[Outside Of Mikey's Hideout]

Shelly's eyes fluttered open after what felt like ages. immediately after opening them, she was met by the bright light of the expensive blue sky above. She squinted, desperate to adjust to the stinging light. Her wish was granted after 15 seconds, when her eyes adjusted and she could fully open them.

The sun scorched her body, and her skin received a nasty irritation from the heat. Using both hands to balance herself on the squishy soil, she tried to drag herself up to sit upright. But as she did, a sudden and sharp pain ravaged her from head go toe. Her face grimaced, as she forced back a scream. Like thousands of sharp needles, the sensation was unrelenting. It forced her to lay back, her spine sinking into the sand once more.

Following her attempt sit up, a high pitched sound tormented her ears. She could feel her temple throb as the sound intensified. Her legs would not move and her arms were sapped off all their energy.

A familiar face hovered over Shelly's face. Her eyes sparkled and a wide smile was drawn on her face. Of course it was Viola.

She was kneeling right next to Shelly and looked to be uttering something, but Shelly only got a snippet of what she said when her ears started working again. But by then the sentence was reaching its conclusion.

“.... you Shelly.”

Shelly smiled in response, she didn't get most of it but based on her tone, Viola sounded positive and was sharing either a complement or some good news. A smile seemed appropriate. But even that simple act made her face ache.

Clearly something had gone wrong.

Shelly remembered vaguely unlocking the power of the mark, something she promised herself that she would never use again. It wasn't a full mark unlike the two previous occasions she had unlocked it.

She knew she was lucky, because if the mark was complete everyone in that building would be dead. It would be the same kind of catastrophe as the one that happened back then.

Shelly bit her lip, “how could I endanger so many people. I allowed my emotions to get the better of me. I know how dangerous it is and I still allowed it to come out. Dammit, why am I so weak. Why can't I just protect those I want to protect without risking their lives.” Tears fell down her cheeks.

She sobbed, her voice breaking as she tried to articulate a sentence. “I'm so sorry... Viola.”

Viola looked at her with confused eyes, “what are you talking about Shelly? We're the ones who should be sorry. You're only injured because of us…” her voice rose to a pitch, tears welling in her eyes. “We couldn't have done this without you Shelly! Everyone is okay thanks to you.” Viola smiled, her tears trickling down her cheeks.

Shelly titled her head to look at her right, that's when she saw them. All the children Claudia abused were all lively and chatting with other. Their smiles had returned, with their scars a thing of the past. Shelly could feel a tingly sensation tug her heart strings and a warm smile manifested on her face.

A boy trotted through the crowd of children, he made his way directly to Shelly. He came to a stop 3m away from her, he frowned as he looked down on Shelly. From his hair to his face, he looked just like Viola. This was undoubtedly her brother, Ed.

He clenched his fist, “Is it true? Is John really dead?” his voice was just above a whisper but Shelly could hear it clearly.

Her smile faded and her expression turned bitter, as she tried to contain the words in her throat. But alas, she had to let them out. “I'm sor—”

“You're sorry?” Ed's voice suddenly erupted. “My friend is dead because of you and you're sorry! This wouldn't have happened if you hadn't chased us! This is all your fault!" Ed's words left a thundering echo as everyone outside the hideout was immediately silenced.

Shelly took a moment before she responded, her eyes watery as she spoke. “I know I can't turn back the clock, I can't bring your friend back. All I can do is offer you my apology. I had no idea what the townspeople planned to do with that boy. I truly am sorry.” She finally broke down, her tears streaking down her face.

Ed was about open his lips but Viola interrupted. “Stop it Ed!” Her voice boomed. “Shelly is the one who saved all of us! She healed me when I was at death's door today. Twice! And she helped all of us escape from Claudia. She's hurting from John's death as much as we do. Why can't you just thank her for what she did for us, for what she did for me. Please brother…” She looked at him with pleading eyes.

This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

Ed seemed taken aback by his younger sister's words. Her face morphed, shifting into a more sour expression. Tears fell down his cheeks as he went down on both knees. “Thank you so much!” He said, finally releasing all his pent—up emotions.

Shelly smiled, before she titled her head to look at the sky.

After a moment of silence, Viola who was still looking at the hideout, directed a whisper to Shelly's direction. “Do you think he'll do it? Do you think Joe will be able to win?"

Shelly's eyes were resolved as she stated, “don't worry. He'll definitely win.”

[Inside Mikey's Hideout]

“Something I've yet to use?” Joe questioned, his eyes still locked on the red hulking figure that was Mikey.

[Remember When You Devoured Ray's Soul. You Unlocked A Skill. It's Name Was (Soul Control)]

Joe's memory was sparked, he rembered something like that. But he was so distracted at the time, the notification must've flew right past him.

[Rare Skill: Soul Control (Lvl 1)]

▪︎ Description: The Power Of The Soul Can Be The Greatest Power To Exist But It Can Also Be The Power That Destroys You.

▪︎ Effect: Grants You The Ability To Gather And Absorb The Souls Of The Dead. Allowing You To Harness Their ‘Spiritual Energy’ For Your Own.

▪︎ Boost: +3 Attribute Points To All Attrubutes Except Mental Strength For Every Soul You Consumed.

▪︎ Mana Cost: -30 Mana Pool Ponts For Every Soul You Consumed.

Note: Mana Is Used To Strengthen Your Body, So That You Are Able To Absorb As Many Souls As Possible. Which Is Why Mana Cost Is Applied, Despite Souls Being Fueled By 'Spiritual Energy'

“That's awesome.” Joe grinned.

[No, Its Dangerous. 'Spiritual Energy' Is Unlike Mana. It Is Corrupted. This Kind Of Skill Could Destroy Your Mind.]

“I've got nothing to lose. I'm already dead at this rate. Let's do it Syr."

[Skill Activation: Soul Control]

[-90 Mana Pool Points]

[Current Mana Pool: 1, 295]

A bright flash of light consumed Joe's figure. It expanded and rapidly encompassed the entire room. Mikey was forced to shut his eyes, in an effort to salvage his sight.

He staggered back, creating a wide gap between him and Joe.

As the light dimmed, Joe was found back on his feet. The light settled around his form, pulsating in a gentle aura. Joe's eyes had turned completely white. A shining white circle could be seen glowing on his stomach.

[Soul Count: 3]

[+9 Attrubute Points To All Attrubutes Exceptions Mental Strength]

Joe stretched out his bones and they seemed to have been repaired. They were back to being solid and sturdy, showing no signs of any fractures.

[Souls Have The ‘Essence Of Life’ They Can Offer Regenerative Abilites To One's Physical Condition.]

Joe clutched his head with his right hand. He could hear the sound of individuals echoing loudly in his skull. The voices were screaming. “Please stop, we beg of you.” The spoke in unison and were hard to make out.

Joe bashed his hand into his skull, in an effort to make them quiet down. They were starting to give him a really bad migraine.

[Those Are The Voices, Of The Three People You Devoured. By Taking Their Soul You've Also Preserved A Part Of Their ‘Will’. That's Why This Skill Is Dangerous. If You're Not Careful They Will Overwhelm You.]

“I'm fine,” Joe said out loud, his expression one of mild annoyance.

His voice hand changed, it still sounded like Joe but traces of the three souls he absorbed lingered with every word he said.

The room was suddenly bathed in light once again. All the bodies of the dead children suddenly lit up. Glowing white orbs exited from each of their bodies for a total 30.

They formed a trail of light as they soared through the air. They orbited around Joe's body, their haunting voices assaulting Joe's ears.

“Please help us! help us get back at father! Help us get our revenge! Please help us! help us…” Their voices repeated like a voice recorder.

[Think Carefully About This Joe, This Many Souls Will Be Dangerous If You Absorb Them At Once.]

“But you've heard them Syr. They want to get back at that bastard. Why would I deny them such an opportunity after what that monster has done to them? They should get their revenge.”

All the orbs slammed into Joe's stomach one after the other. The light around Joe flared and he crumbled to his knees. Joe relases a guttural scream as he clutched his head. He could feel his mind being invaded and the piercing sound of all the children at once was similar to a thousand knives stabbing his brain.

[-45 To Your Mental Strength Attribute]

Joe gritted his teeth as he tried to endure the agony.

[You fool! I told you this would happen! They will overwhelm you. ]

Joe reached out his hand as he grasped thin air.

[Skill Activation: Mental Resistance]

[+30 To Your Mental Strength Attribute]

[Total Psychological Attributes: 35]

[Soul Count: 33]

[-900 Mana Pool Points]

[Current Mana Pool: 395]

[+90 Attrubute Points To All Attrubutes Except Mental Strength]

Joe heaved, as he slowly pushed himself back to his feet. “Who do you think you're talking to Syr? Do I really look like someone who would lose my head because of something like that?” Joe smirked, his voice was still tainted but his tone was the dominant one in the mixture of voices that escaped his lips.

[You Have To Keep Them At Bay Until The Fighting Is Over.]

“No Syr. These kids are a part of this fight as much as I am. We'll all see this through to the end.”

Joe picked up his mana tool. He pointed it at Mikey, the white light smothered it completely.

“I think it's time we finish this fight. "