Dominic sat up in the small, cramped bed, careful not to disturb Sincerity, who lay curled on her side, her breathing soft and steady. The flickering light above cast shifting shadows across the walls, and the distant hum of the neon city filled the room like white noise.
He couldn't shake the dream—or the unsettling familiarity of it. His mind raced with questions, and he knew he wouldn't find rest again anytime soon.
He opened the interface, the glowing symbols springing to life in his vision. This time, he focused his search, digging deeper into the system's menus and subcategories.
System Overview
Rules of Engagement
Dominic's eyes narrowed as he selected the option, and a list appeared before him, each entry glowing faintly:
Players Cannot Directly Attack Non-Players Without Consent. Non-players include civilians, animals, and other living entities not connected to the system. Violating this rule results in automatic forfeiture of 10 souls per infraction. Players Can Steal Souls Only Through System-Approved Methods. Methods include persuasion, trade, combat, or extraction from creatures deemed hostile by the system. Unauthorised soul extraction will result in penalties, including soul loss or demotion. Players are Obligated to Complete Daily Missions. Failure to comply will result in escalating penalties, including temporary stat reductions, system lockouts, and eventual disconnection (death).Players Cannot Leave the System Until Their Final Objective is Achieved. Final objectives vary by player and are assigned upon initiation. The System Cannot Intervene Directly in Player Conflicts. The system may provide guidance, tools, or rewards but will not mediate disputes or protect players from one another.
Dominic's stomach churned as he read through the list. The rules were cold and unyielding, designed to keep players in a constant state of risk.
Player Objectives
Curious, Dominic selected the next menu item, and a new screen materialised.
Player Objectives for: Ashen_Soul
Collect 100,000 Souls. Current Progress: 9,699/100,000.Ascend to Level 50.Current Level: 16.Discover the Purpose of the System. Hint: Speak to key figures within the city. Survive Until Day 100.Current Day: 4.Avoid Angelic or Demonic Retribution for 30 Days. Warning: Retribution is triggered by soul acquisition exceeding 100 in under 1 minute or immoral actions based on your alignment.
Dominic leaned back against the wall, his mind spinning. These weren't just tasks—they were a roadmap for survival. The sheer scope of the objectives made his head ache.
100,000 souls? He had barely 10,000, and that was after draining an entire colony of ants.
He looked down at the interface, his gaze lingering on the third objective: Discover the Purpose of the System.
"Key figures within the city," he muttered to himself. "Who the hell are they? And why does it feel like they're the only way out of this nightmare?"
The soft rustle of movement drew his attention. Sincerity had stirred, turning to face him. Her eyes opened slowly, the faint light catching the silver threads in her irises.
"You're thinking too loud," she murmured sleepily.
Dominic chuckled despite himself. "Sorry. I'm just... trying to figure this out."
She pushed herself up slightly, resting her head on her hand. "What did you find?"
He gestured to the interface, and she leaned in, her expression sharpening as she scanned the list of rules and objectives.
"Final objectives," she said softly, her voice tinged with something unreadable. "You're lucky you have them spelled out. Most players never even figure out their purpose before they die."
Dominic frowned. "You mean they just... wander aimlessly?"
Sincerity nodded. "The system doesn't care if you succeed. It only cares if you play. The moment you stop playing, it erases you."
Her words sent a chill down his spine. "Erases?"
"Disconnects you," she clarified, her tone grim. "Your body goes cold. Your soul goes... somewhere else."
Dominic swallowed hard, his gaze dropping to the glowing interface. The weight of his objectives settled over him like a heavy shroud. He had a direction now, but it felt more like a noose tightening around his neck.
"What's your objective?" he asked, glancing at her.
Sincerity stiffened, her gaze shifting away. "That's none of your business."
Dominic frowned but didn't press the issue. Her reluctance to share only deepened his curiosity, but he could tell that line of questioning would get him nowhere—for now.
"We should get moving in the morning," Sincerity said, lying back down. "If you want answers, this city's the place to start. But don't get your hopes up. People here don't give anything for free."
Dominic nodded absently, his thoughts still racing as he closed the interface. The neon lights outside painted the room in shifting hues, and Dominic stared at the ceiling, wondering what his next move should be.
As Dominic's body relaxed and sleep began to claim him, a sudden thought jarred him awake. His eyes snapped open, heart pounding.
I have more than 100 souls.
The weight of the realisation hit him like a freight train. He shot upright in bed, startling Sincerity, who groaned in protest.
"What now?" she muttered, pulling the blanket over her head.
Dominic ignored her, opening the system interface with a thought. The glowing text materialised before his eyes, and he focused on the section detailing his objectives and rules.
"System," he whispered, his voice tense. "Am I facing retribution?"
The interface flickered, and a cold, mechanical voice answered.
Query Recognised. Retribution Status: Active.
Type: Angelic Hunter.
Morality Alignment: Neutral.
ETA: Unknown.
Dominic's stomach dropped. His mind raced as he read the words again.
"An angel," he muttered. "It's sending an angel after me?"
Sincerity groaned again and sat up, rubbing her eyes. "What are you rambling about?"
Dominic gestured to the interface, his hand shaking slightly. "The system. It's sending something after me because I have more than 100 souls."
Her expression darkened immediately, her sleepiness vanishing. "You idiot. Didn't I warn you about burning too bright?"
Dominic ignored her, focusing on the next question burning in his mind. "System, can I track the thing that's hunting me?"
The interface flickered again, displaying a new screen:
Hunter Tracking Protocol: Limited.
Active Threat: Angelic Hunter
Detection Radius: 2km.
A map materialised, showing a crude layout of the city. A glowing red dot appeared in the centre, representing Dominic's location. Several blocks away, a faint white dot pulsed, growing brighter with each passing second.
Hunter Proximity: 1.8km.
Dominic's blood ran cold. "It's already here," he whispered.
Sincerity leaned over, her eyes scanning the map. Her lips pressed into a thin line. "Of course it is. The system doesn't waste time."
Dominic's mind raced. "What do I do? Can I stop it?"
Sincerity shook her head. "You can't stop it. Angelic hunters are relentless. They're not like the creatures in the wasteland. They're stronger, faster, smarter—and they have one purpose: to take back what you've stolen."
"Stolen?" Dominic said, his voice rising. "I earned those souls. The system gave me a mission!"
Sincerity raised an eyebrow. "The system doesn't care about fairness. It only cares about balance. You tipped the scales, and now it's correcting you."
Dominic clenched his fists. "So, what? I just wait here and let it kill me?"
"No," Sincerity said firmly. "You run. You survive. And you figure out how to either destroy it or escape its reach."
Dominic glanced back at the map. The white dot had moved closer, now within 1.5 kilometres. His pulse quickened as a wave of cold fear washed over him.
Warning: Angelic Hunter Will Enter Detection Range in 10 Minutes.
"We need to move," Dominic said, throwing the blanket off and grabbing his gear.
Sincerity nodded, already pulling on her boots. "You're lucky I don't charge extra for babysitting."
The room was quiet as they gathered their things, but Dominic's thoughts were anything but. The angelic hunter wasn't just a threat—it was a reminder of the system's cold, unyielding power. For every step he took, there would always be something waiting to pull him back.
And now, it was closing in.
Sincerity moved quickly, her pace urgent but controlled. Dominic followed close behind, glancing nervously at the interface map as the white dot representing the angelic hunter crept closer. The city around them was alive with movement, its dense crowds offering some comfort, but the knowledge of the hunter's relentless approach kept his nerves on edge.
"Where are we going?" Dominic asked, struggling to keep up.
"To the only place that can protect you," Sincerity replied over her shoulder.
They rounded a corner, and Dominic's breath caught. Before them rose a massive structure that stood out even in the chaotic patchwork of the city. The headquarters of the Order of the Penitent Pilgrim was a fortress of steel and neon, its towering walls etched with glowing runes that pulsed faintly. The order's symbol—a stylized feathered quill crossed with a sword—was emblazoned above the massive entrance, glowing bright white against the dark backdrop.
Knights in sleek, glowing armour patrolled the perimeter, their movements precise and purposeful. Each carried a weapon that seemed to hum with energy—maces crackling with electricity, swords edged in plasma, and shields that shimmered like liquid light.
"Knights?" Dominic asked, his voice a mixture of awe and scepticism.
Sincerity smirked faintly. "Not what you expected, huh? The Order keeps the peace in the city. They're the only faction strong enough to stand against the players and the system alike. But their help comes with a price."
Dominic frowned. "What kind of price?"
"One hundred souls a day," Sincerity said bluntly. "If you want their protection, you pay for it. Otherwise, you're on your own."
Dominic's stomach churned. He'd amassed a small fortune in souls by most standards, but at that rate, he'd burn through his reserves in less than two months.
The massive steel doors of the headquarters slid open with a low, grinding hum as they approached, revealing an imposing hall bathed in pale, golden light. The air inside was cooler and calmer, and Dominic felt the oppressive weight of the angelic hunter's presence lessen as he crossed the threshold.
A man in radiant silver armour approached them, his face obscured by a helmet that emitted a faint halo of light. His voice was deep and resonant as he spoke.
"State your business."
Sincerity stepped forward. "This one needs protection from retribution," she said, gesturing to Dominic.
The knight's gaze shifted to Dominic, and though his face was hidden, Dominic felt the weight of his scrutiny.
"He burns bright," the knight said finally. "Too bright for someone so young. You've already attracted a hunter."
Dominic stiffened. "It wasn't intentional."
The knight chuckled darkly. "It never is. Follow me."
They were led deeper into the fortress, past rows of knights standing at attention, their armour gleaming in the golden light. The hallways were adorned with murals depicting battles against angels and demons, their vivid, glowing colours almost alive.
The knight stopped before a large chamber, its arched ceiling carved with runes that pulsed faintly in rhythm with Dominic's breathing. A woman sat at a long table in the centre of the room, her armour a deep crimson trimmed with gold. Her face was uncovered, revealing sharp features and piercing green eyes that seemed to see straight through him.
"Welcome to the sanctuary of the Order of the Penitent Pilgrim," she said, her voice calm but commanding. "I am Commander Elara. You've come seeking protection, yes?"
Dominic nodded, unsure how to respond.
Elara leaned forward, resting her elbows on the table. "We can offer you safety from the retribution you've brought upon yourself. Our wards will shield you from angels and demons alike, as well as any player foolish enough to challenge our authority. But our protection isn't free."
"One hundred souls a day," Dominic said, his voice tight.
Elara smiled faintly. "Exactly. Pay the fee, and you can sleep soundly within these walls. Refuse, and you walk back into the city to face your fate."
Dominic hesitated. The price was steep—steeper than he'd anticipated—but the memory of the angelic hunter's presence still lingered in his mind.
"And if I can't pay?" he asked cautiously.
Elara's smile vanished. "Then you leave. The Order's resources are not a charity. We exist to maintain balance and order, not to save those unwilling to save themselves."
Dominic exchanged a glance with Sincerity, who gave him a small nod. He turned back to Elara.
"I'll pay," he said.
Transaction Complete: 700 Souls Deducted.
Souls Held: 8,999.
The moment the transaction was confirmed, Dominic felt a strange weight lift from his chest. The oppressive sense of the angelic hunter's approach faded entirely, replaced by a faint warmth that radiated from the fortress walls.
"You're under our protection now," Elara said, her tone firm. "For the next seven days, no retribution will touch you while you remain within these walls. But heed my warning—do not mistake our sanctuary for safety. The system is relentless, and so are its hunters. You cannot hide forever."
Dominic nodded, a mix of relief and apprehension washing over him. For now, he was safe—but at what cost?
The room was quiet as Dominic sat across from Commander Elara, the hum of the glowing runes above them casting faint patterns on the walls. Sincerity lingered near the door, her arms crossed as she watched the exchange.
Dominic leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. "I appreciate the protection, Commander. But if I'm going to survive out there—and if I'm going to stop relying on others—I need to understand what I'm up against."
Elara arched an eyebrow, her piercing green eyes studying him. "You've come to the right place, then. Few know more about the system than the Order. What do you want to know?"
Dominic took a breath. "First, the system itself. What is it? Who created it, and why?"
Elara leaned back in her chair, her gauntleted fingers tapping lightly on the armrest. "The system is… enigmatic, even to us. It governs this world and those bound to it, enforcing its rules without question. As for its origin? That's a question no one has answered. Some believe it's divine—sent by the gods to test the worthiness of souls. Others think it's a machine, an AI created by ancient beings who've long since vanished. And then there are those who claim it's a curse, born of human ambition and greed."
Dominic frowned. "What do you believe?"
Elara's gaze hardened. "I believe the system is a force of balance. It rewards and punishes without mercy, caring only for the equilibrium of power and morality. To it, you are not a person. You're a variable in a cosmic equation."
Dominic felt a chill run down his spine. "And the objectives it gives us? Are they connected to this… balance?"
"Likely," Elara said. "Every player's objectives are tailored to their existence. Some are simple—collect souls, level up, survive. Others are more complex, involving alliances, betrayals, or uncovering truths hidden within the system. The higher you climb, the more dangerous your objectives become."
Dominic shifted in his seat. "What about the Order? How did it come to be?"
Elara's lips curved into a faint smile. "The Order was founded centuries ago by a group of players who rejected the system's cruelty. They believed that no one should have to face retribution or predation alone. Over time, they grew into what you see today—a faction dedicated to protecting players and non-players alike from the worst excesses of the system."
Dominic raised an eyebrow. "And the soul tax?"
Elara's smile faded. "Nothing in this world is free, Dominic. Souls are our currency, just as much as they are yours. Maintaining the wards, training our knights, and securing the sanctuary requires resources. Without the tax, we couldn't exist—and neither would the safety we provide."
Dominic nodded slowly. "Fair enough. But what happens to those who can't pay?"
"They leave," Elara said bluntly. "It's harsh, but necessary. We cannot save everyone, nor can we sacrifice our mission for those who refuse to contribute."
Dominic leaned forward again. "I need to get stronger," he said firmly. "Not just my stats, but my body. If I'm going to survive out there, I need training. Can the Order help me with that?"
Elara studied him for a long moment, her expression unreadable. Then she nodded. "We can. Our knights undergo rigorous training to hone their bodies and minds. But understand this—training with the Order isn't for the faint of heart. You'll be pushed to your limits and beyond. Many don't last a day."
"I'll do it," Dominic said without hesitation.
Elara smirked faintly. "We'll see about that. Report to the training grounds at dawn. Knight-Captain Aldrin will assess your capabilities and decide where to place you. Be prepared—he's not known for his kindness."
Dominic nodded, determination etched into his face. "I'll be there."
Elara leaned forward, her gaze sharpening. "One more thing, Dominic. The hunter pursuing you—it will find you again, eventually. Even our wards can't protect you forever. If you're serious about surviving, you'll need more than training. You'll need allies. The Order can provide both, but only if you prove yourself worthy."
Dominic met her gaze, the weight of her words sinking in. "I won't let you down."
"Good," Elara said, standing. "Then get some rest. Tomorrow will test every ounce of strength you think you have."
A tall knight in silver and gold armour, his helmet tucked under his arm, led Dominic and Sincerity down a long corridor lined with glowing runes. His footsteps echoed against the polished floor, the faint hum of energy in the walls the only other sound.
"Your room," the knight said, stopping before a heavy wooden door reinforced with sleek steel bands. He handed Dominic a key with the Order's quill-and-sword insignia etched into the handle. "Rest well. Tomorrow will be... demanding."
Dominic nodded, thanking the knight as he unlocked the door and pushed it open. The room was simple but comfortable, with two small beds, a sturdy table, and a narrow window that overlooked the glowing city outside.
As he stepped inside, Sincerity followed close behind, brushing past him with a faint smile.
"You're quiet," she said, her tone soft but teasing.
"Just... thinking," Dominic replied, closing the door behind them. "About tomorrow. About all of this."
Sincerity turned to him, her luminous eyes locking onto his. "You should think less," she said, stepping closer. "And focus more on what's in front of you."
Before he could respond, she leaned in, her lips brushing against his in a soft, fleeting kiss. Dominic froze, his thoughts scattering like leaves in the wind.
When she pulled back, her smile had a mischievous edge. "Train hard if you want to protect me, Dominic," she said, her voice low and teasing.
Dominic's chest tightened, a mixture of surprise, confusion, and determination surging through him.
Sincerity turned away, sitting on the edge of one of the beds. "Get some sleep," she said, her tone casual now. "You'll need it."
Dominic wasn't sure how long he'd been asleep when a sharp knock jolted him awake. He groaned, his body heavy with exhaustion.
"Up," came Elara's commanding voice from the other side of the door. "Training starts now."
Sincerity stirred in her bed, stretching languidly before sitting up with a faint smirk. "Looks like it's time to see if you're as tough as you think."
Dominic dragged himself out of bed, his muscles already aching in anticipation. He threw on his boots and jacket, grabbed his machete, and followed Sincerity into the hallway, where Elara was waiting.
The commander's expression was as sharp as ever, her green eyes gleaming in the dim light. She turned without a word, leading them through the fortress to a wide courtyard bathed in the soft glow of the city's neon skyline.
The courtyard was bustling with activity. Knights sparred in pairs, their weapons clashing with bursts of energy. Others ran drills, their movements precise and unyielding. A massive training dummy stood in the centre, its surface scarred from countless blows.
Elara stopped and turned to face them. "This is where you'll prove your worth, Dominic. You said you wanted to train. Let's see if you can handle it."
She gestured toward a burly knight with a shaved head and a jagged scar running down his cheek. "Knight-Captain Aldrin will oversee your training. He's the best we have, but he's also the hardest. Don't disappoint him."
Aldrin stepped forward, his sharp gaze raking over Dominic. "You've got a lot to learn, rookie," he said, his voice rough but commanding. "And not much time to learn it. Let's start simple. Run."
Dominic blinked. "Run?"
"Did I stutter?" Aldrin barked. "Ten laps around the courtyard. Now."
Sincerity snickered quietly as Dominic took off, his boots pounding against the dirt.
By the time he finished the laps, Dominic's chest was heaving, sweat dripping from his face. He barely had time to catch his breath before Aldrin thrust a wooden sword into his hands.
"Now, fight," Aldrin said, stepping back.
A younger knight with a thin, wiry frame stepped forward, his wooden sword already raised. Dominic barely had time to adjust his grip before the knight lunged, his movements fast and precise.
The first blow struck Dominic's side, sending a sharp jolt of pain through his ribs.
"Keep your guard up!" Aldrin barked.
Dominic gritted his teeth, raising the sword just in time to block the next attack. The impact jarred his arms, but he held firm, pushing back with as much strength as he could muster.
"Good," Aldrin said, his tone grudgingly approving. "Again."
The morning dragged on in a blur of drills, sparring matches, and gruelling physical exercises. By the time the sun fully rose, Dominic's body felt like it had been put through a meat grinder.
Elara watched from the side lines, her expression unreadable. Sincerity leaned against a nearby post, a faint smile playing on her lips.
"You're doing better than I expected," she said as Dominic stumbled toward her, his breath ragged.
"Thanks," he muttered, wiping sweat from his brow.
"Don't let it go to your head," Aldrin snapped. "This is just the beginning."
Dominic nodded, his exhaustion tempered by a growing resolve. If he was going to survive in this world—and protect Sincerity—he couldn't afford to falter.
The morning air was thick with the hum of activity in the training courtyard. Knights sparred under the sharp eye of Knight-Captain Aldrin, their weapons flashing in the hazy neon-filtered sunlight. Dominic, drenched in sweat from the morning's drills, leaned against a low wall at the edge of the grounds.
Sincerity wandered over, her movements relaxed yet deliberate. She had a way of blending confidence with grace, and Dominic noticed she never seemed to let her guard down completely.
"You look like you could use a break," she said with a faint smirk.
Dominic gave her a tired glance. "If this is a break, it's the most painful one I've ever had."
Sincerity laughed softly, crossing her arms as she leaned against the wall beside him. "Get used to it. Aldrin doesn't believe in 'easy.'"
Dominic shook his head, wiping the sweat from his brow as he opened the interface. His daily missions flickered into view, the faint glow casting a familiar, ominous light across his vision.
Daily Missions: Drink Water (5 XP)Complete 10 Minutes of Physical Training (10 XP)Acquire 1 Soul (50 XP)
Dominic sighed as his eyes lingered on the third objective. "Acquire one soul," he muttered under his breath.
Sincerity caught the edge in his tone and glanced at him. "Let me guess. The soul mission's throwing you off."
Dominic closed the interface, his frustration bubbling to the surface. "It's not exactly something I'm eager to do. The system doesn't care how I get it, just that I do. And I'm not killing anyone for it."
"You don't have to," Sincerity said simply.
Dominic raised an eyebrow. "You're saying there's another way?"
Sincerity smiled faintly, tilting her head toward the ground. "You ever look at ants?"
Dominic blinked, confused. "Ants? What does that have to do with anything?"
"Everything," Sincerity said. "Every living thing in this world has a soul, Dominic. Even the smallest, most insignificant creatures. You don't need to take from people if you don't want to. Just… look for the sparks of life in the shadows."
Dominic's stomach churned at the memory of the ant colony he'd drained the day before. "I've done that before," he admitted. "It worked, but it felt… wrong."
Sincerity shrugged. "Welcome to the system. Nothing about it is right. You're playing a game designed to pit you against yourself. If you're not comfortable taking souls from people, fine. But you'll need to get creative."
Dominic hesitated, her words settling over him like a heavy shroud.
"So, what?" he asked. "I just hunt bugs and animals for the rest of my life?"
"It's a start," Sincerity said. "And if you're smart, you'll find other ways. Trade for them. Convince people to give them up willingly. Souls are currency here, Dominic. Some people would trade theirs for food or safety without a second thought."
Dominic's jaw tightened. "That doesn't make it any easier."
"Nothing in this world is easy," Sincerity replied, her tone softening. "But if you want to survive—and if you want to protect me—you'll figure it out."
Her words hit him harder than he expected, a strange mixture of determination and guilt flaring in his chest. He nodded slowly, glancing back at the glowing missions in his interface.
"I'll find a way," he said, more to himself than to her.
Sincerity gave him a small smile before stepping back toward the courtyard. "Just don't take too long. The system isn't big on patience."
Dominic watched her walk away, his mind racing. He closed the interface, resolving the tightening in his chest.
Today, he'd find a way to complete his mission—one that he could live with.
Dominic stood near the training courtyard's edge, his chest still heaving from the morning's drills. His canteen dangled from his fingers, the cool water within glistening under the neon-filtered sunlight. He unscrewed the cap and took a long, slow drink, letting the liquid soothe his parched throat.
Mission Complete: Drink Water.
Reward: +5 XP.
He glanced at the interface briefly before closing it with a sigh. The missions reset every day like clockwork, forcing him to keep moving forward, no matter how exhausted or unprepared he felt.
"Break's over!" Aldrin's bark cut through the courtyard like a whip, drawing groans from the gathered trainees.
Dominic capped the canteen and stepped back into the sparring circle. He was paired with a younger knight-in-training, a wiry man who moved with quick precision. They exchanged blows with wooden practice swords, the sharp clack of each impact echoing in the air.
Dominic adjusted his stance, his muscles burning with fatigue, and forced himself to keep going. His mind wandered as he fought, searching for solutions to his growing dilemma.
Mission Status Updated:
Complete 10 Minutes of Physical Training.
Reward: +10 XP.
Two down. One to go.
The soul mission hung over him like a dark cloud, and as he blocked another blow, an idea began to form in the back of his mind.
What if I didn't have to hunt? What if I could farm them instead?
His opponent lunged, and Dominic sidestepped, landing a solid blow to the man's shoulder. The knight stumbled back, grunting in frustration.
"Focus, rookie," Aldrin barked. "You're sparring, not daydreaming!"
Dominic muttered an apology, shifting his weight as the match resumed, but the thought lingered. Souls came from life—small or large, it didn't matter. If he could create a source of life, he could create a source of souls.
Fruit flies, he thought, his mind racing. They breed quickly, producing larvae in days. If he set up a breeding cycle, he could extract the souls from the larvae daily. It wasn't elegant or heroic, but it was efficient.
The idea both fascinated and unsettled him. Farming souls seemed like a way to avoid taking them from sentient beings, but it also felt disturbingly utilitarian, a stark reminder of how deeply he was entangled in the system's cold logic.
The match ended abruptly as his opponent landed a blow to his ribs, forcing Dominic to stagger back.
"Sloppy," Aldrin said, shaking his head. "You're not here to think. You're here to move. Do it again. And this time, stay in the moment."
Dominic nodded, gripping the wooden sword tighter. He forced himself to focus on the fight, but the idea had already taken root.
As he trained, he began forming a plan in his mind. He'd find a way to set up a soul farm—something small, discreet, and reliable. It wasn't perfect, but it might give him the breathing room he needed to face the bigger challenges ahead.
The scent of food wafted through the air as the trainees filed into the mess hall, a sprawling space lit by flickering neon tubes that cast strange, shifting shadows on the walls. The smell wasn't anything extraordinary—mostly roasted vegetables, simple grains, and synthetic protein—but to Dominic, it was heavenly after the morning's brutal training.
He grabbed a tray and followed Sincerity to a small table near the corner. She dropped into her seat with the casual ease of someone used to harsh routines, her sharp eyes scanning the room as if she were always on alert.
Dominic set his tray down and sank into the chair opposite her, exhaustion weighing heavily on his body. As he dug into his food, his mind churned with the idea that had taken root during training.
"Sincerity," he began between bites.
She arched an eyebrow. "What now? You thinking about quitting already?"
Dominic snorted. "Not a chance. But I've been thinking about the soul missions."
She leaned back, crossing her arms. "And?"
"And… what if I didn't have to hunt them? What if I could farm them instead?"
Sincerity blinked, then set her fork down, giving him her full attention. "Farm them? How?"
Dominic hesitated, glancing around the room to make sure no one was listening. He leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. "You said every living thing has a soul, right? Even the smallest creatures. So, what if I used something that reproduces fast—like fruit flies? They lay eggs, the larvae hatch, and I could extract the souls from them every day."
For a moment, Sincerity simply stared at him. Then, to his surprise, she started laughing.
"You want to be a soul farmer?" she said, her voice tinged with amusement.
Dominic's face flushed. "Why not? It's practical. I'd have a reliable source of souls without… you know…"
"Killing people?" she finished, her laughter subsiding.
"Exactly," Dominic said firmly. "It might not be glamorous, but it's better than the alternatives."
Sincerity tilted her head, studying him. "You know, it's not a terrible idea. You'd need a controlled setup, though. Somewhere secure. And you'd have to make sure the system doesn't flag it as exploiting the rules."
Dominic frowned. "Would it?"
"Hard to say," she admitted. "The system's logic is… complicated. It doesn't like loopholes, but it doesn't outright forbid creative solutions either. You'd just have to be careful."
Dominic leaned back in his chair, his mind racing. "If it works, I could generate enough souls to cover my missions without worrying about penalties. I wouldn't have to trade or fight for them. And if I got good at it…"
"You could even sell souls to other players," Sincerity said, a faint smile playing on her lips. "A regular entrepreneur."
Dominic chuckled, though the idea intrigued him. "It's not about the money—or the souls. It's about survival. And this feels… less wrong than some of the other things I've seen."
Sincerity picked up her fork again, spearing a piece of synthetic protein. "You're not wrong, Dominic. But don't get too comfortable with the idea. The system loves to remind us that nothing comes easy. If you try this, be ready for it to fight back."
Dominic nodded, her warning sinking in. "I will."
As they finished their meal, Dominic felt a small flicker of hope. The soul-farming idea wasn't perfect, but it was a step toward taking control of his fate. And in a world governed by the system's relentless rules, that felt like a victory in itself.
After breakfast, Dominic was surprised to hear Knight-Captain Aldrin dismiss the trainees for the rest of the day. The grizzled knight's sharp gaze lingered on him as he gave his final instructions.
"You've earned a reprieve," Aldrin said, his voice gruff. "But don't get any ideas. The angelic hunter is still out there, and even our wards won't keep it at bay if you step outside. Stay within the fortress walls."
Dominic nodded, the weight of the warning sinking in.
As the other trainees dispersed, Dominic made his way to the command chamber, where Elara sat reviewing a stack of glowing reports on a sleek, holo-projected screen. She glanced up as he entered, her green eyes sharp but curious.
"What do you need?" she asked, folding her hands on the table.
"I was hoping to get some materials from the kitchen," Dominic said cautiously. "Just scraps, really—fruit peels, food waste, that kind of thing."
Elara raised an eyebrow. "And why would you need those?"
Dominic hesitated. He wasn't sure how to explain his plan without sounding insane. "It's… for an experiment," he said finally. "Something to help me complete my daily missions without causing trouble."
Elara studied him for a long moment, then nodded. "Take what you need. But don't waste resources, and don't bring anything dangerous into the fortress."
"Understood," Dominic said, grateful for her trust.
The kitchen staff, though puzzled by his request, handed over a small bundle of scraps: bits of overripe fruit, a handful of grain, and a few pieces of stale bread. Dominic thanked them and carried the materials back to the room he shared with Sincerity.
When he arrived, Sincerity was sprawled on her bed, flipping idly through the system interface. She glanced up as he entered, her eyes narrowing at the bundle in his arms.
"You really weren't kidding about the soul farm," she said, smirking.
Dominic set the materials down on the small table near the window, already scanning the room for a suitable spot. "I told you I was serious. If I can make this work, it'll solve a lot of problems."
Sincerity sat up, watching him with mild curiosity. "So, how are you going to do it?"
"First, I need something that breeds quickly," Dominic said, sorting through the scraps. He selected a few overripe pieces of fruit and placed them in a shallow dish. "Flies are perfect. They'll lay eggs on the fruit, and the larvae should have souls I can extract once they hatch."
"And you're just going to wait for flies to show up?" Sincerity asked, leaning back against the wall.
Dominic shook his head. "No. I'm going to encourage them."
He opened the window slightly, letting in a faint breeze from the neon-lit city outside. Carefully, he placed the dish on the windowsill, arranging it to catch the light.
"There," he said, stepping back to admire his work. "Now we wait."
Sincerity chuckled softly, shaking her head. "You're either a genius or completely insane."
"Maybe both," Dominic said with a grin.
As the day wore on, Dominic found himself checking the dish periodically, watching as the first flies began to arrive. They buzzed around the fruit, their tiny forms almost invisible in the dim light. It was a small victory, but it felt significant—a moment of control in a world that seemed determined to strip it away.
Sincerity, meanwhile, alternated between teasing him and offering suggestions for improving the setup.
"Maybe add some water," she said at one point. "Larvae need moisture to survive."
"Good idea," Dominic replied, placing a small capful of water near the dish.
By evening, the dish was crawling with activity, and Dominic felt a strange sense of satisfaction. The farm was crude, but it was a start.
As night fell, Dominic and Sincerity sat by the window, the faint hum of the city providing a backdrop to their conversation.
"Do you really think this will work?" Sincerity asked, her tone softer now.
"I have to," Dominic said simply. "It's not just about surviving. It's about doing it in a way that I can live with."
Sincerity regarded him quietly, a flicker of something unreadable in her eyes. "You're different, Dominic," she said finally. "Most people in this world wouldn't care how they got their souls, as long as they got them. You… you're trying to hold on to something."
Dominic looked at her, surprised by the sincerity in her tone. "Maybe. Or maybe I'm just stubborn."
She smiled faintly. "Either way, it's refreshing."
As they prepared for bed, Dominic glanced at the dish on the windowsill, the faint buzz of flies a reassuring reminder of his progress. It wasn't perfect, and it wasn't pretty, but it was a step toward carving out a place for himself in the system's cruel game.
For the first time in days, he felt a glimmer of hope.
As the last traces of sunlight faded and the city's neon glow blanketed the fortress, Dominic sat near the small dish of fruit peels, watching the flies swarm over it. The faint hum of their tiny wings filled the room, a strangely soothing sound amidst the chaos of his thoughts.
With a deep breath, he opened the system interface and focused on one of the flies. The glowing text sprang into view.
Target Detected: Common Fruit Fly.
Soul Count: 1.
Extract Soul?
Dominic hesitated, the act feeling strangely significant despite the target's insignificance. He shook off the thought and confirmed the extraction.
The air around the fly shimmered faintly as a tiny wisp of light rose from its body, spiralling toward Dominic and sinking into his chest with a faint warmth. The fly dropped lifelessly to the dish, unnoticed by the others.
Mission Complete: Acquire 1 Soul.
Reward: +50 XP.
Dominic exhaled, the weight of the day's missions lifting from his shoulders. He closed the interface and climbed into bed, exhaustion pulling him under almost immediately.
Darkness surrounded Dominic, thick and impenetrable. Slowly, a faint light appeared, growing brighter until it illuminated a vast, ethereal courtroom. The walls stretched endlessly upward, lined with towering shelves of glowing books.
At the centre of the room stood Sincerity, her figure radiant and imposing. She was unlike anything Dominic had ever seen. Three sets of magnificent wings adorned her body: one set covered her face, another her feet, and the third extended outward, keeping her suspended in mid-air. Each feather shimmered with an iridescent light, as though woven from threads of the cosmos itself.
She stood before a lectern, her hands clasped tightly, her voice trembling as she spoke.
"I'm sorry," Sincerity said, her tone filled with anguish. "I tried. I truly did. Please, grant me another chance. I can make things right—"
Her words were cut off by a booming voice that seemed to come from everywhere and nowhere at once.
"Guilty."
The single word reverberated through the chamber, shaking the very air.
Sincerity's wings trembled, and her radiant form dimmed slightly. She looked up, desperation etched into her features.
"Please," she whispered. "Don't do this."
"You will be stripped of your wings and cast into purgatory," the voice declared, its tone cold and unyielding.
Before Sincerity could respond, the floor beneath her split apart, revealing a gaping pit filled with writhing hands. They reached upward with terrifying speed, clawing and grasping at her ankles.
"No!" Sincerity screamed, her wings flaring as she tried to resist.
The hands dragged her downward, ripping and pulling at her wings as they violently tossed her deeper into the darkness. Feathers tore free, their radiant light extinguished as they were ripped away, leaving trails of blood in their wake.
Dominic could only watch, frozen in place, as Sincerity was pulled into the pit. Her screams echoed long after her form vanished into the shadows.
Dominic bolted upright in bed, his breath ragged and his chest heaving. The room was quiet, save for the faint hum of the city outside.
Sincerity stirred in her bed across the room, her breathing steady and calm. She looked entirely normal—no wings, no radiant light—just the same sharp-eyed, confident woman he'd grown used to.
Dominic ran a hand through his hair, his mind racing. The dream had been vivid, far more so than anything he'd experienced before.
What the hell was that?
He glanced at Sincerity again, the image of her wings being torn away still fresh in his mind.
Who are you, really?
Dominic sat on the edge of his bed, his heart pounding as the fragments of the dream replayed in his mind. He rubbed his face with both hands, trying to shake the vivid imagery, but the haunting scene lingered.
Sincerity, stripped of her wings. Her desperate pleas. The pit. The hands.
It all felt too real, too specific to dismiss as a random dream.
He glanced across the room at her sleeping form, her features serene in the dim light. She looked so ordinary now, but in the dream, she had been radiant—a being of light and grace. And the voice… it had been absolute, divine even, passing judgement with an authority that sent chills down his spine.
Dominic's throat tightened. Was the dream a vision? A memory? Or something else entirely?
He stood quietly, pacing the small room. The faint buzz of flies from his makeshift soul farm provided a strange sort of grounding, a reminder of the system's cold, mechanical logic. But the dream had been anything but mechanical. It felt... ancient. Alive.
What does this mean?
Dominic cast another glance at Sincerity. He'd known from the beginning that there was more to her than she let on—her sharp instincts, her cryptic comments, the way she always seemed to know more than she revealed. But this? Wings, a judgement, purgatory?
"Who are you?" he whispered to the empty room, his voice barely audible.
Dominic's first instinct was to wake her, to demand answers. But as he took a step toward her bed, he stopped. What would he even say? Hey, I dreamed you were some kind of celestial being being punished for something. Care to explain?
He shook his head. No, that wasn't the way. If there was truth in the dream, it would come out eventually. Pushing her might only drive her away, or worse, make her suspicious.
Instead, Dominic resolved to pay closer attention—to her words, her actions, the way she carried herself. The dream had to mean something, and he intended to find out what.
For now, though, he needed rest. Tomorrow would bring more training, more challenges, and he couldn't face them if he was half-dead from lack of sleep.
As Dominic climbed back into bed, he glanced at the dish of fruit peels on the windowsill, the faint buzz of activity around it a strange comfort. He closed his eyes, his thoughts a tangled web of questions.
If the dream is true, Sincerity's past might be even darker than mine.
Sleep eventually claimed him, though it was restless and filled with flickers of light and shadow.
The neon-filtered sunlight streamed into the room as Dominic stretched, his muscles still aching from the previous day's training. The faint buzz of flies around the fruit dish was the first thing he noticed, followed by the familiar hum of the system interface as he opened his daily missions.
Daily Missions: Drink Water (5 XP)Complete 10 Minutes of Physical Training (10 XP)Acquire 1 Soul (50 XP)Protect the Soul-Farm (1,000 XP)
Dominic blinked, staring at the new objective. Protect the soul-farm? The mission was unlike anything he'd seen before, both in its specific focus and the unusually high reward.
The faint buzz of activity from the farm caught his attention, and he leaned over the windowsill. The larvae had begun to hatch overnight, their tiny, squirming forms clustered around the fruit scraps. He focused on one, and the system interface immediately responded.
Target Detected: Fruit Fly Larva.
Soul Count: 1.
Extract Soul?
With a thought, he confirmed the extraction. A faint wisp of light rose from the larva, joining the others as Dominic harvested a handful of souls from the farm.
Souls Acquired: +10.
Daily Mission Progress: Acquire 1 Soul – Complete.
Satisfied, Dominic drank deeply from his canteen to complete his hydration mission, then grabbed his gear to join the knights in the courtyard.
The next morning, Dominic woke to the sound of hurried footsteps in the hallway outside his room. He sat up, his mind already reaching for the interface as he checked his daily missions.
Daily Missions: Drink Water (5 XP)Complete 10 Minutes of Physical Training (10 XP)Acquire 1 Soul (50 XP)Protect the Soul-Farm (1,000 XP)
He frowned. The soul-farm mission was still there, and it felt strangely ominous. As he stood and glanced toward the dish, a loud bang rattled the door, followed by the sound of it slamming open.
Elara stormed into the room, her green eyes blazing with fury. Her crimson and gold armour seemed to shimmer with barely contained energy as she fixed Dominic with a glare sharp enough to cut steel.
"What did you do?" she demanded, her voice echoing off the walls.
Dominic stepped back, his heart racing. "What are you talking about?"
Elara held up her hand, and a glowing interface appeared in the air. The text blazed with stark clarity:
Knight Objective: Destroy the Soul-Farm.
Reward: 500 XP.
"Every one of my knights received this mission this morning," Elara growled, stepping closer. "Explain. Now."
Dominic felt his blood run cold as he stared at the text. "I—I didn't do anything," he stammered. "The system gave me a mission to protect the soul-farm, that's all!"
Elara's gaze narrowed. "Protect it? You've created something that's triggering the system to pit us against each other, and you're telling me you don't know why?"
"I didn't mean to cause trouble," Dominic said quickly. "It's just... it's a way to fulfil my daily mission without hurting anyone. I didn't think—"
"That much is clear," Elara snapped. She pointed toward the dish on the windowsill. "Whatever you've done here has disrupted the balance of the system. They're treating this... farm as a threat. And now my knights are caught in the middle of your mistake."
Sincerity stirred from her bed, sitting up groggily. "What's going on?" she asked, rubbing her eyes.
"Dominic's soul-farm," Elara said, her voice icy. "The system has turned it into a battlefield."
Sincerity's eyes widened as she looked at Dominic. "You went through with it?"
Dominic spread his hands, frustration bubbling in his chest. "It was working fine yesterday! I don't know why the system suddenly cares!"
"Because it always cares," Elara said. "It doesn't tolerate exploitation or loopholes. You may think you've found a clever way around its rules, but the system will always respond to balance the scales."
Dominic clenched his fists, his mind racing. The soul-farm had been a simple, harmless idea, but now it had turned into a liability—one that could put him at odds with the very knights who were supposed to protect him.
"What do we do?" Sincerity asked, her tone unusually serious.
Elara's gaze bore into Dominic, her expression unyielding. "You have two options," she said. "Destroy the soul-farm yourself and stop this madness—or prepare to fight every knight in this fortress. Because make no mistake, if you try to protect it, the system will force us to act."
Dominic swallowed hard, glancing between Elara and the dish on the windowsill. The faint buzz of the flies felt deafening in the tense silence.
Dominic's thoughts churned as the weight of the situation pressed down on him.
Destroy the farm and lose his safe source of souls—or stand his ground and risk alienating the Order entirely.
He took a deep breath, meeting Elara's gaze. "Let me think," he said. "There has to be another way."
"You don't have long," Elara warned, her tone cold. "The system doesn't wait for indecision."
Dominic turned toward the window, his mind racing.
Dominic's mind raced as he stood between Elara's fiery gaze and the faint buzz of the flies at the windowsill. The tension in the room was palpable, and the weight of the system's interference pressed heavily on his shoulders.
He turned to Elara, his voice steady despite the storm inside him. "What if I join the Order?"
Elara's sharp eyes narrowed. "What are you suggesting, Dominic?"
Dominic gestured toward the soul-farm, his voice quick and measured. "If the system sees the farm as a problem, then let's change the narrative. I'll expand it—make it bigger, more efficient. Instead of a single person benefiting, I'll use it to provide daily souls for the entire Order."
Sincerity, who had been quietly observing the exchange, straightened, her expression shifting from shock to intrigue. "You'd distribute the souls?" she asked, her tone almost incredulous.
"Yes," Dominic said firmly. "Think about it, Elara. Every knight has daily missions, right? One of them is usually to acquire a soul. What if I made it easier for them to complete those missions? It would save time, energy, and resources, and the Order would benefit as a whole."
Elara folded her arms, her expression unreadable. "And what do you get out of this?"
Dominic met her gaze. "Protection. If I join the Order, I'll have access to your resources and training. I can refine the farm under your watch and ensure it doesn't spiral out of control. We'll work together to make it an asset, not a liability."
The room fell silent as Elara considered his proposal. The hum of the city outside and the faint buzz of flies filled the air.
Finally, she spoke, her tone measured but sceptical. "You're asking for a great deal of trust, Dominic. You've already proven that your actions can disrupt the balance of the system. What assurance do I have that this won't lead to more chaos?"
Dominic hesitated for a moment, then straightened his posture. "I swear I'll follow your rules. I'll keep the farm contained and only expand it under your supervision. If the system reacts negatively again, I'll dismantle it myself. I think this could be a game-changer for the Order."
Sincerity chimed in, her voice calm but persuasive. "Elara, think about it. Dominic's idea could give the Order an edge. Having a reliable source of souls could strengthen your knights and allow them to focus on more important tasks. It's worth considering."
Elara's eyes flicked to Sincerity, then back to Dominic. After a long pause, she sighed, the tension in her shoulders easing slightly.
"This is unprecedented," she said. "But so is everything about you, Dominic. I'll allow it—under strict conditions. You'll join the Order officially, which means adhering to our rules and hierarchy. You'll expand the farm under the supervision of Knight-Captain Aldrin. If anything goes wrong, we shut it down immediately."
Relief flooded Dominic's chest, but he kept his expression neutral. "Thank you. I won't let you down."
Elara stepped closer, her green eyes locking onto his. "You'd better not. If this backfires, you'll answer to me—and I promise, it won't be pleasant."
Dominic nodded firmly. "Understood."
The room's tension eased as Elara turned to leave. "Prepare yourself, Dominic. You'll begin formal training as a member of the Order tomorrow."
As the door closed behind her, Sincerity leaned against the wall, arms crossed and a faint smirk on her face.
"I can't believe you pulled that off," she said.
Dominic exhaled, the weight of the situation catching up to him. "Neither can I. But it's a start. If this works, maybe I can make things better for everyone—and keep the system off my back."
Sincerity's smirk softened into something more genuine. "You might be crazier than I thought, Dominic. But maybe that's not such a bad thing."
The grand hall of the Order of the Penitent Pilgrim was a masterpiece of solemn beauty. Towering columns etched with glowing runes lined the room, their faint light casting an ethereal glow across the polished obsidian floor. Knights in radiant armour stood at attention on either side of the aisle, their weapons gleaming, their visors lowered in silent reverence.
At the far end of the hall, beneath a massive stained-glass depiction of the Order's emblem—a quill crossed with a sword—stood Elara. Her crimson and gold armour gleamed under the soft light, and her piercing green eyes held a rare flicker of pride.
Dominic stood in the centre of the room, flanked by Sincerity and Knight-Captain Aldrin. His heart pounded as he adjusted the new armour they had given him, a sleek black and silver set adorned with the quill-and-sword insignia on the chest. The weight of the armour felt both grounding and daunting, a physical reminder of the responsibility he was about to take on.
Elara stepped forward, her voice resonating through the hall. "Dominic Ashen-Soul, you stand before the Order of the Penitent Pilgrim as an initiate, one who has chosen to uphold the values of balance, protection, and sacrifice. Do you swear to serve the Order, to abide by its rules, and to protect the innocent from the chaos of the system?"
Dominic swallowed hard, his voice steady as he replied. "I swear."
Elara unsheathed her sword, its blade glowing with a faint golden light. She held it aloft, the runes along its edge flaring as the knights in the room knelt in unison.
"Then by the authority of the Order and the system itself, I induct you as a knight of the Penitent Pilgrim. Rise and carry your burden with honour"
Dominic knelt as she touched the flat of the blade to his shoulders, first the left, then the right. When he stood, the room erupted in applause, the sound reverberating through the grand chamber like a thunderclap.
Sincerity gave him a sly smile, clapping lightly as she leaned against a nearby pillar. Aldrin offered a curt nod of approval, his usual stern demeanour softening slightly.
Dominic allowed himself a small smile, a sense of pride swelling in his chest. For the first time since entering this world, he felt like he belonged.
The moment was shattered by a deafening crash.
The stained-glass depiction of the Order's emblem exploded inward, shards raining down as the roof caved in. A blinding light filled the chamber, and a figure descended through the destruction, its massive wings unfurling with a powerful gust of wind.
The angelic hunter landed in the centre of the hall with a force that cracked the obsidian floor, its radiant form casting harsh shadows that danced across the walls. Its armour was brilliant white, adorned with intricate golden filigree, and its face was obscured by a glowing helm. A massive, double-edged spear rested in its hand, its tip radiating a deadly energy that hummed with divine fury.
The knights scrambled into defensive positions, drawing their weapons and raising their shields. Elara stepped forward, her sword blazing with light, her voice commanding.
"Who dares violate the sanctity of this hall?"
The angel turned its gaze to Elara, its voice cold and resonant. "I am here for those who defy balance. Dominic Ashen-Soul."
Dominic's breath caught in his throat as the angel turned its head toward him, its glowing eyes burning with a fierce intensity. But before it could speak again, its gaze shifted to Sincerity, and a low, mocking laugh echoed through the chamber.
"Well, well," the angel said, its tone dripping with contempt. "Of course you'd find him again, Sincerity. Poor, foolish Sincerity. Still trying to make amends for your mistakes."
Dominic's head snapped toward Sincerity, his mind reeling. She was pale, her usual sharp demeanour replaced by a look of raw fear and shame.
"What is it talking about?" Dominic demanded, his voice rising.
Sincerity didn't answer, her eyes locked on the angel.
The angel tilted its head, its laughter fading into a cruel smile. "You didn't tell him, did you? About the trial? The pit? The wings you lost?" It took a step closer, its radiant presence making the air in the room heavy. "You can't save him, Sincerity. Just as you can't save yourself."
Elara raised her sword, her voice sharp. "You will leave this place, hunter. You have no authority within these walls."
The angel turned to Elara, its wings flaring with a burst of light. "Authority? You think your wards can protect him?" It gestured toward Dominic with its spear. "He carries the burden of imbalance. No sanctuary will shield him from judgment."
The room crackled with tension, every knight poised for battle. Dominic's mind raced, caught between the angel's words and Sincerity's silence.
"Is it true?" Dominic asked, his voice cutting through the tension as he turned to her. "What it said about you—is it true?"
Sincerity finally met his gaze, her eyes filled with a sorrow he hadn't seen before. "Dominic, I—"
The angel's spear struck the ground, sending a shockwave of light rippling through the chamber. "Enough," it said, its voice booming. "You have one chance, Dominic. Surrender the souls you've stolen and accept judgment, or face annihilation."
Dominic's grip tightened on the hilt of his blade as he glanced between the angel and Sincerity. His mind raced with questions and doubts, but the threat of the spear and the angel's imposing presence left little time to think.
"Dominic," Elara said, her voice low but firm. "If you fight, the Order will stand with you. But you must decide—quickly."
Dominic's heart pounded as the angelic hunter's challenge hung in the air, its radiant spear still humming with divine energy. He looked to Sincerity, her face a mask of shame and fear, then to Elara, her sword raised and her knights bristling with tension.
"No," Dominic said, stepping forward. His voice was steady, though his hands trembled on the hilt of his blade. "I won't surrender. If the system sent you to destroy me, then I'll prove I deserve to survive."
The angel tilted its head, a cruel smile creeping into its radiant expression. "So be it."
It raised its spear, and the chamber erupted into chaos.
The angel moved with terrifying speed, its wings propelling it across the room in a blur of light. Dominic barely had time to react as it lunged, the tip of its spear striking where he had been standing a moment before. The impact sent cracks spidering across the obsidian floor, and Dominic stumbled backward, adrenaline surging through his veins.
"Spread out!" Elara shouted, her voice cutting through the din. The knights sprang into action, forming a defensive perimeter around Dominic.
Dominic opened the system interface in his mind, scrolling frantically through the shop.
Shop: Available Weapons and Abilities
Blazing Sabre (Cost: 2,000 Souls) Flashstep Ability (Cost: 3,000 Souls)Barrier Rune (Cost: 1,500 Souls)Healing Surge (Cost: 1,000 Souls)
Dominic gritted his teeth. He'd been saving his souls carefully, but there was no time for hesitation now.
"Buy them all," he whispered.
The interface flared as the purchases processed. His weapon dissolved into data, replaced by the Blazing Sabre, its edge glowing with searing heat. The Flashstep Ability pulsed in his mind, the knowledge of its use flooding his consciousness. A glowing sigil appeared on his arm, signifying the activation of the Barrier Rune.
Souls Held: 2,499.
The angel lashed out again, its spear spinning in a deadly arc. Elara intercepted the blow, her sword clashing against the spear in a burst of light.
"Move, Dominic!" she barked, pushing against the angel with all her strength.
Dominic activated Flashstep, his body surging forward in a blur of motion. He reappeared behind the angel, swinging the Blazing Sabre with all his might. The blade connected, searing into the angel's armour with a hiss of steam.
The angel roared, spinning to face him. "You dare defy judgement," it bellowed, its voice shaking the chamber.
"I dare survive!" Dominic shouted, raising the barrier just as the angel thrust its spear at him. The runes on his arm flared, and the spear struck an invisible wall, the force of the blow sending Dominic skidding backward.
The battle raged on, the room filled with the clash of weapons and the shouts of knights. The angel's power was overwhelming, its spear carving through defences like paper. Several knights were thrown aside, their shields shattered, as it focused its fury on Dominic.
Elara fought alongside him, her blade flashing with golden light as she deflected blow after blow. Sincerity, despite her earlier fear, joined the fray with a pair of daggers, her movements swift and precise.
Dominic's interface chimed repeatedly as he purchased additional abilities: Energy Wave to unleash powerful ranged attacks, Endurance Surge to push through the pain of his injuries, and another Healing Surge to keep himself standing.
Souls Held: 499.
By the time the fight neared its climax, Dominic was battered and bloodied, his soul reserves nearly drained. But the angel was faltering, its once-imposing light flickering like a dying flame.
"Now!" Elara shouted.
Dominic activated Flashstep one final time, appearing above the angel as it staggered. He plunged the Blazing Sabre into its chest, the blade igniting with a burst of fiery energy.
The angel screamed, its form cracking and splintering like glass as it fell to its knees. The knights moved in, striking in unison to finish the job.
With one final roar, the angel shattered into a blinding explosion of light, leaving behind only a faint wisp of energy that dissipated into the air.
The room fell silent, the echoes of battle fading into stillness. Dominic dropped to one knee, his body trembling with exhaustion. The interface flared to life, the system's cold, mechanical voice announcing the results.
Angel Defeated: +50,000 XP
Level Up: 33
Abilities Unlocked:
Judgment Strike (Channel divine energy to deal massive damage to a single target)Light Resistance (Reduces damage from radiant and holy attacks)
Elara approached him, her sword lowered, her expression unreadable. "You survived," she said simply.
Dominic looked up at her, his breath ragged. "Barely."
Sincerity stepped forward, her face pale but determined. She opened her mouth to speak, but Dominic cut her off.
"Not now," he said, his voice sharp. "We're going to talk about this later, Sincerity. About what the angel said. About you."
She hesitated, then nodded silently.
Elara glanced between them, her green eyes narrowing. "You have a lot to explain, both of you. But for now, rest. This isn't over—not by a long shot."
Dominic nodded, his grip tightening on the hilt of the Blazing Sabre. He'd won this battle, but the war was far from over.