ch 20
Slowly, Arthur extended his telekinetic ability, but this time with a different intent. Instead of lifting the hen physically, he sought to connect to its soul force—the essence that animated its body.
His mind pressed against the boundary of its life energy. For a moment, it resisted, like trying to push through thick fog. Then, with a sudden snap, he broke through.
Arthur gasped, feeling a rush of energy flow into him. The world around him shifted. Colors became more vibrant, sounds sharper, and the air itself seemed alive with potential. He could feel the hen's soul force now, tethered to his will. It wasn't overwhelming, but it was there—a small, undeniable connection.
He tested it, gently tugging on the thread of energy formed by the link to his telekinesis.
The hen froze mid-step, its body stiffening as if an invisible hand had paused time itself. Arthur's heart raced.
This was new—different from his usual telekinetic power.
Instead of moving objects externally, he could now control the life force of a living being. With this power, he realized, he could kill someone by pulling on the string of their life force, severing their soul from their body.
This was control over life itself—the very energy that made up living beings.
Careful not to harm the creature, Arthur released his hold on the hen, watching as it resumed its natural movements, completely unaware of the brief intrusion into its essence. The connection faded, but Arthur could still feel the residue of soul force swirling in the air, waiting for him to call upon it again.
Sweat beaded on his forehead as he sat back.
The telekinesis he had just used didn't just draw on the target's life force; it also siphoned some of his own. If the target of this ability was aware of soul force and stronger than him, they could pull on that same thread, separating his soul from his body and killing him instantly.
It was sheer luck that he had tested this ability on a hen, a simple creature. If he had tried it on an intelligent being, and they had realized what he was doing, he could have been the one to die.
Arthur decided, then and there, to use this power only in the most desperate situations.
His mind raced with possibilities. He had done it. He had accessed soul force, but the power felt raw and untamed. He needed more practice and much more control—especially with the looming threat.
Arthur looked up at the sky, where dark clouds twisted ominously around Mount Meru. He knew this was only the beginning.
The Unknown was coming for him, and time was running out. But with soul force at his command, he had something no one expected—an edge that might just keep him alive.
His quest window remained open, a stark reminder of the stakes:
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**Survive.**
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Arthur clenched his fists, determination hardening in his chest.
He would survive. And when the time came, he would be ready.
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After experimenting, Arthur felt more relaxed and fell into a deep sleep.
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**Meanwhile, at the foot of a massive mountain...**
The Blood Lady suddenly appeared before Mount Meru, which surrounded the village.
Standing before the towering peak, the Blood Lady respectfully bowed.
"Senior, this junior is known as the Blood Lady and has entered the Middle World on the order of the 'Lord of the Night.' Please allow me passage to the village, for it poses a great threat to our realm."
A deep, ancient voice echoed from within the mountain. "Leave."
"You have already disrespected the Middle World by not accepting its restraint. If not for being the messenger of the 'King of Night,' you would have been reduced to ashes."
The Blood Lady remained calm, unshaken by the response.
"Senior, although you are a powerful manifestation of the laws, an omnipotent being, you cannot interfere in the affairs of the mortal world. You may only spread your knowledge across it."
"Are you questioning me?" the voice thundered, anger rising.
The Blood Lady's voice remained level, her tone laced with sarcasm.
"How could I, a tiny being, dare to question one of your stature?"
"Be aware," the voice warned, "that these mortals pray to me and are under my protection. As long as I stand guard, you will not be able to harm a single hair on their heads."
"We shall see," the Blood Lady said before vanishing from sight.
As she disappeared, a figure emerged atop the mountain, gazing toward the village and focusing his attention on Arthur.
"This is all I can do to repay my debt to you," the figure murmured before vanishing as well.
---
The Blood Lady reappeared before Kratos.
"What happened? Why are you back so soon?" Kratos asked.
"An old geezer is protecting the place where the avatar resides," the Blood Lady responded.
Kratos sighed, shaking his head.
"What luck…"
The Blood Lady scoffed.
"A power without freedom," she muttered. "I don't understand why we still respect them. If not for the order of the Night King, I would've fought that old geezer myself. They can't even kill an ant without justification, so how can they harm me, the messenger of the Lord of Night?"
"Don't be impulsive, Blood Lady," Kratos cautioned.
"Although their power comes with limits, it is still power. A single blessing or curse from them can topple entire worlds. It's best to stay on the favorable side of such power."
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**Thank you for reading "My Path to Immortality" so far!**
Dear readers,
I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for following along with "My Path to Immortality." Your support, feedback, and encouragement mean the world to me.
Working on this novel has been an incredible journey, and knowing that you're enjoying it makes it all the more worthwhile. Your insights and comments are invaluable in shaping the story, and I can't wait to share more with you as it unfolds.
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Warm regards, Diablo2004