Sitting on a bench in front of a quaint fruit store, Ashley donned a modern dress paired with a crop top and long pants. Iron-framed glasses adorned her face, and she lazily nibbled on a partially eaten apple, watching the bustling crowd before her. With a slight tilt of her head, she mused aloud, "Tusk, why is today so mundane? Sometimes having invincibility can be quite dull." She casually swung her crossed legs back and forth, finding solace in observing the lively movements around her.
Interrupting her reverie, a man in his fifties, accompanied by a group of men, inquired about the price of grapes. Ashley's lips curled into a smile as she savored the entertainment that always seemed to find her during moments of ennui. "I must be lucky to have constant amusement," she noted before taking another bite of her apple, her gaze unwavering.
The fruit vendor, a man of a certain age, trembled in fear upon the arrival of George and his intimidating entourage. "Seven grass coins," he managed to stutter, overwhelmed by the presence of the menacing group.
With a booming laugh, George ridiculed the vendor's pricing, insinuating interference in the transaction. Ashley, engrossed in her apple, furrowed her brows at the unfolding scene. "Isn't this considered bullying?" she pondered aloud, her voice gentle yet resolute as she continued to observe the events with unwavering calm.
The vendor, visibly shaken, pleaded for mercy, acknowledging his vulnerability in the face of George's coercion. Ashley's gaze shifted to George as she absorbed every nuance of his character, as if meticulously studying a profile.
"Name: George, the sole heir of the San family. He derives pleasure from tormenting the less fortunate and displays a lack of empathy. Water cultivation has left his soul core and essence feeble," Ashley silently noted.
As the drama unfolded before her, Ashley contemplated the purpose behind such acts of bullying. "What drives one to mistreat others? Kindness shines even brighter amidst such darkness," she reflected, her compassion unwavering.
As the man continued to plead with George, the latter silently gestured to his men to take action.
Finishing the last morsel of her apple, Ashley's expression turned serious. "I may not have the right to intervene, but I've already enjoyed quite a few apples from this kind old man. I must find a way to repay his kindness. Luckily, your timely arrival provides an opportunity," she spoke, a gentle smile gracing her face. Before George's men could advance towards the aged man, they were suddenly knocked back several meters by an unseen force, leaving the old man unharmed.
Ashley couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction and silently commended herself for her actions.
The onlookers were stunned, frozen in awe as they witnessed the unexpected turn of events.
The aged man, initially shocked, soon paled with fear as he faced George's menacing figure.
"Who do you think you are, trying to deceive me with your feeble magic tricks!" George roared, grabbing the man's collar and hoisting him off the ground.
"I...I'm innocent, I swear! I have done nothing wrong," the aged man pleaded in desperation.
After releasing the aged man, George delivered a harsh blow that sent the man stumbling backwards.
Watching the scene unfold, Ashley's heart weighed heavy with conflict. She longed to confront George and impart a sense of morality, but as a being reliant on magic with no physical form, she knew she lacked the means to do so. Despite scanning for a suitable body to possess without success, an opportunity presented itself when a young woman in her twenties passed by. Ashley felt a mysterious pull and successfully possessed the woman's body. Overwhelmed by the sensation, she couldn't help but marvel at the newfound physical form. "What a remarkable body," she murmured softly. Her moment of wonder was interrupted by the aged man's cry of pain, bringing her back to the harsh reality of the situation. Witnessing the man's suffering at the hands of George left her unsettled and determined to find a way to make things right.