Case 223: In search of blank souls.
''Realistically speaking, going against the army of Buezriths by ourselves is nothing short of suicide.''
With a grim face, Buezrith says, ''They are extremely powerful and cunning, and their forces are much larger than ours. So, we can only wield what we can to retaliate.''
As the nun's explanation turns solemn, we hold a silence. After taking a deep breath, she continues, ''As I have said before, Buezrith extracted soul fragments of other individuals so that they could evade the universe's alert. However, nature's rules aren't so easy to break. As long as these chipped souls can grow a foundation for restoration, they will return to where they belong.''
''Foundation? What do you mean?'' Scarlett raises her hand. ''Is it similar to... er... Aurora's case?''
''Yes. Take her situation, for example. Only one 'Aurora' from the same bundle of world lines can exist in one reality—because they're essentially the same person. They are in the process of assimilating into one entity, and in the end, only one soul will persist. What I want to say is—if we can make the universe recognize the numerous Buezriths as one person, we can eliminate them.''
At this point, Neveah, who is stroking her smooth chin, chimes in, ''Souls can heal over time. Though I'm sure that woman has prepared countermeasures for that already. Which means we should find a way to forcefully replenish their souls, correct?''
''Correct.''
A mutual understanding emerges between the two. Yet, the majority of other members seem rather confused. I guess not everyone is an expert in this field.
''So... what should we do exactly?'' Nydia voices her question.
Without hesitation, Buezrith replies, ''I need you to find blank souls.''
''Hm... do you think they'd just appear on the side of the road?''
''I'm not sure...''
''They're souls, right? Doesn't it mean that they will find bodies to inhabit?''
As we trudge along the ashen path, where crimson wind whips the already parched land, I can hear little discussion coming from behind.
We are now on an expedition to find blank souls.
The location? Outside the cage—far, far outside the cage.
My team consists of me, Buezrith, Neveah, Luxia, and Nydia. There is another team, led by the other me, advancing in another direction, and one staying put to protect our base.
According to Buezrith, the same soul, if it happens to cross world lines or time, will merge and heal under the universe's rules. That said, if we can obtain ownerless souls—blank souls, we can induce the same effect.
In a normal world, blank souls are rather rare. Only in areas with extreme conditions that disrupt the cycle of life can these things exist. In other words, blank souls are those left behind indefinitely without reincarnation dawning on them, bereft for so long that time has corroded their identity altogether.
''...''
And unfortunately or fortunately... the current world outside the cage is littered with such souls. As it is, we are probably walking atop the buried ruins of the previous civilization, where countless people have lost their lives.
Of course, it's not like we'll see one or two casually on the side of the road. They are scattered across this vast world, like hidden treasure. At least that's what Buezrith is telling me. I'll believe it once I see one for myself.
With Neveah here, I don't need to be worried about being deceived.
''Lower your voice.''
Just in time, the goddess halts us at once, her eyes sharpening.
In the distance, a colossal monster, the same kind I hunted before, calmly treads toward this place. Its numerous red eyes, resembling reddening crystals, constantly dart around.
It looks like a mutated golem.
The biggest challenge of finding the souls, aside from scarcity, is these abominations.
However... considering the staggering amount of 'experience' they provide, I believe this is also an opportunity. I turn around and pat the girls' shoulder.
''Luxia, Nydia. This is a good chance to spike your level. We'll do our best to support, so you should do your best, too.''
''Understood, boss!''
''Of course.''
Since these two are severely underleveled for this kind of opponent, I decide to proceed with utmost caution. Neveah, upon my request, firmly ties down the creature's legs, while Buezrith casts a slowness debuff on it. Only now does the monster act true to its size.
As the two skirt around, trying to find their weakness, I scrutinize the surrounding areas.
''...As expected,''
Aurora warned me before, but there aren't only big ones out here. Beneath the burnt sand lie dozens of beast-sized abominations, perhaps in hibernation or in the process of evolving. This is practically a minefield.
But... maybe these will be better targets for the girls.
So, I promptly send a telepathic message to our teammates, signalling a change in operation.
''Thank god... my head was about to burst at that thing's tankiness.''
''I couldn't penetrate its armor at all...!''
The two complain to me tearfully.
''Alright, alright...''
Stroking their heads, I promptly pull up the cuter ones to be their opponents while I turn my attention to the colossal one earlier. Bound by Neveah's bleach-white chains, it struggles to move, nearly fumbling.
''...This feels like bullying.''
Well? Who told it to be weak?
Manifesting the Sword of Nihility, I lightly bounce off the sand, lifting high in the air.
The void inside me seems to grow each day.
Now, drawing a thick coating of that energy no longer burdens me. It feels natural as breathing, as if ingrained in my consciousness. And if I swell my magical power to infuse the ice attribute...
''Goodbye.''
My blade tears apart the thing's body along my descent. Virtually no resistance is felt, only the stinging emptiness that kicks back at me.
In the end, the creature perishes almost instantly.
I calmly reach for its frozen 'corpse,' absorbing whatever is left of its existence. Remembering the invading void earlier, I can't help but sigh. If it were the old me... I would have reacted much more enthusiastically upon obtaining this kind of power. Now, it's... nothing.
Have I truly become such an emotionless person?
For a while, I sense a tingling gaze above, as if the black sun is mocking my inability.
''...Whatever.''
After letting Nydia and Luxia 'exercise' a bit, we continue our way. Although the two are visibly exhausted, it seems the few levels they have gained from defeating the babies greatly motivate them.
Nearly a whole day passes like that.
We stumble upon many ruins of distant cities, though most of them are mere rubble. Faint traces of civilization, barely recognizable. Pieces of rusted metal, broken concrete shards, or the delicate scent of oil masked by the burnt smell.
Only Neveah shows a face of bitter nostalgia. She descends the place gingerly as if wanting to reminisce with someone from long, long ago.
Although there is nothing left but mindless monsters.
This is... more tedious than I thought. But right when I mentally prepare myself to spend several more days out here, we finally detect a wandering soul.