Chapter 125: Live

Chapter 125: Live

Bellas eyes snapped open and her head jerked back. Rilus hand shot out, keeping her from colliding with the wall behind her. His eyes shimmered with a faint golden energy that faded to a dull brown and he released Bellas head, taking a step back.

It worked.

Thats one way to put it, Bella said, rubbing her eyes. You killed me.

Yes. I told you that I would.

Telling someone that youre going to kill them doesnt exactly justify doing it.

Rilu arched an eyebrow. You wanted me to help you fix your path. I helped.

I yeah. I guess it did. Thank you. I dont suppose you can tell me what actually happened? You said I was going to see my true self or something like that, but it felt more like I was talking to my Essence.

For a moment, Rilu looked surprised. That instant passed quickly, and he regained control of his features once more. Your Essence? What makes you believe that?

It basically told me it was. Was that not intended?

You should have seen a reflection of yourself. Nothing that spoke with you, Rilu said, his brow furrowing. This isnt the first time Ive done something like this, and its not unusual for everyones experience to be a little different could you describe what happened more? Perhaps you simply misunderstood. It is easy to get confused when you are within the reaches of your own soul.

Bella shrugged. Rilu might have killed her, but he did genuinely seem to want to help. It was a helpful death. At least, that was what she was going to tell herself. There wasnt any good way for her to get back at the powerful Karma Cultivator if he was malicious, so it was much easier to just assume that he was on their side for the time being, at least.

She recounted everything that had happened after Rilu had killed her. Throughout her explanation, Rilus eyebrows continued to creep up his forehead until they basically vanished into his hair.

That, Rilu said once Bella had finished, is not your soul.

Yeah, I gathered as much. What was it, then? Youre the one who sent me there.

Rilu chewed his lower lip and tapped a finger on his upper thigh. Odd indeed. It does genuinely sound like you somehow found a way to communicate with something that you believe to be your Essence.

The way youre wording that makes it sound like Im insane more than anything else.

Yes, it does, Rilu agreed. He didnt bother correcting Bella, which wasnt particularly reassuring.

Is it not possible for Essence to communicate with people? Id never heard of something like that before today.

Its possible, but for a Rank Three? Ive never heard of the like. If someone else had interceded on your behalf to allow such a thing, then I could envision it. But as far as Im aware, that did not occur.

Great, Bella said. This is all nice and mysterious, but I did kind of die today, and while I really appreciate your help, Im honestly more confused than anything else. Is this a good thing? I thought it was a good thing.Ñøv€lRapture marked the initial hosting of this chapter on Ñôv€lß¡n.

It was a few moments before Rilu replied, and even then he still looked pensive.

Yes. I believe it is a good thing. Excuse my impoliteness. I am unused to being surprised. It rarely happens, but you and Chance have managed it multiple times already. Do you feel like your path has affirmed itself?

Bella had to consider that question for a few moments. Her Essence still swirled in her Gate, waiting for her to call on it. She didnt feel particularly different at first. But, as she sent her attention deeper, it immediately became clear that something had indeed changed.

A good guess, but not exactly a trap. You wouldnt have the power to use such a powerful artifact, and Vex would know what it was. This is the only way I could think of for you to have a fighting chance against Vex. It is a favor given to me by another Karma cultivator that I knew many years ago. He has since died, but the power remains.

And what exactly does it do?

It will draw on the Karma of whoever opens it, granting them a reward from the universe. I had originally planned to use this myself when I reached my next Rank. It would have given me a powerful item.

A reward I take it that the reward depends on your Karma? Bella guessed.

Rilus grin widened. Yes. Vexs reward will be very ill indeed. Even if it doesnt kill him, it will strike a powerful blow that should give you enough time to escape the free reign that Yamish has given him. It will buy you time.

Bella swallowed. If Rilu was really telling the truth, then he was giving them an incredible gift. An artifact that would have mattered to someone as powerful as he was the scroll was priceless.

You said that Vex has to open this?

Of his own volition, Rilu confirmed. That will be the difficult part, and it is why your chances of success, even with my help, are middling. Vex is arrogant, though. You may be able to use that to your advantage.

Any chance is better than none, Bella said, inclining her head. She slipped the scroll into her pack. Thank you. I know I havent been the most receptive, but

I dont mind. The words of our heart are far louder than those of our mouth, and I can feel your Karma.

Bella wasnt sure how to respond to that, so she just nodded. Rilu started back up the stairs and she followed after him.

Ive got one more question, if you dont mind me asking.

Feel free to ask. I do not guarantee that I will answer.

Why are you doing so much for us? I know you already said some reasons, but is that really it?

Rilu didnt respond until they were both standing back in the dining room, and the pathway into the ground had closed back over as if it had never been open.

My path has permitted me to see a great many things. I have witnessed more than most men ever will, and more than I had ever wanted to. I do not regret cultivating my Essence, but there are times when the universe seems unbelievably dark and there is so little I can do about it. You, on the other hand, are unbound.

So were basically a tool that you can use to try to make change?

Yes, Rilu said apologetically. I am using you. There is a very good chance that you die in the process of this. However, in the process, you have the slightest possibility of striking out against Vex. That is what I seek to capitalize on.

It all seems very roundabout, but I dont know the first thing about Karma cultivation. To be honest, I dont even care if you use us if it gives us a way to live through all this crap, no matter how miniscule it is. Well figure something out.

I am heartened that you do not think ill of me. For what it is worth, I truly hope you succeed. Both to hurt Vex, and so that you may both live.

I guess well see, Bella said wryly.

So we will. Shall we go reunite with Chance? I would speak with both of you before you depart.

Bella nodded, and a door formed in the wall of the room. It swung open, and the two of them stepped into the darkness beyond it.