Dark spirits — also known as the banished or the sinful souls. Elias knew the common tales about them. But Deteus... Deteus knew far more.
"So you're saying... these are the most sinful souls?" Elias asked in his mind, keeping his eyes sharp as he and Zyphia walked through the forest, fully aware of the countless eyes watching them from the shadows.
"Exactly. Like I said, souls are categorized into five colors based on their deeds in life — from pure white to pitch black. The black ones are called dark spirits. They are the most... delicious— I mean, the most sinful ones. These are people who didn't just ruin lives but destroyed hope itself. Some are responsible for the tears of dozens... others, hundreds." Deteus explained, voice thick with twisted delight.
"Then... why are they here? And where are the other kinds of souls?" Elias asked as Zyphia suddenly turned left, forcing him to follow.
"Good question. As I mentioned, dark spirits are also called the 'banished.' The others most likely reside in some heaven-like realm. But the dark ones... they need places like this. Places soaked in darkness. And just like me... they feed on sin. That's why they gather here." Deteus answered.
Elias frowned. "Then tell me... why are they looking at us like we're a feast? And if they feed on sin... why don't they eat each other?"
"Hah, how should I know? Well... I have a guess. These spirits only consume those as sinful as themselves — murderers, criminals... but only if they're still alive. Which means... the one they're salivating over... is you. The elf? They probably don't care. Or... maybe it's the foul energy inside you—" Deteus coughed theatrically. "Ahem... me."
"Yeah... I figured as much. Thanks," Elias replied mentally.
"You're welcome. Though honestly, being treated like a walking encyclopedia is getting on my nerves. Anyway... when are we gonna eat?" Deteus grumbled.
"Soon... let's wait until the elf falls asleep. We're probably going to be here for a few days anyway," Elias said inwardly before adding, "By the way... how do you even know all this? You've never left my mind."
"Beats me. I guess when I was born, this knowledge just... came with me. I know a lot about souls, the spirit realm, and your powers. Don't forget, brat, I was never a living being. I'm a conscious, flawless technique." Deteus replied, his arrogance practically oozing through his voice.
Elias narrowed his eyes. "Yeah, yeah... flawless. Whatever. Just keep watching those spirits. Either we devour them... or they devour us."
His gaze shifted forward — Zyphia had stopped, inspecting the trunk of a tree.
"Hey. You've been dragging us around this forest for half an hour. Found anything yet?" Elias asked.
"Ugh... there's barely any traces on these trees. Plus, I can't shake the feeling that someone's watching me. Don't push me right now," Zyphia grumbled without turning her silver-haired head.
Elias smirked. "Eyes watching you? Pfft... probably just birds. Look, one's staring at you right now."
Zyphia spun around, scowling. "No, it's... it's different. Feels like... someone. Not something."
Elias considered brushing it off but hesitated. After all, elven instincts were no joke. Still, he chose silence — better not to spook her further.
As they continued moving between the dense trees, the sound of water caught their attention.
Following the sound, they arrived at a massive waterfall cascading down into a crystal-clear lake right in the heart of the forest.
"I didn't know there was a lake in this forest," Elias muttered, scratching the back of his head where his hair was tied into a ponytail.
"Me neither," Zyphia admitted, her mouth slightly agape as her eyes sparkled in awe.
The waterfall stood over 20 meters tall, pouring down over grey stones wrapped in thick vines. Colorful flowers bloomed along the rocky edges. Unlike the dense forest behind, this area opened into a flat clearing.
Strange carvings and worn statues were embedded in the rocks. The lake itself was large, its surface a perfect shade of deep blue. Small fish like crsua and rott swam lazily in the water.
Elias raised a brow at Zyphia's stunned expression. "Wait... is this your first time seeing a waterfall?"
Zyphia's face twisted. She turned to him, frowning. "I'm a princess, you idiot. I'm not some peasant like you. This is my first time outside the palace."
Elias blinked. Not leaving the palace even once... that wasn't the strange part. The strange part was how easily she talked to a complete stranger, despite having no experience outside her royal bubble.
He couldn't help but ask, "So... doesn't it scare you? Talking so casually with a stranger... especially one you know has killed people?"
Zyphia ignored him at first. She crouched by the water, splashing her hands into it. Then, with a sigh, dipped her feet in.
Finally, she answered, "I'm not scared. No one's brave enough to try killing me — I know that. My mother's one of the strongest warriors on this continent. And my grandfather? The king of the strongest kingdom. So... I'm safe."
Elias facepalmed, groaning. "That's the dumbest logic I've ever heard. Seriously... what kind of environment did you grow up in?"
Zyphia leaned back, staring at her reflection in the water. Her hands folded behind her head as her gaze shifted toward the dim sunlight filtering through the cursed forest's canopy.
"I was actually raised by my aunt. She taught me everything — how to navigate royal politics, how to speak with nobles... and with commoners like you. Everything I know about life... it's from her." Her voice softened. "I... I really miss her."
Elias noticed the tears welling in her eyes, dripping down into the lake.
After a moment of silence, he asked softly, "Your aunt... is she... still alive?"
Zyphia wiped her eyes with her palms. "No. She... died during a monster purge. She sacrificed herself to save her team. At least... that's what they told me."
"I see... That explains your survival skills. Your tracking abilities... You must've learned them from her." Elias smiled gently, his pale skin seemingly glowing softly in the dim light.
Zyphia turned, surprised by the warmth in his voice. Slowly, her lips curled into a smile. Then, as if she couldn't stop herself, she burst into laughter — first a giggle, then full-on laughter.
Elias joined in. Their laughter mixed with the sound of the waterfall, echoing through the clearing for a full ten seconds.
Once things quieted, they decided to rest and regain their strength. Elias caught seven crsua fish — long, worm-like creatures with scales and spines — and began roasting them. Meanwhile, Zyphia pored over the map, trying to figure out the lake's exact location within the forest.
There was one problem — at least, for Zyphia. With no tent or bedding, they had no choice but to sleep on the grass. Naturally, the princess refused.
Elias helped build a makeshift bed using large leaves and tree branches — but only for Zyphia. He didn't care where he slept; years of sleeping on hay had hardened him. Not that he even needed sleep in the first place.
Lying on her leafy bed, Zyphia continued studying the map. Elias sighed. "Aren't you tired of staring at that thing? There's nothing new to find."
"You think so? Actually, I've roughly figured out where the waterfall is. If I can just locate an exit path... we'll be fine," Zyphia replied.
Elias glanced back at the shadows between the trees — the dark spirits were still watching him.
He sighed mentally. "Still hungry?" he asked Deteus.
The sinister voice responded with a twisted grin Elias could feel even without seeing it. "Oh... absolutely."
Elias stood, turning to Zyphia. "I'm going to gather some wood. Maybe some extra food if I find any. You're not scared being alone, are you?"
Zyphia lazily waved him off without looking.
Elias chuckled, turned, and walked into the thinner parts of the forest. The presence of dozens of spirits watching him was impossible to ignore.
Once he was far enough from the waterfall... he stopped.
With a deep breath, Elias unleashed the foul energy within — releasing Deteus fully.
It was like laying out a feast.
The shadows trembled. Dozens of dark spirits crawled out from the gloom, their forms wreathed in black smoke. Amidst the mist were twisted figures — hollow eyes, mouths devoid of teeth, hair that was more like shadow than substance. No legs... only floating skeletal limbs beneath the clouds of smoke.
All of them... stared hungrily at Elias.
Deteus's voice rumbled in his mind. "You ready? This is a battle of willpower now. You'll have to dominate each of their minds... or be consumed."
A slow, crooked smile spread across Elias's lips. "I'm ready."
In an instant — the spirits lunged.
And Elias disappeared into the swirling clouds of darkness.