea gazed at the scene with a raised brow, puzzled by the unfolding events. Yet before she could utter her query, the spirits before her shifted form.
They twisted into themselves and morphed into spheres. These spheres varied greatly, differing in dimensions, surfaces, hues, and even emanations.
Rea perceived something extra beyond what Kaden detected; it was the intensity and nature of terror radiating from each of these Soul Cores.
The terrors varied, each deeply ingrained in the essences of the beings these spirits once inhabited.
At once, Rea’s forehead creased, detecting a potentially complicated issue arising.
And sure enough,
DING!
The Will rang out, prompting Kaden to raise his gaze skyward, as though his red eyes flecked with stars pierced beyond ordinary perception.
[The Soul Cores of these deceased entities no longer desire entry into The Tree’s embrace.]
Rea moved nearer to Kaden, positioning herself at his side, their arms brushing lightly.
The Will proceeded in a steady tone.
[They have chosen, through their own volition, to reside within you. This occurrence would normally be impossible. Yet again, Prometheus, or more precisely, Asclepius, you have altered the destiny of a crucial entity — an exceptionally rare one.]
’This direction doesn’t sit well with me.’ Kaden pondered,
"I don’t like this." Rea voiced openly, her face creasing in concern.
"Aye." He agreed with a nod, sharing the unease. For some reason, he sensed that denying these spirits their path to the renowned Tree would invite excessive complications.
Perhaps not immediately, but certainly down the line.
’My burdens are heavy enough, blood and ashes, I can’t add another.’ He muttered to himself, yet The Will paid no heed to his sentiments,
[You have gained the privilege to assimilate the Soul Cores.]
"What would occur if I proceed?" He inquired, clearly intrigued. He anticipated being overlooked, but to his surprise, The Will responded.
[You will experience their existences.] The statement was straightforward, [You will sense their sensations, cherish what they cherished, despise what they despised...]
As The Will elaborated further, the expressions of both Kaden and Rea grew increasingly contorted.
[You will acquire their recollections. And should fortune favor you, you will gain their abilities.]
[And you will awaken Soul Energy.]
At last, The Will ceased its barrage of alerts, delivering final remarks that revealed to Kaden the reason behind Soulbrand’s intense anticipation.
It stemmed from the fact that absorbing these soul cores would grant him access to Soul Energy, likely triggering an evolution in his Trait.
Yet, did the potential outweigh the danger?
The danger of embodying lives alien to his own? The peril of harboring memories from experiences he never endured, belonging to others?
What fate awaited him then? Would his identity remain intact?
Kaden recognized he would undergo change. For that reason alone, he would reject this offer, regardless of the strength it promised.
He was convinced, moreover, that Soul Energy could be unlocked through alternative means.
’Still, there’s another approach I can take with this. I merely need to discover it.’ Kaden reflected silently, aware of Rea’s gaze fixed on him.
He shifted to face her.
"Perhaps you ought to proceed." Rea suggested initially, cocking her head with keen interest.
"Why?"
"Having numerous unfamiliar memories flooding your mind could render you even more unhinged than before. Then, we could embark on countless adventures side by side."
"Blood and ashes, Rea, is that your sole focus?"
"Am I mistaken?"
"What if those memories overwhelm me?"
"Sorrow take me," Rea rolled her eyes, "You’re not so fragile in spirit, Kaden. Your Will stands too firm to be subdued."
Kaden paused, tilting his head, then affirmed after a moment, "You’re right."
"So why the reluctance?"
"There has to be a superior method than simply taking them in this manner." He responded, his thoughts racing to uncover it.
The God-Touched regarded him intently for a prolonged moment, her gaze sharpening in contemplation. Abruptly, her eyes expanded, illuminating like a lantern amid profound gloom,
"Well, Sorrow bless me, I believe I’ve got a notion, Kaden." She declared, affirming to herself with pride, folding her arms.
"What is it?" Kaden eyed her skeptically.
"We possess an origin core," Rea started, "correct?"
"Yes."
"And these soul cores are yours. Why not forge a True Soul Core mirroring the operation of an Origin Core?" She inclined her head, "A nucleus born from the lingering essences of departed souls."
She hesitated briefly, nodded once more to herself,
"What a melancholic concept. It oddly fits you perfectly."
"It does carry a foreboding ring." Kaden remarked.
"Do you possess a superior alternative?"
"No, I—!"
"Then, Sorrow take your soul, simply proceed and let us depart this place." She scowled intensely, "Do you imagine my time is boundless? I bear responsibilities in the Church and goals to attain as the Saintess."
"Calm yourself, woman. But you speak true," Kaden exhaled, questioning his own indecision, "I have obligations as well. And I suspect time works against me."
"Time favors no one."
"A ruthless force, without doubt." Kaden concurred, then shut his eyes, his thoughts centering on crafting the Soul Core Rea had proposed.
The idea felt peculiar, yet it appeared feasible in principle.
And in that very moment,
[You have obtained: Bloodline of The Devourer of Souls, Notebook of the Forbidden Alchemist.]
They claimed their complete prizes, and Kaden’s mind swiftly latched onto an idea.
He grinned, rolling his shoulders.
"Synthesis," he murmured to his cherished Trait, "You’ll need to push further this round."
His Trait remained voiceless, but Kaden detected subtle, broken sentiments emanating from it.
He continued to marvel at this occurrence.
"Shall I share my acquisitions with you?" Rea offered, noting Kaden’s closed eyes, "It could assist you."
He declined with a shake of his head, "My own rewards suffice for this endeavor. At least, I hope so. Hold onto yours; they might spark fresh understandings in emotions for you."
Rea accepted with a simple nod, and Kaden immersed himself fully. The feat he prepared to undertake was unprecedented, as far as he knew.
Thus, banishing all diversions, he commanded Synthesis to commence,
’Soulbrand, bloodline of The Devourer of Souls and Soul cores...merge them all to form a Soul—’
And precisely then,
[You are being teleported outside the dungeon.]
’—Core.’ Kaden completed his directive, his eyes widening as they were whisked beyond the dungeon, coinciding with the initiation of the process.
A luminous, throbbing pod materialized and started enveloping him. Kaden barely had time to glimpse a terrifying vista before full enclosure.
The hearts of Kaden and Rea sank abruptly, an overwhelming wave of terror and apprehension gripping their very spirits.
"Blood and ashes..." Kaden’s tone trembled.
"Sorrow burn me..." Rea nearly collapsed to the earth.
For surrounding them, or more accurately, encircling their entire surroundings...
The Frosted Bridge and the Eight Mountains had vanished. A realm of ash, debris, and haze lingered, teeming with coiling beasts that instilled bone-deep chills.
Instinctively, they knew...
...They had entered an entirely altered realm.
—End of Chapter 439—