Nathan noticed beams of energy radiating from Muramoto's chest. Unlike the Monster Core and Monster Soul Stones he had seen before, these beams were shaped like rotating energy and were incredibly weak as if a single gust of wind could disperse them.
"Rowena," he said, a glimmer of hope in his voice, "what is this?"
Rowena murmured softly, "That is a soul fragment, Master. Imagine it like this: when we eat fruit, it leaves behind seeds, and those seeds can grow into other fruits."
Nathan remained silent for a moment, listening intently for any further explanations from Luna.
Then, Nathan heard a faint whisper in his ear. "Master Nathan, this is known as a soul seed. It originates from the realm of creation and is forbidden to humans, as it could potentially enrage a god should they find out. To put it simply, a soul seed is created from a human soul fragment. If nurtured, it will grow and absorb knowledge and wisdom from its source. After that, you must create a vessel to house the soul's existence, just like any other living being."
Nathan was still pondering what to do in light of the new information Luna had presented him with. "Why should I be afraid of God if I'm going to be hunting them anyway?" he murmured to himself.
"So, have you come to terms with the destiny that has been bestowed upon you, Master?" Luna inquired in a hushed voice.
"I haven't given it that much thought, Luna. All I know is that if there is a chance to bring Murmaoto back to life, I'm willing to take it." he answered.
Nathan muttered to himself, calling up his skill creation screen and attempting to type out a description of the skill he wanted to create. He quickly tried to process all the information that Rowena and Luna had provided him.
"That would be quite intriguing," Rowena whispered softly, her fingers still lingering around Nathan's waist as she clung to his back. Despite her touch, Nathan seemed unbothered.
"You have nothing to fret over, Master. I possess an immensely potent power, yet all you need to do is enhance your level and I can level up too, reclaiming my former glory. I will do anything to bring you satisfaction. Plus..." Rowena moved closer, her lips just inches away from Nathan's ear, and she spoke in a hushed tone. "Help you search for nourishment for the soul seed later."
Nathan no longer paid any attention to what Rowena said, and right after that, he swiftly acquired the new skill he had created.
[250 Skill Points spent to create a Tier 2 Skill]
[Analysis in progress…]
[Progress.. 5%]
[Progress.. 20%]
[Progress.. 60%]
[Progress.. 100%]
[Analysis successful…]
[...]
[Grim Reaper - Soul Seed Creation Tier 2]
[Allow the user to convert a soul fragment into a soul seed. As the user battles, it absorbs the souls of its defeated foes, which causes the soul seed to gradually grow.
When the soul seed reaches full maturity, it reclaims its original life force, power, knowledge, and strength, allowing the soul to be reborn in the new body with newfound vigor.
The soul seed only takes in the soul of its own kind, which must match its racial identity. Consequently, the soul seed must come from the same race's soul.]
[Level 1: Increase the soul absorption rate.]
[...]
[New Grim Reaper Skill created]
[Grim Reaper 1/10 progress: 2/2 Skills]
[...]I think you should take a look at
[Congratulations, the 1st Grim Reaper Route Quest Cleared]
[You've got a reward of 50,000 Skill Points]
[You've got a reward of 1 New Skill Slot]
[Grim Reaper Route Quest 2/10 opened]
[Level 5: Increase the soul absorption rate.]
Nathan read through all the information regarding his new skill, ensuring that the skill he created was exactly how he had envisioned it.
Nathan swallowed hard as he was confronted with the ironic reality that he had to take a human life in order to cultivate the soul seed.
"So, Master," Rowena began quietly, "did you manage to craft the skill to your satisfaction?"
"How did you know so much about me, Rowena?" Nathan queried, wondering if her newfound status as his servant had granted her access to his thoughts and ideas.
"So, Master. Actually, I was ***** ***** and I was **** ****." Rowena began, her voice was hesitant.
Nathan turned towards Rowena, his face creased with confusion. "What was that? You seemed to be trying to tell me something, but it just wouldn't come out. Can you write it down?"
"Actually, I was going to say something, but it seems as though my words are being intercepted. I was about to reveal something important, it seems." She chuckled nervously. "It looks like someone doesn't want me to share this information with you."
Rowena slowly shook her head, her expression apologetic. "I'm sorry master, but I can only do so much. I wish I could tell you more."
"Who has the power to control you, even though you are already under my authority at this present moment? Could it be a divine being, a god or a deity that rules over this realm? It seems that this pocket dimension is connected to a different world than the ones of New Earth and Yunatea."
"Hmmm..." Nathan pondered, feeling the mystery around the pocket dimension deepen as he gained new facts. "Luna," he asked, using his mental connection to her, "Do you have any information that could help me satisfy my curiosity?"
"I'm sorry, Master Nathan," Luna regretfully replied, "I don't have the authority to say it."
"Will this cause me any trouble in the future?" Nathan inquired further.
"I can't answer that definitively," Luna replied, "But from what you've done so far, it seems like you've been very careful with the artifacts you've acquired."
Nathan realized he was running out of time in the pocket dimension and quickly resumed his task. He laid his hand upon Muramoto's chest.
"Let me help you, Master," Rowena said in a gentle tone. Her fingers spread across Muramoto's chest. Then black energy radiated from her hand as if entering Muramoto's body. Rowena then withdrew her fingers, and a streak of blue energy was visible, encased in her black energy.
Nathan cautiously brought his finger closer to the glimmering blue energy strokes and whispered, "Soul Seed Creation."
Instantly, he felt a powerful stream of energy pulsing through his veins and out of his fingers, encasing Muramoto's soul fragment in a dazzling blue hue. The energy coalesced into a small, bright sphere resembling a shining marble.
Nathan gingerly seized the soul seed, examining it intently.
[Soul Seed Muramoto Minoru - Progress 0%]
Nathan attempted to force a smile on his slightly rigid face. He then clutched the soul seed in his fist. "It is ironic, indeed, that I must kill humans to bring Muramoto back to life. But I still have choices; I just don't know yet why I will choose to do this in the future."
"Actually, Master," Rowena spoke again, in a soft whisper. "You don't need to get your hands dirty; even if I do the work, it will still count towards the growth of the Soul Seed," she explained, hoping to satisfy his craving.
Nathan then stood up in agreement. "That's fine, Rowena," he said. "We'll think about that later."
Nathan then emerged from the cave, intending to complete a few more tasks before departing from the pocket dimension.