Chapter 26: Echoes from the Loa's World
In the ethereal twilight of the Loa's World, the air shimmered with glowing wisps, and ancient trees with violet leaves bent ever so slightly to whisper secrets to one another. Grant Zaka sat alone in a vast chamber carved from obsidian stone, its walls lined with ancient tomes and spiritual relics. A single candle flickered beside him, casting long shadows.
He pulled a massive leather-bound book from the shelf—its cover marked with a deep crimson pentagram, scorched around the edges, as if touched by dark fire.
"Let's see what secrets you're hiding today," Grant muttered.
He opened the tome with reverence. The pages whispered as they turned, revealing knowledge long forbidden or forgotten. Then he stopped.
THE MEDALLION OF THE MIDNIGHT KING
His eyes narrowed.
"It was created by the Midnight King himself... but granted to Zed Zobop?" Grant whispered.
Zed Zobop—the powerful, legendary leader of the Zobop clan. Known for his rituals that bordered on madness, yet revered for his control over dimensions.
Grant's eyes scanned further: "Zed went missing during a dimensional expedition. A year later, his brother Makandal claimed leadership. Ruthless. Feared. He silences all who question him."
Grant's expression darkened. "Makandal..." he growled, slamming the book shut.
"If anyone knows the medallion's fate, it's him. But confronting him will require... caution."
As Grant Zaka exited the chamber, his footsteps echoing against the polished stone floor, a small figure emerged from behind the heavy door.
Lili Zaka.
Her bright green eyes sparkled with mischief as she crept inside, pulling the ancient tome back open. Her fingers traced the page until she found the same section about the medallion.
"I knew it," she whispered with a grin. "That human has it. I have to see him."
She flipped further into the book, landing on a worn page.
TRAVELING TO THE HUMAN WORLD - PHYSICAL ENTRY
Only Loa born of water essence may cross into the human realm physically.
Entry through water gates. Limited to 24 hours. Cooldown: 7 days.
Lili's grin widened. "That's more than enough time."
She skipped out of the chamber, already planning her journey.
Meanwhile, back in Cap-Haïtien...
Peterson lay flat on his bed, arms folded behind his head, eyes glowing slightly in the dim room.
The soft hum of the Voodoo System filled his ears as he stared at the translucent blue screen hovering above him. He flicked between menus using only his thoughts, navigating like a pro.
[STATUS]
• Player Level: 10
• HP: 100/100
• XP: 120/1000
• Skills:
• Basic Combat (Level 2)
• Crafter (Level 3)
• Summoner (Level 1)
• Bestower (Level 1)
He opened a tab labeled [Party Members] and smiled.
Jean-Daniel: Level 6
• XP: 575/600
• Skills: Adaptive Form, Weapon Manifestation, Seismic Pulse, Material Shot
Wilkens: Level 3
• XP: 250/300
• Skills: Shadow Manipulation, Shadow Travel, Night Boost, Intelligence Buff
Peterson scratched his chin. "So that's why... Jean-Daniel was added before Wilkens. He's getting XP faster."
Another line appeared beneath it:
Shared XP: 25% from party actions.
He blinked, then smirked.
"That means when they get stronger... so do I. Nice."
Then a quest box popped up:
[Main Quest: Unlock Additional Party Slots]
Reach Level 20
Reward:
+2 Party Slots
+5 Bonus in All Stats
"Oh, that's what I'm talking about."
He chuckled.
The light flickered slightly as he flipped to another screen—his system library. But then, his enhanced hearing picked up something.
His mother's voice.
Not loud. Not talking to anyone. Just her, whispering to herself from the kitchen.
"Lord, how am I going to feed them next week...? I spent too much today. The market was dry. Not enough sales..."
Peterson's heart sank. His body stilled.
He clenched his fists beneath his blanket.
I need to find work again, he thought. But... it's gotta be secret.
The thought of joining the gang again twisted in his stomach, but he felt cornered. He sighed.
"I can't let her carry all of this alone."
Just then, there was a soft knock at his door.
"Come in," he said without moving.
Amanda and Miranda peeked in, trying to act casual.
"Hey," Amanda said. "You okay?"
"Yeah," he lied.
"We heard Mom talking..." Miranda added. "But don't worry. We're not gonna rat you out. If you gotta do... whatever you're doing, we get it."
Peterson sat up, ruffling both their heads.
"You two scare me sometimes."
Amanda grinned. "Good. Means we're doing it right."
They left the room with knowing smiles, and Peterson laid back down, the glow of the system screen dimming slightly.
He stared up at the ceiling.
"Whatever this Voodoo Path is leading me to... I just hope it's worth it."
Far away, in the depths of a shimmering pond in the forest, bubbles began to rise to the surface. A soft glow lit the water from below. A gateway was opening.
Lili Zaka was coming.
[END OF CHAPTER 26]