Soul Link

"Who would have thought I'd end up going to school...?"

I gazed into the distance, where a towering institution stood in all its glory—Golden Summit Academy, one of the most prestigious schools in the country. Its influence was so great that the city surrounding it was considered part of the academy's property.

Unlike ordinary schools, Golden Summit Academy operates under a unique system. Students who enrolled were either those with wealth or those with undeniable talent. Rather than a place where it teaches students, it was more of a social gathering where one would send people in to make connections—especially those with the skill known as soul link.

A soul link is a special skill that a male gains when awakening. For every few million, a person would awaken such talent.

This talent is the most desired. Having it alone would automatically allow you to attend a school like Golden Summit. And unsurprisingly, I was the one who awakened it.

A soul link is a rare ability that allows the user to form a connection with another person, granting both individuals significant benefits. Through this link, each person's base stats are multiplied, and their growth rate accelerates—making it one of the most valuable skills in existence.

Even more remarkable, a Soul Link isn't limited to just one connection. Those with this ability can link with multiple people, further amplifying its value. However, the effectiveness depends on the user's limit, making some Soul Linkers far more powerful than others.

A week had passed since my awakening, and the results were nothing short of a miracle. But, of course, nothing good comes without consequences.

Some bastard recorded the entire thing and uploaded it for the world to see, painting a massive target on my back.

Even now, the thought still pisses me off. But at least I got my revenge. That bastard paid the price, and now? I'm finally debt-free.

"Isn't that the person who is in the news?"

"It is! Let's talk to him."

"..."

I picked up their voices with perfect clarity, thanks to my enhanced senses. Worse, they weren't the only ones who heard. I could feel more eyes shifting toward me, marking me all over again.

Nope. Not doing this.

Without a second thought, I turned on my heel and slipped away before things got out of hand. Trust me, being swarmed by strangers is not a pleasant experience. If it weren't for public security, the last time this had happened, I would have had a mental breakdown.

"He's running away!"

"Wait!"

~

"..."

"Welcome to Golden Summit. How may I assist you?"

As I entered the school's student center, a staff member greeted me with a smile.

"I'm Luther Walts. I was told to report here as soon as I arrived for an early briefing on everything I need to know."

"Understood. Please wait a moment. Your guide is in the staff room. I'll fetch her along with the necessities for your stay at the academy."

With that, she stood up from her desk and left me to wait.

"Mr. Walts, I apologize for not greeting you sooner. I'm Betsy Lemins, your guide and counselor. If you have any concerns regarding the school, feel free to bring them to me."

My counselor, Ms. Lemins, greeted me politely and in a friendly tone. She looked like someone who had only recently graduated from college.

She had soft brown hair and hazel eyes framed by square-rimmed glasses, which gave her a studious look. Average in height and dressed in a light, airy white outfit, she exuded an approachable, relaxed vibe, making it easy to feel at ease around her.

"Ms. Lemins, there's no need to apologize. I came in unannounced."

I was originally supposed to arrive a week later, but after my home address was leaked, I had no choice but to leave early. Going outside had already become a hassle, and the constant fear that my so-called peace could be interrupted at any moment was unbearable.

"Is that so?" Betsy mused. "Since you're here, would you like to see your lounge? We can talk on the way."

"If possible, I'd like to go there immediately."

She smiled. "Follow me."

With Ms. Lemins leading the way, we left the room and exited the school grounds. It didn't take long to notice the lingering stares. News about me had clearly spread, and the weight of their gazes followed me with every step.

"You sure are popular," Betsy noted, breaking the silence. "Do you have anyone in mind for a link? If not, how do you plan on choosing one?"

She didn't waste any time getting to the hard-hitting questions.

"I don't have anyone in mind," I admitted. "As for how I'll choose… I'll figure it out along the way."

Selecting a Soul Link wasn't something to take lightly. While the benefits were immense, it was a lifelong commitment, something most people only entrusted to a close partner.

In many ways, it was no different from a marriage contract. It provided extraordinary advantages, but simultaneously, both individuals would carry the weight of each other's mental and emotional burdens.

Breaking a Soul Link wasn't just an emotional strain—it had real consequences. The longer the bond lasted, the harsher the fallout. Both parties would suffer severe fatigue, and the Soul Linker—the one with the ability—would be forced to wait five years before they could form a new bond.

It was a commitment not to be taken lightly.

"I see," Betsy said, nodding. "Since you don't seem too concerned about it, let's move on to your class schedule."

She handed me a piece of paper with my timetable. A quick scan revealed that I had only three different classes.

"As a special enrolled student, you're required to form at least one Soul Link with a classmate," Betsy explained. "Your morning will start with a self-defense course under Mr. Klein, your homeroom teacher. After that, you'll attend a lecture with Mrs. Kellers, who specializes in knowledge about the corrupted landscape."

"Your third and final class is different from the rest," Betsy continued. "It's specifically designed to help you form a Soul Link—arguably the most important class you can't afford to skip."

She gave me a knowing look.

"Think of it as... a structured dating space. Female students interested in forming a link with you will get dedicated one-on-one time."

I raised an eyebrow. "So, like speed dating for awakeners?"

Betsy chuckled. "In a way, yes. But there's more to it. The academy uses this system to address financial concerns as well."

I didn't like where this was going.

"As you probably already know, forming a Soul Link is a high-stakes commitment. Those who want to bond with you, especially the wealthy, are willing to pay a premium for the opportunity. Naturally, those who contribute the most will get priority."

I sighed. "Figures."

"Don't worry. The school itself only takes a small cut. If you don't want money, you could always change the conditions."

"If possible," she added, lowering her voice slightly, "try not to show disinterest outright, even if you have no intention of linking with someone. We've had incidents before—students who felt slighted have filed complaints, and some even held grudges."

Before long, we arrived at the academy's residential area. Rows of family-sized houses lined the streets, each exuding a level of luxury far beyond the average home. But the place waiting for me? It wasn't just luxurious—it was excessive.

"Is this where I'm supposed to live?" I asked, eyeing the massive structure in front of me. "Don't you think it's a bit much for one person?"

Compared to the already high-end houses surrounding it, the one before me was an outright mansion—easily five times the size of the others.

I didn't need this much space. Hell, I wasn't even sure what I'd do with it. Living alone in something this massive felt almost ridiculous.

"That's standard for special-administrated students," Betsy explained. "It's about appearance. Students in the lower brackets need to see what's possible—the benefits they can work toward. There's no shortage of talent, but the academy isn't just looking for talent. They want people who know how to use it—those who can rise above the rest."

"That's how our academy earns its reputation."

"The keys to the place are yours. Here's a map of the academy's grounds and a brochure for sightseeing around the city. I'm sure you want to relax. If you need anything else, you can contact me."

"It has been nice meeting you. Have a nice day."

"You too."

With my counselor gone, I was now alone.

I turned back to the mansion, still feeling like it was too much for someone like me. Intimidating, excessive—but it was mine for now. There's no point in standing around.

Taking a deep breath, I stepped inside.

"Welcome!"

A voice rang out the moment I entered.

"I'm an AI known as Housekeeper. HK for short. If you are Luther Walts, please scan your fingerprint for full authorization of this residence. Otherwise, please vacate the premises and wait for the owner's return."

Holy shit. Had household technology really advanced this far?

I looked around and was immediately met with the sight of an AI in a maid outfit. A literal maid bot. HK could use some work, but this was still an incredible experience.

I placed my hand on the scanner.

"Confirming identity…"

"Welcome home, Master."

"As I have said before, I'm a housekeeper. As the master of this house, it is my duty to guide you around the house. If you have any issues or suggestions, you can tell me, and I will fix those issues to the best of your needs."

"Efficient..."

"Please follow me." Ignoring what I had said, the AI moved forward.

There was no need to describe my new home in excessive detail—it was a mansion, plain and simple.

There are three floors and a basement, and there are twelve bedrooms. Two living rooms are on the first and second floors. The massive kitchen is straight out of a chef's dream, seamlessly connected to an oversized dining room.

For entertainment, there was a fully stocked game room, a spacious pool on the balcony, and a giant bathroom with a built-in hot tub.

As for the rest? Irrelevant.

"Master, now that we've finished the tour, do you have any arrangements you'd like to make? Or any personal belongings that need to be carried in?"

"Leave everything as it is. As for belongings, I didn't bring anything with me."

With this body already drowning in debt before I even arrived, I never had much to my name. At best, I owned a phone, but I figured I'd replace it as soon as I had some extra cash to spare.

"If you need anything, call me directly or use a mobile device," HK responded. "I'll be starting my daily cleanup."

Once alone in my room, I sprawled across my bed and checked my phone. I had missed one call, and a message with a name I recognized instantly popped up.

"Darling, if you're free, give me a call."

Lisa. A woman I'd met after my awakening. She was the heiress to a powerful family, constantly pressured into marriage. Or, at the very least, expected to produce an heir. And in her eyes, the best way to solve this was to hire me to impregnate her.

With my passable appearance and genetics that others could only dream of, I was, apparently, the perfect choice. What was supposed to be a one-night arrangement turned into something more. She got attached fast for a day, but I couldn't blame her. It was a special night indeed.

And now, to ensure my continued presence, she insisted we keep trying every night to achieve success in producing an heir.

If I actually got her pregnant, I wondered what the child would be like.

Not that it really mattered. We had already agreed—I'd have no responsibility for the kid. Lisa insisted it was better that way, and honestly, I wasn't in a position to argue.

Still, she was the only real acquaintance I had in this world, so I figured I might as well give her a call.

The moment she picked up, her voice oozed with playful seduction.

"Darling, did you miss me~?"

I rolled my eyes but played along.

"Yes, yes," I said, deadpan. "I missed you so much that I wish I could embrace you."

"Still as cold as ever," she whined, her tone laced with playful complaint.

"Darling, can't you just whisper sweet words of love to me?"

She sounded like a spoiled girlfriend demanding attention, her voice dripping with expectation.

Even so, I couldn't see myself doing something so ridiculous—especially not over the phone.

"Are you actually considering it? How sweet." Lisa chuckled as if she could read my thoughts.

"..."

"Lisa, why did you call me?" I asked, my tone laced with annoyance.

"Sorry, sorry~ I was just playing around," she admitted, a hint of amusement still in her voice.

"Work has been stressful lately. Nothing urgent—I just wanted to hear your voice."

She added, "Oh, but there is one thing. In a week, I'll be visiting. A business opportunity came up, and once I'm free, let's meet up. By then, I hope you won't bully me too much~❤️"