The strengthening of my aura is just the byproduct of me channeling my Spiritual Energy. Compare to using an avatar, the Spiritual Power of my actual body is far more potent.
And that is due to a greater synchronization and compatibility between my body and my Soul.
However, as I am equivalent to the First Stage Mortal Realm Expert, I cannot really utilize any Martial Arts at all. I can try, but I will likely hurt myself in the process due to the backlash. I need to reach the Martial Realm in order to make use of Martial Arts, and I have to do it step by step unlike the shortcut that I had used on the avatar.
While I can use the shortcut, I would destroy my own future in doing so, and I would love to transcend into the Creation Realm this time around, practically becoming God. It was out of my reach previously, and that is a shame, considering Godhood via Cultivation is probably one of the easiest paths to reach.
There is more than one way to reach Godhood, and it all depends on what kind of God I want to be in the end. Becoming God is unavoidable for me, and Godhood is not the last stop. Not by a longshot.
In any case, the bulletproof aura shrouding me is totally unnecessary, as the moment Sharon foolishly pulls the trigger, I will rip her head off. Even if I cannot use any Martial Arts, I can definitely empower myself with my Spiritual Power, granting me superstrength and superspeed.
And that is with Spiritual Power alone. I still have Magic at my disposal, allowing me to buff myself to superhuman level. Magical effects stack with Empowerments via Spiritual Power. Kind of an overkill.
Since Sharon is not a moron, I do not think any of that is necessary. She gains absolutely nothing if she kills me or Natalie, and she knows this clearly. In addition, Sharon is under the effect of my Charismatic Aura, so I doubt she can pull the trigger.
"You can get us out of here?" Sharon eventually asks, as she lowers her handgun.
Natalie responses in kind, and I think that is kind of stupid of her. Just because Sharon did, there is no reason she should do the same, especially Sharon is a trained soldier. But whatever, I guess.
"I can, but it is not for free," I answer Sharon and show her the Contract, starling her in the process. It is the same Contract that Natalie had signed previously. "You may read it if you wish, and you can sign it or not. It all depends on how much you value your life, but I think it is better than making this place your tomb. As long as you live, anything is possible. Dead is just dead."
Sharon scans the Contract briefly before waving her handgun at me again. "You're the one who'd put me in this place. Let me out this instant! And you, drop your gun!"
I sigh. Sometimes, the Charismatic Aura doesn't work. It is because my Charisma is too low to actually affect people with strong Willpower. I just need to level up more. Or find artefacts and relics that will boost my Charisma stat.
"I usually do not give people a second chance, Sharon," I warn her, as Natalie actually complies. "Stop pointing that shit at my face, or I promise I will blow your brain out with it."
"Just try it, you fucker," Sharon responses and tries to pull the trigger. However, I am much faster, and without any magic resistance, she is paralyzed with the most basic spell. Paralysis.
"Honestly," I mutter and approach Sharon. I take the handgun from her paralyzed hand and press the muzzle end against her forehead. "I always keep my promise. Just remember that."