A White Soul user from Delhi reached out to the White Soul user in Patna, seeking to address a troubling situation.
“Nico, I completely messed up my task and ended up letting that Black Soul user slip through our fingers,” she said, her voice heavy with regret. As she spoke, she recounted the entire chase, detailing every misstep and moment of hesitation that had cost them their chance.
“Mia don’t beat yourself up over this. It’s not your fault. I was too greedy and didn’t allow you to take the lead, and if I had, we probably would have caught him,” Nico replied, his tone warm and understanding, attempting to reassure her.
“But now they’re still out there, and we have no idea where they are hiding,” Mia said, her voice tinged with despair as she grappled with the uncertainty of the situation.
“Don’t worry about that,” Nico replied, his confidence unwavering. “No matter where they are now, I can assure you they’ll eventually come to Patna. I can sense that overwhelming stench of Black Soul energy permeating the air here.”
Mia’s curiosity piqued as she considered their options. “Should we reach out to ‘Thieving Maiden’ for assistance?” she suggested tentatively.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” Nico responded. “She’s likely already aware of what’s happening in Patna. The locals have started to notice that something is off, so she’s probably got her own agenda to deal with.”
“What if she doesn’t want our help, though?” Mia asked, concern creeping into her voice. “If we don’t keep our deal with her main body intact, we might end up having to pay her more than we should. If we show her, we’re willing to cooperate now, maybe we can negotiate for a lower compensation later.”
“I honestly believe she’ll want to work with us,” Nico said with conviction. “She’s without any offensive or defensive capabilities here, and given the current alertness of the enemies, her hands are pretty much tied.”
“I see. Thanks for calming my nerves a bit,” Mia said, relief evident in her voice. “I was on the brink of feeling really down about everything.”
“You know I care about you. I wouldn’t just leave you hanging like this,” Nico replied, his tone affectionate. “You should seriously consider coming here, though. Your identity has already been compromised, and it’s only a matter of time before they target you before making their move towards Patna.”
“Alright, I’ll make my way there tomorrow,” Mia confirmed, reassured by Nico’s support and understanding. But thought internally, ‘This guy is so easy to fool.’
…
Dhruv’s residence.
“This cheese does look tasty; can’t you add a bit more?” Dhruv asked while helping Alia cook delicious food.
Alia raised her hand, gesturing to stop. “Please don’t; this is already so much considering I am on a diet.”
Tara was sitting on the couch, watching them both cook together in the kitchen. She retracted her gaze and looked towards her mobile phone. She checked the progress of the abnormal phenomenon in Patna. “It’s getting worse day by day. To contact them, I have to go there, but Black Souls are also there. I need to be careful with both. If only Dhruv had some sort of attack talent, I could have disregarded everything and stolen all of the Soul Box.”
She thought, ‘Let’s talk with Dhruv; he might have some of his own ideas.’ She looked back towards the kitchen and shouted, “Dhruv, can we have a chat?”
“Yeah, about what?”
“I think I regained some of my memories and have to go to Patna soon.” She replied with a frown on her face and thought, ‘You obey Alia immediately while I have to explain myself, even though I am supporting him to adjust to his new life. Simply ungrateful.’
Dhruv looked at her in a confused state and thought. ‘I understand you found the lead of the Soul Avatars in Patna, but what’s that expression on your face? Are you cursing me inwardly?’ He snapped back and said, “Sure, I’ll be there in a moment, Alia. I don’t think I am of any help here, so I’ll be taking my leave. Food’s already done anyway.”
She nodded her head without speaking, and he walked towards Tara and sat next to her on the couch with a smiling face, but soon it’s faded by Tara’s teasing.
“You even asked for permission before leaving the kitchen; definitely, something happened between you guys. Talk to me; I’m curious.” She teased and asked enthusiastically in anticipation of getting an answer.
“Please stop and talk about Soul Avatars instead,” Dhruv voiced his disappointment, expressing a palpable frustration on his face.
“Hmm, Soul Avatar, I believe they are experiencing considerable success in Patna,” she noted with an infectious enthusiasm. “They must have successfully captured at least 100 thousand souls there.”
Dhruv, feeling perplexed, queried, “I have been consistently monitoring national news updates; however, I have not come across any detrimental reports regarding such occurrences in Patna.”
“Yes, that may be how it appears to the general public, but have you checked the black market? People are selling unconscious body which are acting like robots. There exists a renowned skill in the upper world known as ‘Soul Puppet’ that is currently in operation in Patna according to the symptoms.”
“Soul Puppet,” he repeated with a sigh, clearly overwhelmed. “I am astounded by the cleverness with which they employ their soul skill, while I find myself struggling to enhance my own skills. Could you elucidate the mechanics of this particular skill?”
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“Essentially, this skill allows the user to create fabricated split souls. While the process can be quite laborious, once executed, it enables the replacement of an opponent’s soul with this fabricated split soul, subject to various conditions that range from strong to weak souls. In this context, a single Black bead has the capacity to substitute at least 10 thousand souls.”
Dhruv interjected, “Doesn’t this seem excessively extreme?”
Tara responded, “I believe it’s not, as individuals here lack means to guard against such assaults. Absent any countermeasures, they exist in a vulnerable state, akin to chickens awaiting slaughter. Moreover, the potency of one Black bead resembles that of a famished tiger, which cannot be satisfied with merely one chicken. Hence, it will partition itself and diminish its strength until one chicken suffices, all the while generating new hungry tigers. Thus, within one Black bead, there exists the potential for at least 10 thousand tigers.”
“Previously, I had considered 30 thousand to be excessively perilous, yet the situation in Patna appears to present dangers far beyond those of the XYZ Auditorium. I surmise that Soul Avatar possesses the capability to exert control over these split souls, given that it is classified as a puppet skill,” Dhruv remarked, displaying a complex mixture of emotions.
“You are over analysing the situation. Despite its designation as ‘Soul Puppet’, that Soul Avatar within Patna do not exercise control over it. It serves primarily as a defensive attack-type skill. If the split souls perceive their owner to be threatened, they will retaliate; should they lack visibility, they remain dormant,” Tara reassured him in a tone meant to console.
This revelation provided a modicum of comfort, yet the perils of venturing into such territory remained considerable. Engaging in a direct confrontation without allies would be unwise. “If we decide to proceed, we must secure the support of allies,” Dhruv suggested.
“While it is true that the associated risks are significant, the potential rewards are equally enticing. If we can defeat this Soul Avatar, not only would we acquire the Soul Box, but we would also have the opportunity to liberate the captured souls and resurrect them, as they are not souls that have been forcibly taken,” Tara elaborated, aiming to motivate him toward her cause.
“Why did you not begin with this vital piece of information?” Dhruv inquired, his anxiety dissipating as he spoke.
“I had intended to share this from the outset, but you expressed curiosity regarding the skill first. Additionally, I have two allies accompanying me; they are White Soul users. However, I harbour reservations about them, which is why I initially refrained from mentioning them. In this scenario, we must reach out to them but exercise extreme caution,” she advised him with a serious undertone.
“They are classified as White Souls, not ‘Will’ like you. I believe I grasp the situation more clearly now. What are their objectives?”
“Although we all cultivate in White Soul, both methods have their pros and cons. And they seek to enhance their innate skill by aiding individuals in healing, particularly the girl named Mia, who has shown prodigious skill in mass healing. Should they manage to acquire the Soul Box, it would certainly be their aim,” Tara explained.
“That is a positive intention, why is it essential for us to remain vigilant? But it is imperative that we do not relinquish the Soul Box, without question,” Dhruv responded with renewed enthusiasm, relieved to discover that he had potential allies without needing to deploy his Wisdom talent.
“Food is ready. Let’s eat first,” Alia announced with palpable enthusiasm.
“Of course, wait for me. I will assist in serving the food; let’s wrap up our conversation later, shall we?” Tara responded; her voice filled with a tone of camaraderie as she prepared to assist. Dhruv, seated nearby, nodded in agreement, his expression mirroring the eagerness that filled the room.
As they gathered around the dining table, it was a sight to behold. The table was adorned with an array of delectable dishes that showcased a feast of vibrant colours and enticing aromas. As they began to eat, Alia turned to her Tara and inquired, “So, when are you planning to leave? I believe it would be prudent if you departed sooner rather than later.”
Suddenly, a fit of coughing interrupted the conversation as Dhruv choked on a morsel of food. After a brief moment of recovery, Tara answered Alia’s question, “You need not be concerned; we will be departing tomorrow.”
Alia’s brow furrowed in confusion as she responded, “We?”
“Indeed! I am a delicate little girl; it would be quite unwise for me to travel to another state while I am currently suffering from amnesia,” Tara replied, her tone imbued with an exaggerated pitifulness that elicited a curious look from Dhruv.
Alia shot Tara a sidelong glance and chided, “You seem to possess enough awareness to recognise that Patna is in another state. I daresay your memory is rather sharp.” She then turned her attention to Dhruv, asking with a hint of suspicion, “Is what she stated true?”
“Yes,” he replied, his tone obedient and devoid of any sign of protest.
“Very well, if you have made your decision, I shall not interfere. However, I would like to know when you plan to return,” Alia queried further.
Dhruv paused for a moment to consider his answer before stating, “I believe it will take a few days.” Alia nodded, satisfied with the response, and chose not to pursue the matter any further.
After enjoying dinner amidst cheerful conversations and laughter, the trio eventually retreated to their respective rooms. Once inside, Alia retrieved her mobile phone and called her father. He answered promptly, “Did you gather any information?”
“Yes, and I was able to overhear their conversation while they were distracted,” Alia asserted, a sense of accomplishment evident in her tone.
“Excellent work. Allow me a moment to connect with the others,” Uncle Ricky replied, commending her efforts.
He proceeded to establish a connection with two individuals on his laptop, instructing Alia to share her findings.
“From their discussion, I have discerned that there are others with supernatural abilities in existence, much like us,” Alia revealed, continuing to elaborate on her observations. “Moreover, they intend to head to Patna tomorrow.”
One individual said in a firm tone, “I have also received a report indicating that a police chase occurred earlier this evening, and the officers involved are perplexed as to the reasons behind the pursuit. Additionally, following the culprits’ escape, the leading officer mysteriously went missing shortly thereafter.”
Another responded, “It appears that something significant is transpiring in Patna. I conducted an examination of one of the captured native bodies from the Black Market and found no immediate cause for concern. However, their behaviour resembles that of robot whose internet connection has been abruptly cut off.”
Uncle Ricky, with a furrowed brow, added, “After compiling all of this information, we cannot state that the situation is optimistic. Is it possible that asteroids are related to these occurrences?”
“I share your concerns; the possibility is indeed high,” another individual replied, his tone reflecting the complexity of the situation. “We gathered a year ago; I had not anticipated disaster to arrive this quickly. If only he had provided us with warning.”
“Who truly knows what the future holds? I, too, did not expect his demise to come so soon,” Uncle Ricky remarked, a note of regret in his voice.
Unable to contain her impatience any longer, Alia interrupted their serious discussion, “They are set to leave tomorrow; what course of action should I pursue? If I ask Dhruv, I am certain he will agree to accompany me.”
A voice from the group cautioned, “I fear it would be unwise for you to embark on this journey, for the unknown lingers there.”
Another added, “Your father’s ability can serve as a means of investigation; therefore, it would be prudent for you to wait, child.”
“Very well, then. You may deliberate on the appropriate timing to approach Dhruv,” Alia concluded. With that, she ended the call, leaving a sense of urgency hanging in the air.