"Huh! I manage to survive, but my consciousness is barely intact. I still possess a considerable amount of essence, with nearly half of my core brimming with life force. The pain is so overwhelming that it feels as if my body is shutting down my mind. Perhaps it is already in the process of doing so. Nonetheless, I refuse to fade away in this place. Boney attempts to seal my wound using my shirt and pants, providing some assistance, although limited. The risk of bleeding to death here is a possibility. I create some distance from the cliff, seeking cover behind a stone, ensuring I can keep an eye on whether that snake is tailing me. I command Boney to consume the soul core of the bone demon, as it can aid in his strength and potential evolution. I concentrate my abilities on Boney, controlling his body through mere thoughts. However, at this moment, it feels as if I am assuming complete control, as his physical form feels foreign to me. I utilize his experiences to acquire knowledge.
His experience may be limited, but he possesses a basic understanding of combat and movement. Thus, I proceed to retrieve all the cores from their skulls. Thirteen purple beads appear irresistibly enticing. It may be a crude method, but it remains my only option. Placing the beads in my mouth, I experience a delightful imaginary taste, as if my taste buds rejoice. Shortly after, my skeletal structure becomes engulfed in vibrant purple flames. I promptly exit Boney's body, realizing the inherent danger. Otherwise, I might have fused with him, leaving my original body devoid of consciousness. The pain resurfaces, though now it is more bearable, perhaps due to my temporary transformation into an undead being.
Boney has already cocooned himself, seeking further evolution.
Current Status:
Name: Vincent
Age: 22
Aspect: Dream (D)
Skills: Dream Manipulation, Possession (ability to control others' bodies through dreams)
Rank: Intermediate
Soul Core: (13/2000)
Flaw: Hard-Luck
Soul Artifact: Baneful Sword, Bone Demon (Evolving)
A new skill. It may seem somewhat underwhelming, but undeniably useful.
Who in their right mind would willingly allow another to take over their body? Well, thanks for the skill.
I lie here paralyzed, awaiting my inevitable demise, or perhaps finding solace in Boney's body. If I don't find a better option, I still retain the ability to assume control of his body. All I have to is wait for the evolution to finish.
Night unfolds into day before my eyes. The blinding light returns, ascending above the mountaintop. Its radiance rivals that of the sun. Gradually, my skin begins to scorch, albeit at a slow pace.
Boom! Crash!
Seven radiant pillars descend from the sky, resembling divine judgment. Half of the mountain is obliterated. White smoke rises, carrying the scent of burning, decaying flesh.
The brilliance diminishes slightly. Seven figures emit blinding light. They unleash beams of light upon the snake, intensifying its torment. The serpent writhes in fury, its flesh melting and emitting white smoke.
Desperate, it attempts to strike the light warriors, but its immense size prevents it from reaching their heights. Realizing the futility of its attacks, it coils in an attempt to endure their assault. It is evident that the light is prevailing. Relentlessly, they assail the serpent for what feels like an eternity, exposing its skeletal frame.
While the light warriors remain unscathed, their radiance gradually diminishes by half. Summoning greatswords forged of light, they engage in close combat. The serpent retaliates, but it is undoubtedly too late.
They impale its skulls with two swords, believing it to be the end.
Unbeknownst to them, the serpent seizes the opportunity it has eagerly awaited. It releases a purplish gas that swiftly engulfs the mountaintop. Seizing this opening, it engulfs two light warriors within its gaping maw.
In a blinding spectacle, light erupts from the serpent, causing a massive explosion. Rocks soar through the air like a swarm of bees. Soon, they rain down upon Boney, burying him beneath their weight. The rock shield eventually gives way, crushing my lower torso. I lose consciousness, my demise seemingly imminent. As hope wanes, a profound connection stirs within me. Clinging to this lifeline, I channel all of my essence with unwavering determination.
As my consciousness reaches its intended destination, a surge of memories engulfs me, overwhelming my senses. It is a vivid flashback, offering a glimpse into the moments preceding my impending demise. Hurriedly, I begin to copy the invaluable data.
The vessel I now inhabit previously belonged to Sergeant Couper, a celestial being of mixed heritage. As his will falters, I assume control of his body and guide it towards my own. In an instant, I am expelled from the body, as Major Couper's existence abruptly ceases.
The act of expending my essence exacts a severe toll, resulting in a debilitating backlash that plunges me into unconsciousness.