My heart stings

"Absorption of Soulforce completed.

Soulforce absorbed: 100/100."

"There goes the last one. Finally, I could use some rest," I sighed as I lay down.

Even after fighting six deer at once, the only serious injuries I had were on my face—my body was covered in nothing more than light bruises

"WARNING!!!

Host's core is completely filled with cursed Soulforce. No more cursed Soulforce can be absorbed.

Conversion of cursed Soulforce into Host's Soulforce is recommended."

"Alright, no jiffy. Just convert it into mine then," I said nonchalantly, lying down.

"Error. Can't initiate Host's request.

Host's posture is incorrect.

Host should be in the lotus position to avoid any injuries during conversion."

"What a drag!" I nagged, as I sat down, folding my legs.

"Vivi, is it fine now?"

"Initiating Host's request...

Conversion of Soulforce has started...

WARNING: Do not move during conversion or it may lead to internal injuries."

As the conversion started, I felt something strange happening in my core. It was like a lot of chemical reactions were going on inside my body. Sometimes it hurt, while at other times it felt peaceful. It went on for a few minutes, and finally, I heard the notification.

DING...

"Conversion of cursed Soulforce successfully completed.

All-Devouring Breathing Technique leveled up.

All-Devouring Breathing Technique (Lvl 2): A technique from lost records that enables the host to absorb the Soulforce of cursed beings.

New:

1. Host can now also devour cursed Soulforce through a medium without directly touching the cursed beast.

2. Host can now move while absorbing the Soulforce.

Soulforce absorbed: 0/500

Note: Medium should be physically connected with both the host and the cursed beast."

"Wow, I got some major upgrades there. Now I won't be vulnerable anymore while absorbing the curse," I said as I stood up.

I felt a lot lighter now. My physical strength was the same as before, but something had definitely changed after absorbing the Soulforce.

Well, nothing was going to change just by overthinking it.

I was about to move, but I was already surrounded by the deer. They came up to me and started licking me all over.

"Hehe, stop guys, it tickles," I giggled, covering myself.

I hadn't let them out through the sealed exit. They would've been torn apart by the other deer the moment the seal opened.

So, I took them out through the inclined passage.

After that, I returned to the location of the Amrita water with Ruru.

I took off my clothes and jumped straight into the pond.

"Absorption of Amrita water into Host's body has been initiated due to multiple injuries and fractures."

"Alert!!

The pain of absorption will be unbearable, and the Host may die from the pain.

Forced shutdown of the Host's consciousness is recommended."

"Shutdown?

[Yes] [No]"

"Huah! It's the same alert I got when I first arrived here. So this alert only appears when I'm conscious and injured while bathing in Amrita water."

I didn't like the idea of being controlled by Vivi, and I also wanted to confirm something. So I moved my finger and pressed the [NO] button.

But that was the most stupid and idiotic decision I ever made.

A sudden surge of stinging pain went through my body. My muscles began to tear apart at the area of injury. The bones in my face began to shatter, and my skin twisted, splashing the blood into the pond, turning it crimson. I couldn't even scream because my face was twisted. I had never felt this kind of pain. Even the sword in my heart seemed like child's play in front of this pain. My vision became blurry, and I began to lose my consciousness.

"WARNING!!

Don't lose consciousness due to pain.

YOU WILL DIE."

"What the hell," I thought and started throwing my hands in order to hold onto something... anything.

I caught something in my hands. It was soft and fluffy—perfect to squeeze to ease the pain.

"Pain tolerance leveled up"

"Pain tolerance leveled up"

"Pain tolerance leveled up"

"Pain tolerance leveled up"

After a few minutes, the pain faded, and I finally took a breath.

As my vision became clear, I looked at what I was holding in my hands.

My heart stung as I saw that what I was holding was none other than Ruru's bleeding leg which she had offered to ease my pain.

"I am sorry, Ruru. You had to suffer this because of me," I said, turning my face down.

But she responded by hitting my head with her antlers, as if she was scolding me for disrespecting her decision.

I turned and warmly hugged her, whispering a single word, "Thanks."

Then I came out of the pond and wore my clothes.

Ruru was sitting beside me, licking her injury. But then an idea popped into my mind. I quickly sprinted towards the Amrita water.

I hadn't noticed before, but the Amrita water, which had turned crimson due to my blood, was normal again—sparkling like stars. I grabbed some water in both of my hands and came to Ruru.

I sat beside her and said, "It might hurt, so please bear with me, okay Ruru?"

And I dropped the water on her injured leg.

But this was strange. Nothing happened.

As soon as it touched her leg, it turned into normal water.

"What the hell. Why isn't it working?" I muttered in frustration.

Ruru moved her head, putting her antler inside my jacket and pushed me towards her, making me fall as my head rested on her belly.

She didn't say a word, but I already understood what she wanted. I relaxed my body and began to look into the starry skies as she moved her neck, resting her face on my thighs.

Golden fireflies, which always floated around her antlers, surrounded us from everywhere. There were surprisingly more fireflies that day—not that I minded it or anything.

I closed my eyes and fell asleep.

It was the most peaceful night I had ever had since I arrived at this place.