- Now you are truly Forsaken by Death! - her voice was full of triumph and tragedy at the same time, as if she was freeing them. After which the girl began to sway lightly and sing a barely audible melody. Only a few could understand the meaning of it.

Alexander, listening to the melodic song that the girl sang from heaven, felt how the music filled the space around him, creating a feeling of peace and tranquility. He couldn't make out the words, and from the looks of it, she had no plans to leave the firmament. The young man understood that it was time to move on. Leaving the explosion site behind, Alexander slowly began to climb up the slope of the crater.

Once he reached the top, a breathtaking view opened before him. The area around was huge and stretched for many kilometers. In the distance, strange, twisted and twisted structures could be seen, giving the place a sense of unreality. Mountains, volcanoes, waterfalls pouring from the clouds. The sky above the Edge was dark, but not gloomy, but rather filled with a deep blue that seemed endless and mysterious. And against the backdrop of all this, a girl singing her sad melody.

Under Alexander's feet lay a plain filled with people. All times before, he had seen a maximum of five people at a time, but now there were more than a hundred of them in sight. They stood in groups, talking, some of them hugging, as if meeting old friends or relatives. Others stood to the side, alone, lost in their thoughts or carefully observing the world around them.

In this crowd it was impossible to distinguish which of them was the Reposed and which the Rejected. All of them now had the same right to return to the real world, and each of them carried within himself his own will and his own hopes.

Alexander continued to walk, lost in his thoughts. His gaze slid over the strange, distorted landscapes of the Edge, where the earth seemed soft and fluid, and the sky hung heavy and a piercing blue blanket. He thought about Charon, the merchant who, it seemed to him, always knew when and where to appear. Alexander wondered if there was some way to find him or summon him. He wanted to quickly complete their deal and finally return to the real world.

Walking past the portals, Alexander watched as the Dead gathered near them, like moths to a flame. They talked, jostled, some seemed happy, others filled with anxiety. They were all on the verge of a new life, and each of them was waiting for their chance to take a place in the real world.

As he walked past a group of Japanese in traditional armor speaking their own language, Alexander thought about the endless variety of lives that gathered here. These people lived in different eras, had different beliefs and values, but now they were all united by one common goal - returning to the real world. Alexander even thought that perhaps there were entire armies that fell at the same time.

Alexander understood that each of these portals was a chance to start over, and everyone who entered it would have a better future. But what will this future be like? How will the world accept those returned from the dead? More precisely, how people will accept the change of their loved ones, whose bodies will be captured. He continued to walk, thinking about these questions, and at the same time warily watched the surrounding space, hoping to see the familiar figure of Charon.

The young man felt with a sixth sense the attention paid to him. At first it was just mild anxiety, but then it intensified to full-blown anxiety. Alexander noticed how the eyes of those around him were focused on him. He looked at himself and realized the reason: his clothes were covered in blood, which clearly made him stand out from the others who had just appeared. Suddenly, a cry in Japanese came from the crowd: "拒否された、彼を保持！" ("Rejected, hold him!"). Alexander sensed the approach of danger. A group of warriors dressed in Edo period armor moved towards him with daggers in their hands.

Alexander, focused and ready for battle, instantly filled his dagger with soul power, turning it into a sparkling sword. The blade sparkled with a silvery light, reflecting the anxiety and chaos around.

The first attacker, a man in samurai armor, rushed at Alexander with a scream. His face, hidden behind the man mask, radiated unshakable determination. He rushed forward, swinging the dagger with dangerous precision. But Alexander, the epitome of icy calm, deftly dodged and parried the attack forcefully, creating sparks as steel and energy collided.

The next moment, after parrying, Alexander took advantage of his position. He quickly stepped on the opponent, using the length of his sword to reach the opponent. With each maneuver of his sword, the air was cut into pieces, creating whistling sounds that filled the atmosphere with fighting spirit. Alexander felt every movement of his body, every turn of the blade, being in complete harmony with his weapon.

Alexander, feeling the approach of death, moved with inhuman speed and accuracy. His blade of light cut through the air, meeting the daggers of his attackers. Each clash of blades produced a metallic ringing sound that echoed across the Edge. The young man was wet from an intense battle with a dozen opponents who did not wait for their turn, but climbed in, wanting to get the Rejected One at any cost.

One by one, the attackers fell at the hands of Alexander. With each kill, he felt new strength penetrate his body. The energy of the souls of the fallen. She was like a cold wave, awakening new feelings in him. The power that came to him healed fatigue and physical wounds. With each soul he absorbed, he felt his inner strength grow, filling him with confidence and power.

The blade of light in his hands could cut anything in the world of the Edge, except for the daggers of other Departed or Forsaken. Every time the blade collided with the enemy's dagger, sparks appeared in the air, and Alexander felt the stability of these weapons. However, his light blade easily pierced the defense and bodies of the attackers, turning them into ashes, which immediately dissipated into the air of the Edge.

The fight lasted several minutes, but it seemed like an eternity had passed. There was a free area around Alexander after he destroyed the Forsaken. He stood in the center of this place, breathing heavily, but feeling extraordinary strength and energy. Determination was visible in his eyes, and his body was ready for new challenges. His gaze was heavy. He kept his eyes on those who could strike him. And this, consider it all around.

Alexander, holding his lightsaber in front of him, felt the tension in the air. Frightened people crowded around him, hesitating on the brink of a decision to attack or retreat. Suddenly, his body, as if under the influence of an invisible force, shifted to the side, dodging an unexpected blow to his back. Turning around, Alexander saw in front of him a sixteen-year-old boy. The boy had dark, almost black hair, tangled and matted, and eyes full of anger and determination. His face showed suffering and mercilessness, and his clothes were shabby and dirty, as if he had been wandering the Edge for a long time.

Looking into the guy's eyes, Alexander saw his past as a series of instant visions. He saw a gloomy, abandoned street, illuminated only by the pale light of street lamps. The guy was running along this street. Suddenly he tripped and fell on the cold asphalt. Alexander saw a group of young people approach the guy. Alexander saw the lips of the attackers move; they were clearly saying something. It was impossible to understand what was said, but the intentions were clear - they were aggressive and hostile. One of them pulled out a knife and stabbed him. Alexander felt the guy’s body give up its last breath, and he found himself in the Edge.

The moment Alexander saw the last moment of life in the boy’s eyes, the boy’s gaze changed, and his face became calm and spiritual. The boy nodded and with a smile dissolved into reality, becoming dust that rushed into the heavens. The soul power that followed was much more powerful than when killing the warriors, which made Alexander think.

-What makes this force so powerful? What makes these souls special? And how I won again, only after seeing death... - he thought.

Peering into the faces of those around him, expecting another attack, Alexander noticed how his attention was attracted by the figure of Charon, standing near the tent on a raised platform. Alexander walked towards him, walking slowly through the crowd, which parted in front of him. Only having climbed onto a hill, the young man looked down where the Dead had gathered, looking at Alexander as if at some kind of deity. Shaking his head, throwing out stupid thoughts, the guy turned to the merchant.

Approaching Charon, Alexander felt the weight of his presence. An old man in a long gray cape with a cane in his hands resembled the embodiment of eternity. His eyes, hidden behind heavy black glasses, seemed to look right through Alexander, making him feel invisible and completely transparent at the same time. Charon, whose face expressed calm, smiled when he saw Alexander approaching.

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“I didn’t expect you to complete the task so quickly and bring me a lost soul.” But I am pleased that you completed your assignment, my boy. – he said slowly, every word sounded like an echo of antiquity. The old man extended his hand forward, expecting the promise.

Alexander, standing in front of Charon, answered carefully:

- Before I give you what you asked for, I want the transfer to be recorded by the judges - Aeakos, Rhadamanthus and Minos, as agreed earlier...

Alexander had barely finished his sentence when the three judges he mentioned suddenly appeared nearby, forming a glowing barrier separating them from the rest of the Edge. The appearance of the judges was impressive: each of them had a unique and powerful aural radiation, perceptible even from a distance.

Aeacus, tall and stern, with gray hair peeking out from under a black hood, nodded to Alexander as a sign of respect. Rhadamanthus, with a heavy gaze and a determined posture, carefully watched what was happening, while Minos, with his penetrating eyes and reserved expression, seemed to weigh every word and action.

“We are here to monitor the deal and make sure it is fair.” – Eak said quietly. - Let every word and every action here be recorded and taken into account.

Alexander nodded in agreement and turned to Charon:

- Now we can continue. I'm willing to keep my part of the deal, but I want to make sure you keep yours, too.

Charon, watching with interest what was happening, nodded in response and slowly extended his hand, waiting for Alexander to fulfill the terms of the deal.

Alexander extended his hand, and Charon took it in his emaciated, time-eaten fingers. At the same time, Charon closed his eyes, and Alexander felt how the smallest particle of his power, a spark of living light, separated from his solar plexus and smoothly flowed into Charon’s hand, as if a stream was overflowing.

- Finally, the first one is there... Seven more souls... Seven souls... - the old man threw his head up, satisfied.

When the process was completed, Charon released Alexander's hand, and his voice, permeated with age-old wisdom, sounded loudly in the silence:

- I confirm the fulfillment of part of the deal by the Rejected. This is truly a lost soul.

Around them stood the three Judges of the Edge, majestic and fearsome figures. Eak, his hair was like golden threads, sparkling under the invisible light, looking at Alexander and Charon with bottomless depth. Rhadamanthus, in black robes, with a book of destinies in his hands, his eyes pierced everything in his path. And Minos, with scales in his hands, radiated power, his eyes burned with fire when he said:

- So, Alexander kept his word. Now Charon, it's your turn.

Charon pointed to his counter, where, at his command, water appeared, gushing from his chest. In the water stream, seething and foaming, three rusty skulls with metal sticks piercing them floated up. They seemed to melt into the air, creating complex patterns of rust and time. With a smile full of mystery, Charon invited Alexander to choose one of them.

Alexander, looking at these mysterious artifacts, which were repositories of gifts, said:

- As a reward for a lost soul, I must choose a gift. But what do they mean? What's behind these fancy skulls? I can't choose, I don't know what I'm choosing!

Charon, still smiling, replied:

- The Edge judges seem to have forgotten to mention this. The gift of choice is provided without explanation. Such was the agreement, rejected, my dear. Next time, pay more attention to your words. So...Which one will you choose?

Alexander looked at the skulls, each of which seemed transported to another time and space, sparks of time flickering in their empty eye sockets. Now he had to make a difficult choice. To do this, he took a step, coming closer.

Alexander examined the nearest skull carefully, noting its sinister beauty and the dark shades of rust covering the bone. At that moment, like a light whisper of wind, swept near his ear. Cassandra whispered one word - “Empathy”. The sound of this word was soft and mysterious, evoking in Alexander a feeling of deep understanding and intuitive clarity.

Charon, in turn, frowned, his eyes narrowed behind his dark glasses and a mixed expression of irritation on his face.

“Oh, that Cassandra...” he muttered, as if the name brought back unpleasant memories. There was something in his voice reminiscent of old envy or even resentment, as if Cassandra’s name was tugging at old wounds in him.

Alexander turned his gaze to the next object. This skull was darker, with gaping empty eye sockets that seemed to absorb all the light around it. But Cassandra's Whisper remained silent in this case, leaving Alexander unaware of the secrets hidden within this relic.

After thinking a little, Alexander decided not to rush and first find out everything about Cassandra’s whisper, which in this case played an important role. He turned to Charon and, smiling, said loudly:

- According to the terms of the deal, I am given a gift of my choice and all the information about my own gift, Whisper of Cassandra. – Alexander said confidently, his voice was calm, but there was a sense of steadfastness in it. The light of determination flashed in his eyes, and his stance was full of dignity and willpower.

The three Judges of the Edge, Aeacus, Rhadamanthus and Minos, exchanged glances that seemed to convey centuries-old secrets and knowledge between them. In their silent agreement one felt a deep connection with the very passage of time and the destinies that they weighed on their invisible scales. They nodded at the same time, and the space around them seemed to be filled with an invisible but tangible aura of their presence, as if they were the guardians of fate itself.

Alexander stood in front of Charon, watching his reaction. Charon, as if resisting an internal conflict, realizing what the guy was up to, he began to say:

- Cassandra's Whisper is a rare gift that allows you to sense and understand the deep emotions and thoughts of others. It gives you the opportunity to see the world through the eyes of other people, to feel their pain, joy, fears and hopes. It is also an omen of death and can itself communicate about it, allowing it to be avoided.

- It turns out that Whisper allows me not to enter into a battle of souls with the Dead, but to understand their pain, thereby healing? - Alexander looked a little confused. Charon answered reluctantly.

- Cassandra, in herself, is a Knight of Death and her unique gift is the ability to take away pain and suffering from souls and thereby lead them on their last journey in peace with themselves. Well, she also has the ability to see the short future. This is a gift created by her personally and it is unclear to me how it came to you.

- But why, I see the names of the gifts, but not always. Why can’t I sometimes understand the soul, although at other times I calmly absorb its emotions?

- Lots of questions, boy. I fulfilled my part of the deal. Choose a gift. - Charon leaned on his cane, waiting.

Alexander frowned, and then turned to the judges of Grani.

- I have a reward. Information about the gift Cassandra's Whisper, and in this case, is directly data about why the gift works this way and not differently. And in general, it is not clear how to develop it. This information and who Cassandra is and how I can meet her is a well deserved reward!

Aeacus, Rhadamanthus and Minos, exalted judges of the Edge, exchanged glances in which centuries-old knowledge and secrets were hidden. Their quiet agreement was like a signal that confirmed the connection between them and the eternal passage of time. The simultaneous nod of the three confirmed their unanimity and agreement to the terms of the deal.

- Any gift requires the power of the soul to feed. No power, no activation. - Charon began dryly.

- I know that. - Alexander nodded.

- My good one, don’t interrupt while I’m being kind. After activation, the skill recharges for some time, that is, it is imbued with the power of the soul for reuse. If you want it to work faster for you, you can forcefully inject soul power. But this is at your own peril and risk.

At that moment, Alexander glanced behind Charon at one of the gifts and Cassandra’s whisper was right there: “Jerk.” It seemed to the young man that lights sparkled under Charon’s dark glasses, but purely visually, the old man did not show any changes, continuing the story.

- You see the names of the gifts, because they all pose a mortal danger to you. For any creature, gifts are curses. - Charon smiled warmly. - I might tell you about this someday, but not now. Let's continue about Cassandra. The girl left Grani a long time ago and I don’t know where to look for her. The judges are witnesses to my words.

The majestic figures nodded in agreement.

- Well, in order to improve the gifts, you need to find where they are in your soul and saturate them with souls. As soon as the gift has changed, it means you succeeded. Well, we should not forget that will and thoughts play an important role in this matter. That's all!