When he woke, Morrigan's voice echoed softly in his mind. She had seen it all too, and her words, while blunt, offered a strange comfort.

"You're not the same person you were back then, Vas. Even if some of that still lives inside you, you're different now."

The words hung in the air, and though Vas wasn't sure if he fully believed them, a small part of him wanted to.

"So, what now?" Vas asked, his voice edged with curiosity.

"Now, we find you a few spirits to forge," Morrigan replied smoothly. "First, you'll need one that works well as a weapon or something versatile in combat."

"Any suggestions?" Vas asked, intrigued.

"I've got a few ideas," Morrigan began. "The chakram concept you used before was solid, but it required you to fragment your mind—dividing it into three parts: one for each chakram and one for your body. That was too mentally taxing, especially since the spirit couldn't assist you. You're using Anima pulses now, which synchronize well with speed. So, I'm thinking—two short blades connected by a wire. This would reduce the mental strain of splitting your focus, while still giving you the mobility you've relied on lately. Plus, the wire would add a lot of tactical versatility."

Vas nodded, considering the suggestion as Morrigan continued.

"Beyond that, you'll need something practical—something that lets you travel through the Spirit World, something to bind opponents, and something that enhances your perception of things not easily seen or sensed."

"So, basically replacements for the abilities I used to have?" Vas asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Pretty much," Morrigan confirmed. "But, since these spirits won't be as powerful as the ones you had before, maintaining those abilities will be easier, and you'll have more energy to explore new skills. I'd also recommend at least one or two summons to assist in critical moments."

"Summons?" Vas asked, surprised. "I never actually unlocked the summoning abilities. I could never name them for some reason."

"That's because the Amrita wouldn't let you," Morrigan explained. "If you had used those summoning powers, it would've shattered your soul. You weren't strong enough to handle it back then—even if they were fragments of the full spirit. But now, you're in a better place."

Morrigan paused for a moment before adding, "I've already done a quick scan of the area. There are a few promising spots we can check out. We'll start with those."

"Alright," Vas said, stretching. "Where are we headed first?"

"This is a pretty big city, you know," Morrigan teased.

Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

"Yeah, I'm aware," Vas replied dryly.

"Viridian, the largest city on Gaia, the heart of Pangea Verda," Morrigan began, sounding as though she were quoting a history book. "I dug that out of your memories, by the way. Thanks for that. We're heading to the lower levels."

Vas raised an eyebrow. "Lower levels?"

"The Undercity," Morrigan clarified. "At least, that's what it's called in your memory. Do you have a map?"

Vas pulled out his communication device and brought up a map of Viridian City. His family lived on the outskirts, but he knew enough about the city to navigate. The farthest he'd ventured was Midtown, thanks to a mission with Madeline. Viridian was divided into three distinct sectors:

The Canopy: High above the city, the elite lived in luxurious penthouses and floating estates, suspended on anti-gravity platforms. The air was clean, and the views were unparalleled. This level housed corporate magnates, politicians, and technocrats who controlled Gaia's industries. Automated drones and hover vehicles patrolled the skies, ensuring the Canopy remained safe and detached from the chaos below. Nature here was curated—rooftop biospheres mimicking pristine forests and gardens, blending Gaia's reverence for life with cybernetic precision.

The Middle Tier: Beneath the Canopy lay the dense urban core, a neon-lit labyrinth of streets, elevated highways, and magnetic railways. This was where the middle class thrived, and where tech companies and biotech labs lined the streets. Bustling marketplaces sold everything from cutting-edge technology to black-market enhancements. In the shadows of corporate headquarters, rumors spoke of mystic enclaves, where spiritualists blended ancient rituals with technology, trying to tap into Gaia's energies. This was where Midtown was located, and where Vas had visited during Hugo's fashion show. It was a bustling, vibrant part of the city, but still too far from the elite's reach.

The Undercity: Deep below the ground, hidden beneath the megacity's foundations, was the lawless Undercity. It was a sprawling network of subterranean districts, where the marginalized and forgotten carved out a desperate existence. The air was thick with the scent of oil and electricity, and flickering neon lights cast an eerie glow over the streets. Hackers, mercenaries, and street mystics ruled this chaotic realm, using technology both as a tool for survival and a gateway to deeper, more dangerous truths. Legends whispered of street mystics merging neural implants with ancient rites, believing enlightenment could only be found by fusing mind and machine.

"Yeah, we're heading to the Undercity," Morrigan said, pointing to a specific spot on the map.

"I can sense a powerful spirit down there. It's likely an Umbra Spirit."

"Umbra Spirit?" Vas asked, unfamiliar with the term.

"Oh yeah. Contrary to popular belief, spirits evolve too. Early in human history, spirits were categorized as Earth, Wind, Fire, and Water, with Light and Dark thrown in. But that's pretty outdated now, don't you think?" Morrigan replied.

"Yeah, I guess so," Vas said, realizing how much things had changed.

"Nowadays, spirits are categorized more broadly," Morrigan continued. "Technospirits are born from the digital realm, AI networks, and technological infrastructures. Geospirits are tied to the natural forces of the universe, but they also adapt to human modifications. Aetherion Spirits embody the stars and the cosmic forces that govern space. Synthespirits are born from the fusion of biology and technology, thriving in the balance between flesh and machine. Noospirits inhabit the realm of the mind, dreams, and digital consciousness. Specters represent pure energy—light, entropy, decay, and transformation."

Morrigan paused for effect. "And then there are Umbra Spirits—spirits of the liminal spaces. They exist in shadows, alternate dimensions, and the hidden layers of reality. They thrive in the boundaries between light and dark, reality and illusion."

Vas nodded, intrigued by the concept.