We were sitting in a strange mix of emotions—blush, shock, and lingering awkwardness—when Aeldir spoke.
"Is it just me," he said plainly, "or were all of you unable to hear anything before the seduction attempt?"
There was no hesitation in his voice. No caution. No restraint.
He didn't lower his voice. He never needed to.
That alone confirmed it again—the soul filter was real. Two bodies, one soul. Whatever reached him reached me as well. At least with Aeldir, there were no secrets left to uncover.
No one answered. Eventually, we returned to the hostel. Everyone slept.
Except Aeldir.
As always, he went back to training.
Only when their presences finally faded from my soul did I release a slow breath. Silence settled. Too clean. Too empty.
Who were they?
And what did Aeldir carry with him inside my soul?
Why did they come now?
Before the thoughts could settle, a presence pressed down on me.
> [Curse Weaver: You completed two paths in less than six hours.]
[Impressive.]
A pause.
> [I will grant you a reward.]
I almost laughed at the thought.
Does she really have a heart?
Pain answered me instead.
A sudden surge of mana tore through my chest—sharp, precise, real. My vision blurred for half a second as my heart skipped violently.
> [I can read internal thoughts.]
"…My apologies," I muttered inwardly, steadying my breath. Just give me one hour. I need to inform Aeldir how long I'll be gone.
Her response came instantly.
> [Make it shorter. I wish to give more.]
I hesitated.
Rewards from her were never gifts. They were delayed wounds.
Then add something I'll need, I replied.
> [Accepted.]
[After this dungeon, you will sign a contract.]
[If you agree, I will assist your escape from the principal.]
Only if the conditions are equal, I answered. For now—yes.
The system responded.
> [C-rank skill acquired: Cosmic Polyglot]
[Additional effect: Heal Magic Clover]
I frowned.
A support skill?
What kind of fighting skill will I need later…?
Fatigue finally crushed the remaining thoughts.
After clearing a path, no species could enter or exit the dungeon. Even she did not interfere. Exile from the planet meant no bed, no comfort, no recovery beyond what stone allowed.
So I slept there.
On cold stone.
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