Absorbing a Soul

One day had passed since the incident involving Sylphie and Faen. Kael sat on the garden grass, seemingly lost in thought, his gaze fixed on the void. To anyone observing, he looked like a distracted child. However, his mind was immersed in something far greater.

He summoned the system interface that had appeared in his life at the most critical moment, and the information materialized before his eyes.

[Status]

[Name]: Kael Scarlet

[Physique]: Supreme Soul Hunter

[Strength]: 34

[Agility]: 30

[Intelligence]: 3

[Endurance]: 4

[Mana]: 70

[Blessing]: World Tree (SSS)

[Traits]: Charming, Universal Language, Enhanced Vision, Mana Sensitivity

[Skills]: Soul Absorption (Lv.1), Soul Hunter (Lv.1)

Additionally, a notification awaited him:

[You have a Rank B soul available for absorption. Yes/No]

Kael studied the information carefully, still trying to fully understand how the system worked. When Faen was obliterated by Elion, Kael never imagined that anything of her could survive—not even her soul. Yet, here it was, ready to be absorbed. It left him intrigued.

"So, even when someone is completely erased from existence, the system can still capture the essence of their soul..." he mused, reflecting on the extent of the power he now wielded. It was both terrifying and fascinating.

Crossing his arms, Kael sighed, his gaze returning to the interface. "Honestly, it's surprising how much my stats have grown since then... and even stranger to think that this strength came from people I'd consider insignificant."

He recalled the fight against Faen and the mercenaries who had fallen before her. None of them seemed like a real threat to someone like his mother or Eva, yet the power gains he had received couldn't be ignored.

"Maybe... maybe the value of a soul isn't measured solely by the raw power of its owner but by something deeper. Personality? Will? I don't fully understand yet... I'll need to experiment," he thought, his gaze narrowing as he contemplated the mystery.

Physically, Kael was still a baby, but in his mind, he was beginning to understand that the system within him was far greater than anything he could have imagined. He just needed to learn to master it.

"Alright, let's see what I get," he murmured to himself, extending his hand and tapping the glowing "Yes" on the system's interface.

[Absorbing Soul of "Faen Inthyre"...]

[Synchronizing Data...]

[Processing Essence...]

The messages seemed to drag time out, each word blinking as Kael felt a cold, almost suffocating energy envelop his body. Suddenly, he was overwhelmed by a wave of sensations and memories. A torrent of images surged through his mind—Faen's battles, her near-arrogant confidence, her disciplined swordsmanship, and above all, her hunger for power. It was as though he were reliving fragments of her life, but without losing control.

A searing pain shot through his body, forcing him to clench his fists against the ground. It felt as though something was being etched into his very essence, but even so, he did not scream. He was small, but he was not weak.

[Absorption Complete!]

[You gained +15 Intelligence!]

[You gained +10 Agility!]

[You gained +20 Endurance!]

[Passive Skill Acquired: "Blade Instinct (Lv.1)" – Enhances perception in close combat and improves instinctive reflexes.]

[Active Skill Acquired: "Shadow Cutting Dance (Lv.1)" – A series of rapid, precise strikes that use mana to amplify damage and speed.]

Kael opened his eyes, feeling a clarity he had never experienced before. His vision seemed sharper, the sounds around him more distinct, as if the entire world had gained a new level of definition. He flexed his fingers, sensing the subtle but significant increase in strength in his small body. He was no longer the same.

"Interesting... She was an assassin who used magic, so instead of strength, I gained intelligence... Considering she was Rank B, these numbers are good..." he muttered, observing the new information on his interface.

But before he could fully process what he had gained, a gentle, concerned voice interrupted his thoughts.

"Kael, what are you doing out here all by yourself?" It was Elion, appearing at the entrance of the house, her eyes radiating a mix of exhaustion and authority. Her tone was more maternal than usual, likely a reflection of recent events.

Kael looked at her, knowing he needed to hide what was happening. He gave her an innocent smile, a trick he had perfected thanks to his infant body.

"Just... thinking, mommy," he replied, his childish voice masking what was truly on his mind.

Elion approached, kneeling beside him. Her eyes examined him carefully, and for a moment, he thought she might sense the change in him.

"Thinking, huh? I hope you're not thinking about yesterday." She sighed, smoothing his hair. "We're all still recovering, and you're too small to carry any burdens."

Kael maintained his smile, but in his mind, he was already making plans. He needed to understand more about the system, about souls, and, most importantly, he needed to grow stronger.

"Don't worry, mommy," he said softly, but in his thoughts, he added, "I'll protect everyone... but in my own way."

Elion slowly blushed and pulled him into a hug, pressing her ample chest against his face. "Come on, you need to eat now!" she ordered, adjusting her position and pulling him closer.

Elion sighed softly, looking at Kael with relief and affection shining in her eyes. She knew he was special, but to her, he was still her little baby. Slowly, her cheeks turned a rosy shade as her maternal instincts took over.

"You need to eat now, Kael," she said with a loving smile, leaning down to pick him up in her arms. As she pulled him close, her embrace inadvertently pressed her ample chest against Kael's small face.

Kael, his adult mind trapped in a baby's body, froze. The warmth and softness were disorienting. He tried to push away any inappropriate thoughts, but embarrassment was unavoidable.

Elion seemed completely unaware of Kael's internal turmoil. With a note of authority in her voice, she continued, "No resisting, you need to eat to grow strong and healthy." In a firm yet tender gesture, she adjusted her clothing, revealing one of her generous breasts, ready to nurse him.

Kael sighed inwardly. "This life... is definitely not easy," he thought, as Elion, with the most motherly smile in the world, began to care for him like the devoted mother she was.

---

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