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[Mission Completed: Ruination System - First Mission]
Objective Status: Achieved
Congratulations, Serafine! You have successfully cast off the chains of your past oaths and vows, freeing yourself from the burdens of your former identity. The path ahead is now yours to define, unbound and limitless, as long as it follows ruination.
Reward: +50 Ruination Points (RN)
Note: By embracing the freedom to seek beyond the past, you have unlocked the next phase of your journey. There are no more limitations. What comes next is in your hands.
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Serafine stared down at her hands, stunned. She couldn't believe it. Blood was on her hands already. In her defense, they were the ones who attacked first! She didn't kill them, right?
Her Soul Sigil had just popped up out of nowhere. It wasn't her fault! Why did it appear? And if it could summon itself randomly... could she command her Mask of Light to do the same?
"Mask of Light, I summon you."
As if obeying her command, something materialized in front of her, shining blindingly at first, then swirling and flowing like liquid in the air until it formed a flat surface, complete with holes... and then, a laughing Comedy Mask, its grin impossibly wide. So, this thing was supposed to take their identity?
Obviously, I'm not choosing that gross fat man. She'd rather be reincarnated than take on that appearance. She walked over to the teenage boy's body, nonchalantly pressing the mask against his face.
Immediately, the skin started to burn with a sickening smell of charred flesh. It was like something was melting. Oh wait, it was his face. The skin stretched, wrapped itself around the golden mask, and molded into it like it was meant to be there.
A few seconds later, the mask glowed, and it morphed into the boy's face. But then, with a strange shudder, it turned back to normal. Serafine looked away quickly, unable to process what she had just done. The boy's face was gone, leaving only a melted mess in its place. She couldn't believe she'd actually stolen someone's face.
But hey, in her defense, she had no choice! People were after her! She had to do what it took to survive.
Calix cautiously asked, "What was that, Lady Saintess?"
"This?" Serafine shrugged, almost nonchalantly. "It's part of my Ethos... allows me to steal someone's identity by burning their face off."
She quickly scavenged the boy's clothes, changed behind Calix's back, and then continued walking, leaving the bodies behind. But still, something about it nagged at her. Was this her fate?
'Savior of the world, my ass...'
Oh how wrong sister was.
They walked through a narrow path between two hills, heading toward a small town below.
The sun beat down on them as they continued, and before long, they found themselves in an alleyway, people bustling through the cobblestone streets.
She pulled the Mask of Light from her pocket and pressed it against her face. Immediately, the mask glowed, and her features shifted, transforming her into the teenage boy. She still felt the same, of course. 'Woman's body... check.'
"So? Do I look convincing?" Serafine asked, turning to Calix with an exaggerated grin.
"This is madness... and I love it!"
They continued to walk through the bustling streets, Serafine feeling surprisingly at ease. For once, she wasn't burdened by her saintly duties or the glaring spotlight of being "perfect." The town was her playground, and no one suspected a thing. Freedom—real freedom—was a thrilling thought.
But there was a catch. She only had an hour to live this way. The clock was ticking, and she needed to make the most of it. As they wandered through the streets, they stumbled upon a tavern—a lively one, by the sounds of it. The heavy wooden doors swung open, revealing a raucous atmosphere and a sea of men chatting, laughing, and gossiping.
"And just like that, her head was cut off!" one man laughed loudly, slapping his knee.
"Hmph, who knew we were worshipping the wrong person…" another chimed in.
"The church is always corrupt anyway... Nobody wants to admit it!" someone else added.
"If I were you guys, I would've taken the other half of the saintess and, you know…" The six men near the counter broke into laughter.
Serafine's eye twitched. Oh, if only she could set this place on fire with a single thought. It was tempting—no, necessary—but she restrained herself. Calix, ever the calming influence, placed a gentle hand on her arm, trying to soothe her.
They approached the cashier at the front, where a striking woman stood. She was mature, confident, and her curves… well, Serafine couldn't help but stare for a second. The woman's chest was, shall we say, impressive, and Serafine's eyes nearly popped out of her head.
"Well, well…" Serafine purred as she leaned casually over the counter, her voice dripping with charm. "So, you married?" She raised an eyebrow, her gaze holding the woman's with playful intent.
The woman hesitated, caught off guard by Serafine's boldness. She shifted uncomfortably, a faint blush creeping onto her cheeks. "I... I'm—"
"Really? No ring?" Serafine continued, leaning in closer, her lips curving into a teasing smile. "Well, I suppose a beauty like you must be taken. But, hmm, no one told me the married ones could look this good." She gave the woman a once-over, letting her eyes linger a little longer than necessary. "How does a stunning woman like yourself end up in a place like this?" Her voice was smooth, like honey, oozing confidence.
The woman looked flustered now, stammering as she tried to regain her composure. "I-I… well, I..."
Before she could finish her sentence, a hand slammed down on Serafine's shoulder, yanking her roughly to the side. "You! Are you flirting with my wife?!" a drunken man growled, his breath reeking of alcohol.
Serafine didn't even flinch as she turned to face the burly man, his face twisted in anger. "What the hell do you think you're doing?" he spat, shaking her roughly.
"M-My love!" the woman gasped, her eyes wide in panic as she tried to step in.