There were two ways to gain Soul Fragments. The first method involved simply killing beings that were not native to Earth. However, this method yielded a low number of Soul Fragments, as was the case with Arthur, who had experienced this firsthand.
The second method, which was the most effective, involved extracting the Soul Cores from the creatures and absorbing them. The Soul Cores were analogous to the system cores of humans, containing significant power and essence.
This method was widely adopted due to the lower risks involved and the higher rewards it offered. Additionally, Soul Cores could be given to others, enhancing their utility and value.
However, this method also had its drawbacks.
Absorbing Soul Cores wasn't a simple task. The individual attempting to absorb the Soul Core had to pass through a small trail or challenge. The Soul Cores contained a fragment of the creature's will, and in order to absorb them, the will needed to be erased.
This was easier said than done. The will was usually only slightly less powerful than the original flesh version of the creature. Therefore, even if someone wanted to absorb strong cores to rank up quickly, it was impossible without overcoming the will.
Yet absorbing the Soul Cores granted ten times the Soul Fragments one would typically receive from killing a creature. For example, if someone earned one Soul Fragment for killing an Abyssal Creature, then by absorbing the Soul Cores of the same creature, they would receive a total of ten Soul Fragments.
Of course, if that person absorbed the Soul Core of a creature they had not killed, they would only obtain nine Soul Fragments.
This led to the conclusion that Soul Cores contained 90% of the Soul Fragments, while the remaining 10% went to the killer, assisted by the system's involvement.
And now, Arthur was engaging in the second method.
He could feel his consciousness sinking away into a different plane, as if he were teleporting to an entirely new place. However, it also felt very close, as if he were peering into something within himself.
The sensation was miraculous and left everyone stunned whenever they attempted to absorb the Soul Cores.
The surroundings shifted, and Arthur finally opened his eyes, finding himself in a blood-red world. From top to bottom, wherever he looked, only shades of red were visible.
The skies were crimson, as if a rain of blood were about to descend upon the valleys of this world, creating rivers of blood flowing down the crimson plains.
"Hmm? My soul changed?"
Arthur was taken aback by the changes and looked around in confusion. It was his soul, and he knew it best, but the sight before him was unfamiliar.
Even though he no longer possessed his original soul, which was at the peak of the Legend Rank, he had expected to have the same old soul he had at the beginning. However, things had changed.
After contemplating for a few seconds, Arthur still couldn't deduce the reason for the transformation, except for the regression he had undergone, which remained shrouded in mystery.
But he didn't have time to ponder such matters, as five Abyssal Dark Wolves were already upon him. They were the inferior version of the Original Abyssal Dark Wolves and were much weaker.
Arthur grinned and stretched out his hand as the Abyss Destroyer materialized in his grip. The System Core was connected with both his soul and body, allowing him to utilize everything he had in the System Core within his soul.
"Heh, take this, little puppy!"
With a mocking shout, Arthur charged toward one of the Abyssal Dark Wolves, slashing downward at its neck. With one swift slice, the wolf was decapitated, and its head fell onto the crimson grass below.
He then turned his attention to the other four and began the slaughter once more. This time, it was even easier since his opponents were weak, and he didn't need to waste time or effort seeking an opportunity.
Soon, all five heads lay on the crimson ground, and a young man with deep black hair stood proudly among them.
The heads and bodies of the Abyssal Dark Wolves then dissolved into a pool of crimson liquid, which was quickly absorbed into the ground, as if it were a massive, hungry beast.
Arthur grinned, feeling a surge of strength coursing through him. Even though the increase was minimal, he sensed significant changes within himself. Every single Soul Fragment contributed to enhancing one's strength, which was beneficial, as they didn't need to wait to level up to experience the effects.
"It's not enough; I need more."
Arthur sighed, feeling his consciousness slip away once again before he returned to his senses, finding himself back in the cave.
It truly was a bizarre experience.
There were some changes in his status, but he brushed them aside and began to absorb the other Soul Cores, repeating the same process three more times until he had absorbed six Soul Cores in total.
By the time he finished, it was already morning, and a few rays of sunlight streamed into the cave, illuminating the black rocky walls that surrounded him.
Arthur opened his eyes and released a deep breath, feeling a mixture of relief and exhaustion. His eyes shone as he clenched his fist, noting that it felt stronger than before. Although the improvement was minimal, almost negligible, he was excited, knowing he was one step closer to marrying his love.
He stood up and stretched his body a little to get back in shape. After having a light breakfast, he walked toward the entrance of the cave while reviewing his status.
[Name - Arthur Stark]
[Age - 18]
[Rank - Novice]
[Level - 1]
[Soul Fragments - 21/100]
[Path - ]
[Skills - ]
[Artefacts - Abyss Destroyer.]
"Hmm, alright, let's aim to cross this level today," Arthur murmured to himself as he rubbed his chin, analyzing his status. He needed to hunt more if he wanted to reach the peak of Novice Rank, which seemed impossible since he needed to cross ten levels to achieve that.
"No rest for slaves. Time to get to work."