> Existence Stability: 1%
The number stopped blinking.
Like it was waiting.
---
The woman stepped fully into the store.
The shutters rattled.
Lights dimmed.
Ethan stirred in his sleep.
"…Huh?"
"Stay asleep," she said calmly.
A faint symbol flashed.
Ethan slumped back down, unconscious.
---
> [External Suppression Detected.]
So she wasn't a hunter.
Not exactly.
---
I focused on the light inside me.
The forming core pulsed weakly.
Every second felt stolen.
---
"You're unstable," the woman said, studying the air where I hovered.
"New ghost. Reckless. Interesting choice."
"…You can see me?"
"Not clearly," she replied.
"But I can feel your will."
---
> Spirit Core: 32%
Too slow.
---
She raised her hand.
Energy gathered.
Not hostile.
Testing.
---
"If I interfere," she said lightly,
"you'll survive. But you'll owe me."
I didn't answer.
---
> Existence Stability: 0%
The number vanished.
For a moment—
Everything went silent.
---
> [Erasure Process Initiated—]
Then—
A sharp pulse exploded from my core.
---
> [Spirit Core Manifestation: Complete (Imperfect)]
Light flooded the store.
The woman stepped back, eyes narrowing.
"…You actually did it."
---
> [Beginner Task: Completed.]
> [Status Update:]
Form: Lesser Spirit (Evolving)
Existence Stability: Stabilized (Core-Based)
---
I collapsed inward.
Not fading.
Not breaking.
Still here.
---
The woman smiled.
Satisfied.
"…We'll meet again, Rei."
And then she was gone.
---
The lights returned to normal.
Ethan groaned, waking up.
"…Did I fall asleep again?"
The watch ticked steadily.
Stronger than before.
---
I floated there.
Changed.
Not alive.
Not truly dead.
But no longer disposable.
---
> [New Arc Unlocked.]
— Path of Return
> [Next Objective: Grow Stronger.]
I looked at the city beyond the shutters.
"…I'm not done yet."
---