The city below continued its restless rhythm.
---
The unknown entity didn't attack directly—at least, not yet.
Instead, it manipulated the environment, rogue spirits, and even humans subtly, forcing me to make impossible choices.
---
> [System Alert: Psychological Manipulation – High]
---
A rogue spirit I had previously guided cornered a civilian.
A hunter, influenced indirectly by the entity, misread the situation and nearly harmed someone.
> [System Note: Moral Consequences – Escalating]
---
I hovered, heart racing.
"…I can manipulate, influence… but I can't control everything," I muttered.
Mira's voice echoed softly:
"Every ripple you create has a shadow. This one is testing that."
---
The unknown entity stepped into view.
Eyes locked on me.
Not hostile… yet.
But the aura carried a question: how far will you go, ghost, before morality bends?
---
I activated Chaotic Signature + Emotional Grounding, subtly nudging rogue spirits and humans to minimize danger.
But each action had trade-offs.
Overcorrect and humans hesitate unnecessarily.
Undercorrect and rogue spirits cause chaos.
> [Observation: Perfect balance impossible – every action has risk]
---
A hunter faltered mid-step, confused by subtle pulses.
A rogue spirit hesitated—then attacked in a way I hadn't predicted.
I dodged and countered, using environmental manipulation to block paths.
---
"…So this is what happens when influence meets unpredictability," I muttered.
"…And when morality becomes part of the battlefield."
---
Mira's voice:
"You're not just fighting enemies outside. You're fighting the consequences inside. And they're ruthless."
---
I floated above the city, assessing.
> [System Update:]
— Unknown Entity: Exploiting Weaknesses – Psychological & Tactical
— Multi-Faction Chaos: Increasingly Complex
— Rei Stress Level: Extreme – Moral Dilemma Active
---
The night hummed silently, full of tension.
And I… prepared to face not just a powerful enemy, but my own limitations.
---