"Ha! Only one left."
Aeris focused his gaze. The last spirit hissed and flew at him.
He dodged the first strike. The second, he didn't let miss.
With both hands on his weapon, he swung hard—full power.
SLASH!
[Soul Points +70]
[SYSTEM MISSION COMPLETE]
+50 Soul Points
You have received: [Echoed Will]
Morrígan's voice echoed in his mind.
"You've unlocked a rare skill, Host. Check the system to see more. Also…"
[LEVEL UP]
Realm: Outer Ring Realm – Mid-Step
All Stats +5
(Strength, Agility, Intelligence, Vitality, Soul Force)
Aeris took a breath. His body felt stronger, like weights had been lifted.
A new window appeared in his mind.
[Echoed Will]
Skill Type: Active
Effect: Use a random skill from a powerful soul you've consumed.
– Uses Soul Points to activate and keep going.
– Lasts up to 60 seconds.
– Cooldown: 12 hours
Warning: If Soul Points hit 0 during use:
– You take mental damage
– Skill locks for 30 seconds
– You may lose memories for a while
He read it all in silence, then smirked. "Useful... but risky."
Later...
Aeris walked over blackened ground, past fading spirit ash. His path led beyond the hills, where light broke through a red, cracked sky.
And there it was.
A city.
Tall stone buildings with golden tops. Large bells hung on tall poles. Runes and carvings covered the gates. The air smelled of spices and warm wind.
[Location Unlocked: Ashkara Civilization – Borderlands]
This place was old—maybe ancient. But alive.
People moved around in soft robes. Their hands were ink-stained, their eyes sharp with thought. Some sat reading scrolls on stone benches. Others spoke calmly near pools of glowing water.
They weren't monks.
They were Moni.
Scholars. Keepers of knowledge. Writers of truth and spirit laws.
Strange beasts carried books and supplies, but there was no fear here—only peace.
Aeris stood still, watching it all. The city gates held a giant statue of a warrior with four arms. One hand held a scroll. Another held fire.
Morrígan whispered, "This place once belonged to those who sought knowledge over power. They built their own path—without gods, demons, or angels."
"No gods?" Aeris asked.
Aeris stepped forward. A new world had opened in front of him.
And he was ready to enter it.
He was exploring everything because he never saw this type of things in his live, tall building make by variety of materials and techniques,brick and wooden structures to sophisticated stone architecture, including rock-cut temples and elaborate temples. When he was amazed by giant builds,then he notice A girl stepped out from a shaded path. She wore a soft blue robe with golden symbols on the sleeves. Her hair was tied back with a simple cord, and a glowing crystal floated just above her shoulder.
She looked at him and then she walk towards to me ,aeris was little nerves at first but he maintain himself few seconds later.she come informed of him and again looked at his curiously ,
'You're not from here 'she said.
Aeris nodded and said 'yes,I am new here' with confident .she slime and said 'i also think so,i know everyone in Kashi, are you come here for studying the Vedas?'
Aeris didn't know what to say ,morrígan say host you should go with that girl because I feel the soul that you come to collect in Ashkara.
After hearing this aeris ready to follow the girl.'yes, I come here for studying the Vedas'aeris said.
'Ok follow me ' then she walk towards the centre of the city.....
As Aeris followed the girl through the winding streets of Ashkara, his eyes wandered.
Dozens of market stalls lined the path—each more curious than the last.
He saw shops selling glowing pills labeled for healing, energy recovery, and soul stabilization. Others offered beast cores arranged by color and size, low-grade weapons hung on polished wooden racks, and bundles of magical herbs, some still dripping with dew, labeled with effects like "Blood Purification" or "Vein Strengthening."
It was more than he had ever seen in one place.
Aeris took it all in, eyes scanning every detail.
"I'll come back here after I finish this mission," he thought.
"No way I'm missing out on all this."
But for now, he had to focus. He kept following the girl.
They walked for what felt like forever—through bridges carved into stone, past quiet courtyards and humming fountains. After around 13 miles, the girl finally stopped.
What stood before them made Aeris freeze in place.
A massive arena stretched out ahead, built entirely from red bricks and smooth plaster. Fog floated gently around it, giving it an almost dreamlike appearance. The outer walls were adorned with stupas, chaityas, viharas, and shrines—structures he'd only heard about in old texts. Dozens of votive towers and metalwork statues stood like silent guardians across the grounds.
It was more than just large—it was majestic.
And beautiful.
Aeris stared in awe.
He could feel something in the air. A divine aura—soft, calming, full of silent power. The pain in his shoulder from the spirit battle earlier? Fading. His limbs? Lighter. Even his breathing felt easier.
The girl noticed his wide-eyed stare. She couldn't hold back a quiet laugh.
"You look like you've never seen a place like this," she teased gently, smiling.
Aeris blinked, then shook his head.
"I haven't," he admitted.
"Not even close."
"Come on," she said.
"Let's go inside. I'll show you everything."
He followed, still stunned.
Morrígan's voice echoed softly in his mind.
"Host, your wounds are healing thanks to the fog. It's laced with rare medicinal smoke—able to treat minor internal injuries and nerve damage. Stay near it a while longer."
Aeris nodded silently. His mission? Forgotten—just for now.
Something deeper was happening here.
And he wanted to see it through.
As they walked deeper into the fog-covered arena, the air grew warmer, thick with a strange energy. The girl moved ahead, her voice echoing softly as she explained something about the ancient place.
But Aeris slowed.
Something didn't feel right.
Thud.
A low, distant noise. Then another.
Thud. Thud.
The stone beneath his feet trembled.
He turned.
From the fog, a huge shadow emerged—massive shoulders, thick muscles, claws dragging across the ground.
Then it stepped fully into view.
A monstrous beast, shaped like a lion standing on two legs, covered in golden fur laced with black scars. Its fangs gleamed like ivory blades, and its fiery eyes locked onto Aeris with wild focus.
CRACK!
The creature slammed a claw down, shattering the stone tiles right in front of Aeris.
He stepped back, ready to fight.
Morrígan's voice shot into his mind:
"Host—hostile presence! Prepare—wait…
Chapter End.