Chapter 21: Echoes of the Loa
When Peterson struck Bega with the full weight of his Veve-infused power, a ripple echoed far beyond the human world. The energy released wasn't just a burst of strength—it was a flare, a signal flung into the mystic currents of the Loa's realm. It pulsed through the veil, subtle to most, but not to the Zaka family.
In the vibrant heart of the Loa world, where trees whispered forgotten songs and the air shimmered with ancestral energy, a family sat around a large wooden table. The Zakas—guardians of harvest, community, and connection—were halfway through their dinner.
Lili Zaka, the youngest daughter, paused with her fork halfway to her mouth. Her eyes widened as a shiver of power threaded through her spine.
"Did anyone else feel that?" she asked.
Her three brothers—Zen, Tizen, and Zenpete—looked up with smirks. Tizen was the first to speak. "Feel what? The way you over-seasoned the yams again?"
Zenpete cackled. "Probably just her imagination. She's always dreaming about humans."
Lili frowned, turning to her mother, Azouzoe, who remained silent, chewing calmly.
"Mother?"
Azouzoe gave her a gentle look but said nothing. She never spoke unless it was necessary. Her presence was enough.
Grant Zaka, their father, finally set down his goblet and looked up from his plate. His eyes, glowing faint green, narrowed. "I felt it too."
The brothers fell quiet.
"That was no ordinary power," Grant continued. "It came from the human world. A signal—no, a resonance from the Medallion."
"The Medallion?" Zen asked, suddenly serious.
"The very same," Grant replied. "Its power has awakened."
Lili stood up. "We need to go see!"
"No," Grant said. "Not yet. We don't act on impulse."
"But—"
"I'll send my essence to possess our servant. We need to observe first. Whoever has bonded with the Medallion... could change everything."
Lili sat, but her eyes were still wide with curiosity and worry.
---
Meanwhile, back in the human world...
Peterson's bedroom was packed. Amanda and Miranda sat cross-legged on the floor, bruised but safe. Jean-Daniel leaned against the wall, arms crossed, while Wilkens perched awkwardly on the desk chair like a confused bird.
"So," Amanda began, "Are we gonna talk about how we almost got turned into missing person flyers?"
Peterson nodded solemnly. "I'm sorry. I should've never let it get this far without telling you something."
"You think?" Miranda snapped, then sighed. "Sorry. It's just... it was terrifying."
Jean-Daniel grunted. "You're lucky Bega didn't finish what he started."
Peterson looked at his sisters. "I have something to tell you. I'm not... normal anymore."
"Oh, no kidding," Amanda said. "You're glowing like a voodoo nightlight half the time."
"I merged with the Medallion," he explained. "It gave me powers. A whole system. It's called the Voodoo System."
Wilkens raised a finger. "System? Like a video game to be clear "
"Pretty much," Peterson said. "I can level up, unlock skills, and... maybe even change the world."
Jean-Daniel whistled. "Man went full RPG protagonist."
Peterson laughed " Haha, funny Jean-Daniel " but,
Yeah!
"I'm serious," Peterson continued. "The system chose me. And I made a pact. I get power, but once a week... I have to let the Loa possess me for a day."
The room fell silent.
"Sounds... haunted," Amanda muttered.
Peterson looked them in the eyes. "I'm trying to do good with it. And when I get strong enough, I'll share that power—with you. Both of you."
Miranda's voice cracked. "You'd really let us fight too?"
"If that's what you want. But only when I reach level 10. I can only have one party member right now, and that's Jean-Daniel."
Wilkens groaned. "Still not in the party? Come on!"
Peterson chuckled. "Level 10 unlocks a new slot. You're next, bro."
"Good," Wilkens grinned. "Because I've got big ideas. Like—laser eyes."
"Wrong game, buddy," Jean-Daniel said. "But maybe flaming fists?"
Miranda raised a brow. "Wait, did you name the team something weird already?"
"Uh... I may have called us 'The Veve's Path,'" Peterson admitted.
Amanda burst out laughing. "You gave us an art gallery name."
"Alright, alright," Jean-Daniel laughed. "New name. Anyone?"
Wilkens snapped his fingers. "What about... Voodoo Clan?"
Peterson's eyes lit up. "That actually works."
Amanda smirked. "Sounds spooky. I like it."
Jean-Daniel nodded. "We'll need a logo."
Wilkens whispered, "Skulls... and snakes."
They all laughed.
---
Later that night, after everyone left, Peterson lay on his bed. The Medallion appeared in his hand—though he didn't summon it. It just... came.
"I'm already part of you," the voice whispered. "The connection is complete. The world has begun to shift."
Suddenly, a glowing notification appeared in his vision:
[SYSTEM NOTICE]
QUEST COMPLETE: Rescue the Innocent
1500 XP
500 bonus XP (Under duress)
LEVEL UP!
LEVEL: 10
New Skill Unlocked: AWE-DOMINION Instill overwhelming fear into enemies. Once affected, targets can be commanded briefly.
New Titles Acquired: – Voodoo Clan Leader: Party members receive stat bonuses and battle enhancements regardless of distance or dimension. – The Fearless Devil: Greatly enhances Strength and Willpower. Nullifies fear when facing enemies three levels above, or enemies deemed terrifying by nature.
Peterson sat up, staring at the glowing text.
He grinned.
"This... is going to be fun."