The path of the Soul Emperor

Chapter 6

Ava's screams echoed through the forest, but they gradually faded as she felt her strength wane.

Anger burned in her eyes. "What did you do to me?" she demanded, her voice trembling with frustration.

[Lv110] Ava

Alex observed her, noticing that her level hadn't decreased at all. He sighed, glancing at the remaining time for the forced contract.

[23 hours] Time limit.

'I need to figure out how to extend this time limit by boosting my cultivation,' Alex thought, his mind racing.

'Or maybe I should just command her to stay here and make a run for it. Although… killing her might be the safer option before she gets loose and hunts me down.'

Ava tensed, her muscles coiling, ready to attack, but Alex quickly commanded, "Stop."

The single word acted like a chain, halting her mid-motion. Ava's eyes widened in shock as she struggled to understand why her body wasn't responding.

"What's happening? Why can't I move?" she gasped, her voice tinged with fear.

Panic took over, and an excruciating pain coursed through her, making her let out a guttural scream. "GAGAGAGAGAGA!"

She panted heavily, staring at Alex, her expression a mixture of fury and desperation. "What did you do to me?"

'Keeping her around is too risky,' Alex thought, glancing at the countdown ticking away.

He took a deep breath, ready to end this. "Stab your own heart with your claws," he commanded coldly.

Ava's hand began to rise, her fingers curling into a clawed position.

She fought back with all her might, but the pain intensified, feeling like her soul was being torn apart for resisting.

"AGAGAGAG! Please... stop!" she cried, trying to halt her own hand.

The claws inched closer to her chest, but just as they were about to pierce through, a flash of light burst through the trees.

Someone appeared with the speed of a lightning strike, stopping Ava's hand just in time.

Alex felt a powerful aura, his eyes widening as he sensed the newcomer's soul energy. It was just his unlucky day.

'Why? Why can't things ever go smoothly for me?' Alex groaned inwardly, feeling the weight of his lack of Soul Essence. He took a cautious step back, trying to assess the situation.

Standing beside Ava was another woman, more graceful and poised, with a figure that could make any man stare.

She wore a plain white dress, yet it exuded elegance, flowing around her like mist.

Ava's expression softened, a hint of relief crossing her face as she whispered, "Aurora."

[Lv168] Aurora

"Sorry," Aurora said, her voice smooth and confident, "but could you not kill my foolish friend?"

Alex rubbed the back of his neck, forcing a casual smile. "I never intended to fight in the first place."

He gestured towards Ava, who slowly regained control of her limbs, letting out a shaky sigh.

He moved to help Stella, who had been watching everything with wide, fearful eyes. "I think I'll just take my leave now."

"Wait," Aurora said, appearing in front of Alex in a blink, her piercing gaze locking onto his. "Would you mind if we had a little chat?"

'Damn it, lady, you're scaring the life out of me. Can't you just let me walk away?' Alex thought, but he plastered on a smile. "Of course. Why not?"

He sighed inwardly, knowing he didn't have much of a choice.

Aurora's lips curled into a small smile. Ava, still catching her breath, glanced at Alex with a mix of fear and curiosity. "I am Aurora, the Overlord of the Aldeca Empire. It's a pleasure to meet you."

'Aldeca' Empire… Aurora Sown?' Alex's mind reeled as recognition dawned. 'Where have I heard that name before?' His thoughts raced, and then it hit him.

'The Aldeca Empire! Aurora Sown! I'm… inside a novel I read as a teen?!'

For a moment, he stood there, dumbfounded, trying to process the bizarre realization. He'd always read that book during his downtime, never imagining he'd somehow end up living in its world.

"Yes, I know a little about you," Alex replied, trying to mask his shock.

Aurora tilted her head slightly. "Then you must know how fortunate you are. May I ask your name?"

"Alex Sylvedy," he answered.

Her smile widened. "I have seven Lords serving under me. The Seventh Lord recently died, and I'd like to offer you that position."

'Being one of the Lords of the Aldeca Empire… It's a huge opportunity,' Alex mused, weighing his options. 'But if this world follows the novel's plot, then the future of this empire is... unstable. The Soinas Empire and some unknown organization will use Aldeca as pawns. And since the story wasn't finished, I have no clue what's coming next. Best to stay independent for now.'

"Sorry, but I'll have to decline," Alex said, meeting her eyes firmly.

Aurora's eyes gleamed with intrigue. "Really?" She seemed more amused than disappointed, and Alex nodded.

"A pity," she said, with a light chuckle. "But could you at least do me a favor?"

Alex hesitated, waiting for her to continue. Aurora's smile grew. "I would like you to take care of my friend over there, Ava. She's been hiding in this forest for far too long, and I want her to see the world a bit more."

"Yay," Ava said sarcastically, but she understood the underlying meaning of Aurora's words.

'So, she wants to keep an eye on me through Ava,' Alex thought, glancing at the countdown. 'Maybe there's something I can gain from this.'

Silver flames appeared in the air, forming a contract. "Then let's make it official," Alex suggested.

"So, you possess multiple soul contracts?" Aurora inquired.

"Yes, I acquired ten from an ancient tomb," Alex replied, embellishing a little to keep her curious.

"And what terms would you propose?" Aurora asked, her tone playful yet serious.

"The terms would be that neither of us can harm the other without a valid reason, nor interfere with each other's affairs. And you can't use Ava to act against me without directly asking first."

Aurora chuckled. "Clever. But the same will apply to you—no harming my empire or my Lords without cause."

"Agreed," Alex said, impressed by her understanding of soul contracts. The contract's silver flames swirled around them, solidifying the agreement before disappearing.

Turning to Ava, Alex decided to shift her forced contract to a more standard one. "Let's draft a contract too," he said.

Ava's eyes narrowed, still wary. "The terms: I want my free will. No controlling me."

"And neither of us will harm or try to kill the other without reason," Alex added. With a flicker, the contract was sealed.

"Well then, I'll be on my way," Alex said, turning to leave the clearing with Stella following close behind.

Ava watched them go, then turned to Aurora. "It seems your plan didn't work."

"Not quite," Aurora said, a knowing smile on her lips. "But it doesn't matter. Now we have one less enemy to worry about."

"Why send me with him?" Ava asked, stepping closer.

"I know you're worried about your brothers and sisters, Ava. Use this opportunity to find them," Aurora said gently.

Ava remained silent, her gaze distant. Aurora placed a hand on her shoulder. "Go. You've stayed in this forest for too long."

{Author's Note}

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