Prometheus watched the General walk to the side of the chamber with the storage room with the secret door, before returning with a large box, containing various items. Prometheus took the opportunity to shift into his golden ant form, which he considered a classic. Sayuri and Zilch observed from the sidelines with interest.
"Private. Tell me this. Are those two going to be your close companions in the future?" Said the General while pointing at Sayuri and Zilch. Theo nodded without hesitation. They are my friends, after all.
"Major Fern, Major Thorn, change of plans. We need to speed up the soldiers' development. The presence of the Defenders changed everything. Begin with Soul abilities, then we'll move to System enhancements." Exclaimed the tree monster while rummaging through the box.
The two flytrap monsters nodded and took off to the storage room as well, each returning to their respective apprentice with various items. The general took out a large gem, around thirty centimeters in diameter, and gave it to the shapeshifter.
"After you reach tier three, your Soul won't accept cores that you haven't gathered yourself. Or I should say, it won't be nearly as efficient. If we had mountains of cores, it would work. I heard that some rich humans do that. But we don't have the resources, so I'll bring you out on Gathering missions."
Prometheus observed the Core, stricken by how much it resonated with him. The light green created an air of serenity and peace, which allowed Theo to relax momentarily. When he remembered the important decision he still had to make, that calm disappeared soon after. Okay, time to become strong.
Theo grabbed the Core, sent a tendril of Influence to it, and the magic happened. All the energy moved from the Core to Theo's Soul, and the amount was staggering. It felt like a ferocious river that wouldn't stop at anything. Cold, destructive energy rushed into his Soul for another two continuous minutes when he noticed Zilch experiencing the same before he passed out.
---
Time. Progress. Death. Prometheus felt all three. Prometheus was on top of a mountain, hundreds of kilometers tall. He could see the curvature of the planet. Other than that, it was very foggy, with details missing about his surroundings. He turned to his side, where an invisible individual stood. He couldn't see them, but he knew they were there. He was certain of it. He also knew who it was. It was himself. Prometheus stood side by side with himself, two copies looking over the horizon.
"It's beautiful, isn't it?" Asked the invisible Theo.
"Not really, I can't see anything."
"Isn't that what makes it beautiful, then? To imagine what lies under a covered face, the mind will conjure up the most beautiful facades imaginable. That's the pinnacle of beauty, something that will never physically exist."
"How can something be beautiful and not visible? It doesn't make sense." Asked Prometheus, shaking his head at the other Theo's words.
"You'll get it one day."
"How do you know?" Asked the real Prometheus in suspicion. This guy talks really weirdly.
"Because I've been there. I've lived your life. I've reached peaks of power that you couldn't comprehend. I've faced off with monstrosities not deserving to exist in this stunning universe. That's why I know. I am you."
Prometheus nodded at the wise words. They felt real to him, so they must have been true. He glanced at the invisible Theo, which stopped being invisible. A giant, wingless dragon was standing right next to him. It flew into the sky, where the black hole was, and bit into it like a tennis ball. What...?
A headache sprung up in the shapeshifter's mind, increasing in intensity each second. The dragon stopped biting into the black hole and looked down at him, two stars for eyes drilling into his Soul.
"Don't take reality for granted. You'll discover that some beings treat it just like you would treat a video game..."
Prometheus fell down the mountain, his headache killing him with pain. He fell for minutes, and right before he impacted the ground, he moved his head to look at the sky, at the cosmically massive creature standing over a celestial body and playing with it like it was a toy.
Don't take reality for granted?
---
The shapeshifter woke up with a jolt, furiously looking around at his surroundings. The first thing he noticed was the sensation of coolness around his Core.
My Soul... In the past I've barely felt it, but now? It feels like a second heart, pumping energy into my body as I speak. Prometheus tested his new body's limits, noticing how he could create weaker inorganic materials around his body, such as rubber and plastic. Technically, they weren't inorganic, but he utilized such specialized and efficient cells that it was hard to notice any difference. Before the tier-up, he wouldn't have been able to perform this feat, as those types of cells would have degraded and collapsed. Just two tiers left before I can use metals.
"I'm glad to see that you're enjoying your new capabilities, but we don't have any time to lose. I am now going to teach you how to use [Introspection], and also how to create a Soul ability. Get closer,"
Theo walked closer to the injured General, who coughed a dark liquid from his mouth multiple times. "First, here is my Soul ability."
The shapeshifter observed the General's soul closer, studying the Influence inside of it. It exploded outwards, creating a mesmerizing pattern in the air that resembled a blooming tree. The construct made of Influence reached the ceiling, which was dozens of meters tall. Then, a brief sensation of weakness accompanied the experience, with Theo noticing a chunk of his own Influence escape from his soul and flying into the General's transparent tree. Similar events happened soon after to the other monsters present.
"As you just saw, I created a large tree of Influence behind me, which absorbed a portion of the Influence of everyone near me. Now, I know it must sound powerful, but there are limitations that I had to agree to,"
Before the injured monster continued any further, Prometheus asked, "Had to agree to? Did someone else set them for you?
"Yes and no. That 'someone else' you referred to is my Soul. Using the technique [Introspection], you'll be able to communicate with your Soul directly."
"Communicate? So it's a separate entity from me?" Prometheus felt lost. How could his Soul talk to him? It didn't make any sense.
"Once again, yes and no. Many people believe different things, but I see the Soul as the manifestation of our inner desires. We might consciously agree with them, or we might be opposed to them. [Introspection] allows you to 'talk' to it as if it were another being. Through that technique, you'll have to contend for more power, and what you're willing to sacrifice to your Soul. Think of it like this: A trader. That's your Soul. You ask the seller for a sword, and he asks you for some money. If you want a better weapon, you have to pay more. Money, in this case, represents what the Soul wants. Some Souls want sacrifices, others demand weird restrictions, and whatnot. Their affinity represents their 'personality'. Let's go back to the trader example. Let's assume that he's a fan of collecting exotic treasures. By requesting something that's in line with the trader's interest, or by acting in a way that he sees favorably, he will give you more items. That's the same for souls. If you want to create a Soul ability from a Fire affinity Soul, you would be smart to request for destructive and chaotic powers, as that is what Fire affinity Souls tend to like."
Prometheus blinked with newly formed eyelids and replied, "I am totally lost. Can you use your own Soul as an example?"
Esperanto chuckled at Theo's honesty and replied, "Certainly, Private. My Soul affinity is Nature, and it likes balance and harmony. I created an ability that temporarily increases my own Influence capacity. As I was saying, it has some limitations. First, it only works in places that I am familiar with. For example, if I used it in a city that I've never seen before, it would barely work. Secondly, I have to repay the debt of Influence from everyone that I borrowed it from, thus creating balance and harmony. Additionally, it works more efficiently the closer I am to vegetation. Here, it works great as I've spent years growing many plants. That's also something my Soul likes. Do you think I made it clearer?"
"Slightly, yeah."
"Perfect. We'll now start with learning [Introspection]. Focus on the way my Influence moves." The General created a cylindrical structure made of influence, and linked his own brain with his own Soul, creating a sort of tunnel between them. Prometheus noticed how it wasn't an empty structure, as it was filled with bumps and ledges, almost like an obstacle course. He immediately tried replicating the technique, but it collapsed soon after. What? He didn't understand what he did wrong.
Love what you're reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.
"You have the right idea of what the technique looks like, you just lack the drive to shape it. Think of what motivates you in life. Keep that emotion in mind. That's what you'll use for this technique."
My motivation in life?
Naturally, it was protecting his close ones and his friends. He had been programmed as a protector, after all. Other than that, curiosity about the new world and a desire to catalog anything that's unusual about this place were secondary motivations. They didn't show themselves much as the situation with Arthur and his kids wasn't stable yet, so Theo focused on that much more.
Using these feelings, Prometheus replicated the technique flawlessly, which didn't falter this time. The General nodded, surprised. The last step was linking his own brain with his Soul. Since they were overlapping, Theo created a ring-like structure that started from his Core, his brain, and curved back into his Soul. As soon as the link was made, Theo could hear a voice shout in his head.
"HEY!"
The shapeshifter looked around. No one's using a mental connection spell.
"OF COURSE NOT. It's me."
"Are you...my Soul?" Asked Theo uncertainly.
"Nah, I'm just a hallucination. Dumbass. Of course I'm your Soul." The voice replied snarkily.
"Okay. Anyway, I need to create a Soul ability." said the shapeshifter.
"So? That's not my problem." Theo scraped an ant leg on the ground.
"Just tell me how I can do it, and I'll be on my way."
"No thanks, I'm good."
Prometheus glanced at the General who was looking at him expectantly. "So? How's it proceeding?" asked the tree monster.
"This guy is a fucking asshole." Admitted Theo. I have to work with this thing? It barely wants to listen to me!
Espanto chuckled and coughed into his fist, replying, "Some Souls are like that. Just spend some time getting to know each other. Oh, I forgot to mention, but there's theoretically no limit to what Soul abilities you're able to create. It's all a matter of Influence capacity, and how well you can negotiate with your Soul. The more the ability you want to create is in line with the Soul's affinity, the stronger it will be. Remember: Your Soul has some control over your Influence, but only when you let it. You're the one with the most authority on it."
Prometheus nodded, returning to his conversation with his Soul, "Okay, listen here. I want power, and you'll give it to me. Is that clear?"
"Oh no! You're threatening me! Whatever will I do to escape this!? I am actually shaking right now if you couldn't notice."
Prometheus sighed, realizing that threats wouldn't work. It was his own Soul, so it wasn't surprising.
"What do you want?" Asked Theo in resignation.
"What do I want? I just want you to shut up!" Said the Soul with a smile on its face. It didn't have a face at all but Theo could swear that his Soul was smiling.
"You're annoying, and you're wasting my time. Why do you not wanna help me?"
"One of the first things you said was, 'Oh, I need to create a Soul ability', acting all high and mighty, and I'm supposed to be nice? Dumbass."
Prometheus thought about the Soul's words. Is that true? I don't think so.
"Okay, I don't need a soul ability anymore. Let's just talk." Offered Theo with a calming voice.
"I'm listening." Said the Soul while crossing its arms. Once again, it didn't have a body, but Theo felt like the Soul was projecting the concept of crossing its arms.
"So, who are you? I know that you're my Soul, but what are you?"
"What a stupid question. How am I even supposed to answer that?"
Prometheus breathed heavily. I hate this thing will all my heart.
"The sentiment is mutual. You don't have a heart, by the way. Literally."
"What can I give you to make you less annoying?" Said Theo with forced words. His anger was rising up his mind, but he knew that it wouldn't get him anything.
"How about starting to respect me a bit more? And also, did you notice how we are in a new world? A new fucking world. And you don't even stop to observe the new plants, to catalog them, to preserve them. There are walking plants, and you don't stop for a single minute to study how they work. Literal monsters exist in the Unsafe Hours that make even high-tier people scared for their lives and you don't research them? Are you insane? You have a literal pocket dimension that you can access at will, and you only use it to keep that disgusting biomass thing for your forms. How about you change that indifference of yours? We'll talk after that."
The shapeshifter stopped moving, ant-eyes opened wide. Is that true? is that what I've been doing all this time?
"Yes, yes you have. You've been so stuck on that goal of protecting those humans of yours that you've been ignoring the most important aspect of life: Exploring the world. There are magic spells in this world. They are called 'techniques', sure, but it's the same thing at the end of the day."
"Wait a second, this 'magic' that you're talking about comes from the Soul, so you. Why are you talking like it doesn't? Why couldn't I use 'magic' back on Earth?"
"You've finally asked a good question. Well done. Want a medal?"
Theo clicked his tongue.
"Here's the answer. I don't know. Back on Earth, I felt like I was sleeping. I barely existed. But now, after that weird ritual where you passed out after absorbing those Gems for the first time, I was born. I had finally obtained some existence in this world. With that, some degree of freedom came. It was still barely anything, as all I could do was help you in creating those techniques, but it was still something. That energy that I can partly control is what you call 'Influence'."
"You can control it? I've never felt someone else move my influence."
"Do you have memory problems other than comprehension problems? Did you just forget what I said one minute ago? I can only control this Influence when you're trying to cast a spell, or performing a technique."
"It's not magic if we know how it works." Argued Theo. So my Soul has been conscious all this time and couldn't do anything except help me perform Soul techniques? If I were in that situation I might become even more irritating than it did, probably.
"Yes, yes, call it whatever you want. I'm glad you finally understand why I hate what you've been doing these past few weeks. I've felt like a starving man watching from the perspective of a rich man stomping on mountains of food. That's why I'm fucking angry at you."
So, it's like if I saw someone destroy beautiful gems? Prometheus thought to himself.
"Correct, it's exactly like that. And yes, I can read your mind, because I'm technically part of you."
"Makes sense. So what now?"
"You tell me, smartass."
"You want me to explore the world more?" Asked Theo.
"Don't fucking say it like I'm forcing you. I know that you want to, but you 'can't'. Because your owners aren't 'safe' or whatever stupid excuse you like telling yourself."
"it's not an excuse! That's what I need to do."
"And why? Just because a bunch of scientists programmed you to?"
"What difference does it make? Humans are hardwired to seek companionship, but that doesn't mean that wanting company is a fake desire!"
"Whatever you say, dumbass."
"How about this, then. Help me create an ability that will make both of us happy. How does that sound?"
"Go on."
Prometheus and his Soul spent the next few hours discussing possible abilities, and whether the Soul was willing to make it happen. After many discussions, an agreement had been made.
---
Sayuri crossed her arms as the major offered up a large Core to her. He had been trying to make her tier up, but she didn't like the charity. I want to get strong on my own. The improvement from Prometheus was more of a trade, so she didn't see it as a gift. At first. My body has been healing so much faster. Her reaction speed had increased, and her muscles had become stronger. All thanks to him. I have to make it up to him one day.
"Private Kizuna, take this Core and tier up. We can't afford to send you on gathering missions to let you obtain your own Cores. You're a tier one. You'll be weaker compared to the other two Privates." Said the Flytrap Major, clearly tired of her stubbornness.
She shook her head once again, refusing the humiliating charity. He wouldn't want me to accept this kind of gift. Thoughts of her past flashed in her mind, with a weird heat bubbling up into her stomach. Sayuri sighed, looking at his two companions. Prometheus was performing the [Introspection] technique, while Zilch was still unconscious, in the process of reaching tier three.
"I will make sure to have you discharged from the army if you don't comply," Threatened the Major with a dangerous tone in his voice.
"Discharging a monster under your direct command because they can't advance in power won't look that great for you, Major. Your teaching ability will get questioned. I don't recommend you do that," Responded the samurai in kind. She kept eye contact with the major until he gruffed heavily and relented, "Fine. Follow me."
The bamboo monster nodded, satisfied. She and the Major walked out of the fortress, into the wilderness, where she could hunt her own Cores. She had denied using prisoners, as fighting helpless enemies left a bad taste in her Soul. Another couple of hours passed and she had finally amassed enough cores to reach tier two, and even tier three.
Normally, such an achievement would be impossible in just a couple of hours, but what Sayuri didn't know was the fact that the Major had indirectly pushed her to enemies with compatible Cores, which would speed up her growth. Additionally, he was weakening strong monsters with a specialized technique and allowing the samurai to dispatch them. Only because of that could she achieve this much of a success. Additionally, she was too weak to notice the Major's actions.
Returning to the fortress, she sat down with her legs crossed and began to absorb the cores into her Soul, feeling the cold rush of energy. She passed out, keeping her upright posture in the meantime.
---
Sayuri found herself in a nice garden, with a simple one-story house with sliding doors, a small pond with many colorful fish on it, and a large variety of plants growing in the garden, such as bamboo and small trees. An old man sat in front of her, looking directly into her eyes. He had a bald head, a large nose, and a strong jaw. He was wearing simple 'Japanese' robes. He had always used that word, but Sayuri never learned what it meant. A small smile appeared on his face, which gave the old man an air of peace and serenity.
"Sayuri. I see that you've finally made some friends." He asked with an amused look.
"We barely know each other, father. But I do enjoy their company, for now."
The old man chuckled, looking into the distance.
"Do you remember when you were born?" He asked.
"Only vaguely." She paused for a moment. "I only remember the deep sense of admiration that I felt immediately after. And how much you were afraid of me."
Her father laughed loudly, with such a clean voice that betrayed his old age. "It was my first time seeing a plant gain sentience, so I was more surprised than scared. I remember when you insisted on me teaching you the ways of the sword, and how you would do anything to achieve mastery of the blade. Time flies so quickly, don't you think?"
"Too quickly. Many times, before I go to sleep, I wish for just another five minutes with you, to give you a proper goodbye. But I always realize how I am never going to get it." Replied Sayuri while closing her eyes.
The old man smiled warmly and nodded, "That's the way of life. You don't always get the privilege of having a last, proper conversation with your loved ones. Sometimes, they just disappear without notice. Anyway, our time here is done. Good luck."
---
Sayuri woke up with a sniff and sat back down, ready to tier up once again. The Major interrupted her, "Wait, you need to let your Soul adapt to its new level of Influence, if you tier up again you risk incurring permanent damage."
"I don't care." She said as she absorbed another handful of Cores, before losing consciousness once again. The Major tried to physically stop her but gave up when he saw that she wouldn't change her mind. Sayuri went on to have another similar dream, with the difference that her father wasn't there anymore.