Adarsh stepped cautiously into the girl's soul realm and was immediately enveloped in a radiant golden light. It pulsed gently, emanating from her very being—protective, serene, and sacred. The glow pushed back the oppressive dark mist that churned ominously at the edges of the realm, like a storm held at bay.
She sat there, cross-legged in a lotus position, suspended just above a vast and gleaming ocean of pure blue. The water's surface was so still, so perfectly undisturbed, it mirrored the endless sky above—an infinite expanse of starless, dusky azure. Time itself seemed to slow, muffled by the tranquil power radiating from her soul.
Drawing on his divine senses, Adarsh began to part the dense, swirling fog that lay between him and the heart of her soul. With each step, he advanced deeper into her sanctum, divine energy slicing through the corruption like a blade of celestial light.
Then, up ahead, a dazzling fusion of white and gold light appeared, beckoning him with a soft hum. It drew him forward instinctively, compelling him to quicken his pace.
The sky stretched endlessly, and the sea remained unmoving—this was not just a soul realm. It was a sanctuary untouched by time, a world carved from stillness and purity. And at its center bloomed her soul—resplendent, undisturbed, and alone.
As he approached, Adarsh realized with a faint start that she was unaware of his presence. Her body remained motionless, eyes closed, hands resting gently on her knees. Floating above the serene waters, she appeared more spirit than flesh, more divine than mortal.
Standing before her, he called out gently, "Hey… hey! Can you hear me?"
She didn't move.
Adarsh frowned and reached inward, summoning a sliver of his divine power in an attempt to stir her soul. Still, she showed no sign of responding. It was as if she were locked away in a dream too deep to escape.
The dark mist… it must be suppressing her, he thought grimly.
He quickly checked his dwindling reserves of divine energy—only 1.5% remained. A bitter knot tightened in his chest. Without this girl's help, he wouldn't survive.
If I use just 0.5% to clear the mist… maybe then she'll awaken. I can explain everything afterward.
Without hesitation, he channeled the divine power, unleashing a burst of radiant energy into the soul realm. The power lanced outward like a comet, its brilliance tearing through the darkness. Sharp, echoing tones rang out—Ching… Chong… Ching…—as the mist shrieked in resistance. But Adarsh's energy was purer, forged over countless eons. The darkness didn't stand a chance.
Within moments, it dissipated completely, melting into nothingness.
The golden aura surrounding the girl surged with new life, her soul beginning to stir. She was awakening.
Adarsh stood silently, tension crawling up his spine, waiting as each second stretched unbearably long.
Instinctively, he glanced at the mission panel that floated before him:
> [Divine Power: 1%]
[Time Remaining: 2 days / 1 month]
The numbers only worsened the dread in his chest.
"Hey, miss! Hey! Hey, miss!" he called again, louder this time, his voice echoing across the sea of stillness.
Finally, on the third call, her eyelids fluttered.
Relief coursed through him like a wave. Without delay, he manifested a miniature projection of himself—a childlike avatar no older than three, seated atop a radiant lotus flower. Ethereal and luminous, the child's form radiated warmth and peace.
The girl blinked, eyes wide with confusion. Before her sat a glowing child with skin as flawless as a white lotus, hair a deep ocean blue, and eyes like twin galaxies—vast, calm, and ancient. Tiny stars shimmered in their depths.
She stared, transfixed.
Then her eyes widened further in alarm. This is my soul realm! she realized. Panic crept into her expression. Her posture stiffened as her eyes darted warily toward the radiant child.
He smiled calmly and began, "Hi, my name is—"
But before he could finish, her voice cut sharply through the still air. "Who are you? What are you doing in my soul realm?!"
He blinked, mildly startled by her sudden hysteria. "I was trying to introduce myself. No need to scream."
She scowled, her voice rising. "Fine! Then tell me who you are—first!"
Her fierce gaze was like a blade pressed to his neck, and though he felt slightly uncomfortable, he met her eyes and answered evenly.
"I am a Divine Soul," he said. "Specifically, a Divine Blood Lotus. I was once just an ordinary lotus, but after enduring over 100,000 years of trials, I ascended and became a Divine Soul."
He paused, allowing his words to settle.
"But… the transformation cost me everything. The body that sustained me for millennia crumbled. I began to lose energy—my soul leaking into the void. Now, I have less than a month left to live."
He left out the truth about his rebirth. That would come later—if she could be trusted.
"I've shared my story," he said gently. "Now, it's your turn."
The girl looked at him in shock. For a fleeting moment, her expression softened with something like pity—but it vanished quickly beneath renewed caution.
Instead of replying, she asked, "How did you enter my soul realm?"
Persistent, he thought.
"I'll answer that," he said, "but afterward, I expect your name."
She nodded, and he continued, "As a Divine Soul, I can manipulate Divine Power. I used what remained to enter your soul and clear the corruption."
Her brow furrowed. "There was a demonic presence within me," she said slowly. "What happened to it?"
"I destroyed it," he said simply.
Her suspicion didn't fade. "Why couldn't I destroy it myself?"
"My Divine Power is purer—and stronger—than yours."
There was a pause as she absorbed his words.
"Now," he said, gently but firmly, "you owe me your name."
The girl hesitated only a moment. "Iram Rai," she said at last. "I am… a princess."
As she spoke, her fists clenched at her sides. Her voice trembled, not from fear, but fury.
"A sinner attacked me. Body and soul. In desperation, I used teleportation magic to flee to a hidden palace… but I was already wounded, both spiritually and physically. I lost consciousness."
The rage in her soul surged—an echoing vibration across the ocean around them. It mirrored the trauma she carried, a quiet storm buried beneath the calm.