I didn't stop moving.
Rooftops.
Alleys.
Empty floors of half-lit buildings.
Only when the city noise thinned did I slow down.
---
> Spirit Core Integrity: 65%
Not great.
Still better than erased.
---
> [Combat Data Analyzed.]
Oh?
That sounded promising.
---
A new window unfolded.
> [Skill Unlocked – Active]
Name: Emotional Pulse
Rank: Basic
Effect:
• Release condensed emotional energy as a shockwave
• Damage and disrupt spiritual entities
• Effectiveness increases with emotional density
Cost: Spirit Energy
"…So what I did, but on purpose."
> [Summary: Correct.]
"Finally."
---
I tested it lightly.
Focused.
Released.
The air rippled.
Windows nearby rattled.
---
> Spirit Energy Consumption: Minor
> Efficiency: Low
"…I need practice."
> [Recommendation: Correct.]
---
A faint ache followed.
Using it wasn't free.
Nothing was.
---
> [Passive Skill Updated:]
Emotional Resonance Lv.2
Range Increased
Emotion Filtering: Partial
"Oh thank god."
---
I drifted higher.
Scanning.
Listening.
---
The hunter's mark still lingered.
A dull pressure.
Like a brand.
> [Mark Status: Active.]
"…Can I remove it?"
> [Answer: Not yet.]
Of course not.
---
But now—
I wasn't helpless.
Not strong.
Not safe.
But capable.
---
I hovered over the city.
Neon lights below.
Storm clouds above.
---
"If this is the start," I murmured,
"then I need to stop running someday."
> [Long-Term Assessment: Inevitable.]
---
My core pulsed.
Steadier.
Stronger.
---
> [Path of Return: Progressing.]
---