The old ghost's laugh echoed loudly, as if he were mocking the very idea. "Of course it's possible, kid! What do you think ghosts do all the time?
Just float around aimlessly?" He shook his head, as if Kael had asked the most ridiculous question. "Sure, some do. But not everyone's lucky enough to be as... special as me."
Kael's patience was wearing thin, but he pushed on, determined. "Then why don't you just take over a body, huh? If it's so easy."
The old ghost's laugh grew even louder, almost shaking the air around them. He leaned back slightly, puffing out his chest as if preparing to deliver the most important information Kael would ever hear.
"Why haven't I? Well, kid, that's simple," the old man said, a smug grin spreading across his face. "No one, no one in this world is strong enough to handle my soul.
Not even the greatest of the living could take me in without their body crumbling into dust. I'm just that special." He leaned closer to Kael, his eyes narrowing.
"Besides, if I wanted a new body, I could just condense one myself. Simple stuff. I could make a new body with just my spiritual energy. But why bother when you're me?"
Kael's mouth went dry. He stared at the old ghost, blinking in disbelief. "So, you're telling me you're not only some kind of god-like entity that no one can touch, but you can also just make a new body whenever you feel like it? That's convenient."
The old ghost shrugged lazily, stretching out and yawning dramatically. "Well, kid, that's the gist of it. But here's the kicker—if you want to take over a body, you have to find one that's strong enough for you. A body's like an interface, y'know?
It has to be able to withstand your soul. It's a game of strength. The stronger the person, the better the fit." He gave Kael a sidelong glance. "But you? You're probably gonna have to settle for a weaker one. Beggars can't be choosers."
Kael felt his frustration building, but the desperation inside him was louder. "So, a stronger body would be better, but I need to take one quickly."
The old ghost's grin widened, and he leaned in closer, as if imparting some secret wisdom. "You got it, kid. But don't expect it to be easy...
Once your soul's all tangled up in someone else's body, it's not just your body you need to worry about. Your mind, your consciousness, will be fighting for control.
Possessing a body's a delicate thing. You have to be quick, precise. One wrong move, and you could get stuck in there, fighting for control the rest of your life."
Kael's thoughts churned, the realization sinking in. "And I don't have much time to figure this out, do I?" The old ghost smirked again, tapping his finger to his temple. "Exactly, kid.
Time's running out for you. And when you run into the wrong bodies? Well, that's when the complications start. Some bodies come with more than just the usual baggage."
Kael's mind was racing, his body aching from the weight of his decision. Every second in this ethereal state was another second closer to being consumed by forces far beyond his control. He needed a body. Now.
"Thanks for the... advice," Kael said, his voice hardening as he looked at the old ghost. "Now, what's the next step? How do I find the right body?"
The old ghost gave him a toothy grin, eyes gleaming. "Ah, that's the million-dollar question, isn't it, kid? Finding the right body isn't something I can do for you.
But I'll tell you this: you'll know it when you see it. Trust me. And don't forget—keep your wits about you. Things might get... complicated."
As Kael listened to the old ghost, he could feel the weight of what was ahead pressing on him. This was no simple task.
The urgency clawed at his chest. Time was running out, and soon, the only thing that would remain was his desperate need for survival... and his ability to do whatever it took to take control of a new life.
"Alright," Kael said, steeling himself for whatever came next. "I'll do whatever it takes."
The old ghost laughed, his voice echoing in the strange, surreal space around them. "That's the spirit, kid. Now, get moving. The clock's ticking."
Kael's gaze shifted to the entrance of the peach, and his nerves itched as the thought of the soul wraith outside loomed over him.
"I can't go out, can I?" Kael asked, voice strained with the uncertainty that gnawed at him. "The soul wraith should be out there, right?"
The old ghost let out a harsh, rumbling laugh. "Your head works well, kid. I didn't think you'd be that quick to catch on." He chortled, the sound echoing in the space like a thunderclap. "But don't worry, you've got time. But if you wanna get out and move around like you used to, you'll need to learn how to move as a soul. Only problem is... learning that comes with a price."
Kael raised an eyebrow, already knowing where this was headed. "What's the price?"
The old ghost's grin widened. "It's simple, kid. You've got that lovely little white mist surrounding you—your soul's nice and cozy. I'll need a bit of that as payment if you want me to teach you."