The city slept, but it was uneasy.
Not everyone saw the shadows.
Not everyone noticed the change.
But some did.
---
> [World Feedback Detected:]
— Human Witness Accounts Rising
— Authority Disapproval: High
— Rogue Spirit Activity: Increasing
---
I drifted above the streets, watching the subtle chaos unfold.
---
A young exorcist, barely trained, argued with his superior.
"You mean we could have saved her?" he shouted.
"The child?"
"Yes! And we didn't because… protocol!"
---
> [Public Knowledge Level: Minimal]
— Doubt Index: Rising
I smiled faintly.
"…I didn't ask for this, but I can see it's happening."
---
Below, rogue spirits moved differently.
They didn't attack.
Not yet.
But they lingered. Curious. Interested.
---
> [Chaotic Signature: Active]
— Influence Radius Increased
---
My core pulsed.
I could feel the system reacting.
> [System Alert:]
— Chaotic Influence: Strengthened by Moral Action
---
I exhaled.
"…Every choice leaves a ripple."
---
Then it happened.
A scream.
Not far.
---
I scanned.
A small girl cornered by a rogue wraith, confused and scared.
---
> [Prediction: Fatality if ignored]
I hesitated.
Every intervention risks exposure.
Every inaction risks death.
---
"…Not again."
I descended.
---
The wraith lunged.
I compressed my core, focused my presence.
> [Skill Used:]
Emotional Grounding – Full
---
The wraith froze.
Confused.
Disoriented.
Then dissipated.
---
The girl looked up.
Eyes wide.
"Who… are you?"
"…Someone who doesn't leave kids behind," I replied.
---
The moment passed.
I drifted away before the exorcists arrived.
---
Above me, the city felt heavier.
Not afraid.
Aware.
---
> [Reputation Update:]
— Protector (Human Witnessed)
— Authority Disapproval: Very High
— Rogue Spirit Attention: Rising
---
Mira appeared quietly, floating beside me.
"Making choices has consequences," she said.
"…Tell me something I don't know."
She smirked.
"You just became a problem for everyone."
---
I exhaled slowly.
"…And I suppose that's the point."
---
The city below pulsed.
Lights flickered.
Shadows shifted.
---
> [Path of Return: Further Divergence]
"…Time to accept this life," I murmured.
"Free. Dangerous. Unpredictable."
---