Chapter 35
Alex spent this time devouring the souls of everyone who had died in the Town.
It took about five minutes before the world naturally devoured the souls, but Alex was doing it for them instead.
His soul underwent significant changes in both quality and quantity as he meditated in the room that once belonged to Andrew.
[Ding! Your foundation has reached 100%.]
Not long after, another notification appeared:
[Ding! You have broken through to the Young Soul Realm.]
[Ding! You have made a minor breakthrough.]
[Young Soul Realm: Middle Stage.]
Alex felt a refreshing sensation wash over him, as though his entire existence had been reborn.
He regretted not killing that man earlier, but perhaps he could use his newfound skill on someone else in the future.
By reading the memories of those who had died, Alex gained a deeper understanding of the Belogud Kingdom.
He learned that it was plagued by economic problems, largely due to being suppressed by two empires.
This wasn't unique to Belogud; other kingdoms caught between these empires faced similar issues.
Among the memories, Alex also found some techniques that Agnes deemed useless.
The people he devoured hadn't been particularly talented.
Sighing, Alex left his room and, sensing where everyone else was, floated to their location.
While Alex couldn't fly yet due to his insufficient mental strength, he could float, which still left an impression on others.
However, as he landed, he realized that creating an impression this way was pointless.
Ignoring his disappointment, Alex observed the scene: people were being given food, and the collars of those still enslaved were being removed.
Alex sat atop a building, watching everything unfold, when Ava appeared behind him.
"Thanks, Alex. I couldn't have done this without you."
Because Alex wore a mask, his expression was hidden. He glanced at little Amber, who was also helping.
"No problem," he replied.
Ava then asked, "So, what are you planning to do with them?"
She was genuinely curious, knowing there were about fifty people present.
Alex looked at them all and shrugged inwardly.
He had originally planned to leave them behind, as the idea of creating an organization at this time seemed idiotic.
So why did Alex change his mind?
The first reason was simple: helping others and bringing a smile to their faces.
The second was that he didn't want to appear as someone who was all talk but afraid to take action.
The truth was, Alex hesitated because of his fear of becoming a leader again.
Being responsible for people's lives and making tough, often unpopular, decisions was daunting.
The fear of going back to a position of authority and responsibility weighed heavily on him.
The third reason was that, whether he liked it or not, he had already taken on responsibility for these people the moment he saved them.
As Alex looked at the survivors, he saw Kevin leading a group to collect the bodies of those who had been killed, either in crossfire or by reckless rage.
"What other choice do I have?" Alex said, standing up. "The moment I saved them, I automatically became responsible for their lives."
Ava didn't argue. Instead, she smiled and hugged him from behind.
"Thank you, Alex. I know I've already said it enough, but you did a lot for me today."
Alex responded, "I know what I'm about to say might sound odd to a battle-hungry girl like you."
"But I'm still a girl," Ava replied.
"Yes, but a super cool one who doesn't act like this. So, what do you want?" Alex teased.
Ava let him go with a smile.
"If you're asking, then let me tell you.
Well, I'm not sure about my family's safety.
From what my little brother told me, they were attacked and sold into slavery.
He isn't sure if the whole village was targeted or if it was just him and my mother."
"So, you'll go and check?" Alex asked. "But… what's your little brother's name?"
"Ethan," Ava replied.
"If Ethan was taken, then it's highly likely your mother was too.
From what I've heard, they seemed to be together when it happened."
Ava's anger flared as she tried to control her emotions. "Yeah, I know. But I already have an idea of where she might be."
"Where?" Alex inquired.
What Ava said next only deepened Alex's concern.
"Why there?" he asked, his voice heavy.
"Well, Ethan mentioned something about a tower, red eyes, and nude women everywhere.
He described feeling drugged and seeing a man with black hair and red eyes placing many artifacts on his head.
I'm not certain yet, but I've asked a friend with connections to check if my mother is really there and to buy her back if possible," Ava explained, her anger becoming more evident.
"Calm yourself," Alex said, stroking her hair gently.
"Everything will be okay.
For now, let's get something to eat. You can go to your village and check on things, and I'll meet you there."
"Where are you planning to go?" Ava asked.
"Dwarf City," Alex replied