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Chapter 12 - The Prophecy and the Purifier

The world was collapsing into chaos, but in one secluded district, Lee, guided by the unseen Hanabi, was following a path dictated by prophecy and desperation. Today was the final day before the official entry into the Tower of Abyss.

Lee was physically exhausted from his purchases but spiritually galvanized by his awakened Will Force. He sat in the living room, meticulously organizing his supplies. Hanabi, a transparent figure visible only to him, hovered nearby, reviewing the map of the main Tower in Lee's mind.

Meanwhile, Nana, still recovering but much improved, sat up in bed, looking at the dark-steel gauntlet Lee had purchased.

Nana's Perception: "You're focused on the plan, Lee?" Nana asked, seeing Lee's intense gaze on the table. Lee nodded. "We go in tomorrow at dawn. The path must be clear." Nana gently touched the pepper spray Lee had placed near her. "I… I appreciate the defense. I also saw the light again last night. It was very calming. It means Hanabi is close, doesn't it?" Lee gave a slight nod, knowing the "light" was Hanabi's subtle manifestation of her spectral presence, a reassurance for the Principal.

Lee and Hanabi's Conflict:Hanabi projected her thoughts directly into Lee's mind: We need to make sure the Whispering Hollow is cleansed before we commit. I still think we should have pushed for your awakening last night, but your dream delayed us. Lee responded mentally: The dream was specific, Hanabi. The Chained Woman warned me not to go to the Level 0 Hollow "until the..." She knows something about the Soul Seal, and I trust her warning more than tactical risk assessment.Tactical necessity outweighs fragmented prophecy, Hanabi countered sharply. You need an offensive skill. Now, let's go. I need to confirm the safety of that Level 0 zone.

Lee made his way to the academy's abandoned west wing and stepped through the rough granite arch into the Whispering Hollow.

The moment he entered, his Survivor's Instinct screamed at the pervasive sense of wrongness. The air was heavy, and the silence was unnerving. Hanabi floated ahead, her spectral senses searching for any threat, but finding none. It's quiet, too quiet. The Level 0 monsters aren't spawning.

Lee ignored the tactical discussion, his attention fixed on the chamber walls. The smooth rock had been replaced by a pulsating, moss-covered surface that served as a canvas for impossible projections.

The Unrealistic Projections: As he moved, the moss displayed impossible, terrifying, and mesmerizing images:

The Floating Bone City: A city of white bone, suspended upside down by tendrils of blue light, inhabited by long-limbed, spectral figures shrouded in sorrow.

The Mechanical Dragon: A vast, black mechanical dragon with spinning gears for scales, burrowing through the core of a twin Earth, leaving a trail of corrupted crimson energy.

The Sealed Eye: An immense, malevolent eye sealed shut by seven glowing, runic chains that mirrored the design of Lee's own Soul Seal. The Eye pulsed, conveying an ancient, agonizing wait.

Hanabi's Reaction:Lee, these are dimensional reflections! They are not harmless! Hanabi urged mentally. This isn't Level 0; it's a dimensional intersection. Do not look directly at the Eye! It might drain your Willpower!

Lee pressed on, the Chained Woman's warning resonating in his mind, confirming that the Hollow was far more than a simple training dungeon.

Lee followed the intense psychic hum until he reached the final, vast cavern where the brilliant blue Mystic Core pulsed.

Standing before the Core was Yena, holding the shimmering, breathing Mist Blade against the crystal. Her concentration was absolute.

"You came," Yena stated, her eyes instantly locking onto Lee.

The Confirmation: "I followed the energy signature," Lee said, keeping his distance. "I see the nascent Will Force," Yena replied, focusing on his hidden power. "And the chains. You know the Seal."

Hanabi was stunned into momentary silence by the direct mention of the Soul Seal.

Yena explained her purpose, her voice strained by the purification process: "The Hollow is corrupted. I am severing the negative link to the Tower's structure. I am purifying the Core."

She looked directly at Lee, her vacant eyes burning with conviction. "It will take five more minutes. The cleansing is stressing the fabric of the Hollow. Reality is breaking. Stand guard, Lee. Do not let the visions or the darkness touch me."

The Dream Solved: As Yena spoke, the full, broken message of the Chained Woman surged into Lee's mind, finally complete: "You must not go there until the... CORE IS PURIFIED."

Lee understood: Yena was a Believer, acting as the Support of the Chained Woman's grand plan. The warning wasn't to avoid the Hollow entirely, but to ensure he only entered once the purification was complete, thereby neutralizing the dimensional chaos and securing his path.

Lee drew his sword, the blue glow of his Will Force manifesting instantly. The cavern walls began to warp, and the terrifying glimpses of other worlds pressed in. He had an objective: Defend the Purifier. The final night of preparation had become the first battle against reality itself.

[Character Status: Lee Yun]

Level: 5 [UnAllocated stats :25]

Title: Unawakened Successor of the God of @#$%^&*

Race: Human (?)

Class: ??? (Yet to be determined)

Alignment: Neutral

[Basic Stats]

Strength (STR): 8 → (Slightly above average due to physical endurance)

Dexterity (DEX): 7 → (Decent agility, but not refined)

Constitution (CON): 10 → (Survived hardships, high pain tolerance)

Intelligence (INT): 6 → (Lack of knowledge about the mystical world)

Wisdom (WIS): 9 → (Has a strong will and survival instincts)

Charisma (CHA): 8 → (Socially withdrawn due to past trauma)

Luck (LUK): 3 → (Fate has been cruel, but things are about to change)

[Hidden Stats]

Willpower: 15 → (Developed over years of suffering and loneliness)Mental Resilience: 12 → (Can endure intense fear, trauma, and mental attacks)Mystic Potential: ??? → (Unknown; connected to his dragon tattoo and eye)Corruption Resistance: 30% → (Natural resistance to dark forces, but can still be influenced)

[Abilities]

Iron Will (Passive): Cannot be easily intimidated or mentally broken.Survivor's Instinct (Passive): Increased awareness in life-threatening situations.

Unawakened Eye (Sealed): ??? (Will unlock upon certain conditions)

Dragon's Call (Sealed): The hidden spirit within his tattoo will respond when necessary.

Soul Seal (Passive & Active): A transcendent ability that binds a target's soul to the wielder's will, enforcing absolute suppression regardless of level, rank, or resistance once specific conditions are met.

[Equipment]

School Uniform Clothes: Offers protection Defence+1.

Bare Shoes: Basic footwear Movement +2,

 stat bonus Intelligent + 10.

Special information :

Soul Seal (Passive & Active)Description:

A transcendent ability that defies conventional power structures, the Soul Seal grants its wielder dominion over fate itself. This ability allows the user to inscribe an unbreakable seal upon a target's soul, binding their existence to the wielder's will. Unlike ordinary restrictions, the Soul Seal disregards the opponent's level, rank, or power, ensuring absolute enforcement once the conditions are met.

Effects & Conditions:Seal Effect (Active):

Can completely suppress, bind, or restrain a target, rendering them unable to act against the wielder's command.

If fully activated, it can permanently imprison, weaken, or even erase the target's presence from existence.

The seal remains inactive until specific conditions—determined at the time of casting—are fulfilled.

Seal Activation (Passive Trigger):

Once the predetermined condition is met, the seal automatically activates, regardless of the target's awareness, resistance, or power level.

The condition varies depending on the situation and is influenced by the wielder's will. Some examples include:

"If the opponent attempts to kill me, the seal will activate."

"If the opponent betrays me, their power will be sealed."

"If the opponent's heart wavers in loyalty, they will be unable to move."

"If the target's soul harbors malice, their strength will be drained."

No Mana Consumption (Intelligence Stat Exemption):

Unlike most sealing techniques, the Soul Seal does not consume mana and is instead fueled by the user's willpower and dominion over fate.

As a result, even in a mana-deprived state, the user can still activate this ability effortlessly.

Higher-tier Sealing (Unawakened Potential):

Certain high-level beings may resist the initial effects of the seal, but they cannot escape it indefinitely.

If the user fully awakens the Soul Seal, even divine or otherworldly entities will be unable to resist its grasp.

This power can eventually overwrite existing contracts, curses, and divine decrees, bending reality itself.

Flair & Appearance:

When the Soul Seal is activated, the user's eyes turn a piercing blue, glowing with an ethereal light that signifies the absolute enforcement of their will.

A rune-like sigil appears over the target's chest, forehead, or limbs, resembling ancient chains wrapping around their soul.

The intensity of the seal's glow determines its binding strength. Once fully sealed, the target's body may even manifest phantom chains, signifying complete subjugation.

"This is not just a restriction. It is sovereignty over existence itself."

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