Soul-self smiled. "Fatheema, don't worry. Look at this!"
She opened her right hand, and from her palm a glowing projection appeared, forming a rectangular panel. It displayed two columns, one white and one black, each with values beside them.
"This is our scoreboard, also called the virtual dashboard."
"The white is called Benevolence, and the black is called Sin."
"Benevolence represents the good deeds we've accumulated—from helping others, defeating evil creatures, or saving lives. The Benevolence score, or BNV, can be used to purchase soul-books."
"Right now, we have 2000 BNV points, gained from fighting the spirit creature and saving Mrs. Yuyun. For now, that's enough and I've already selected two important soul-books for us, based on our current needs."
"What about the black score? What are we supposed to do with that?"
"I'm not entirely sure," Soul-self replied. "We are one entity existing in different realms. I live within the mental world, just as you live in the physical one.
Now that our consciousness is connected—although mine is at a higher level—I still need space to grow.
But that black score… it's something that must be paid off. Usually through suffering or sadness—something unpleasant."
"Oh my God… that sounds terrifying. How do we avoid it?" Fatheema felt uneasy. The uncertainty filled her mind with fear and worry.
"Forget about that for now. Take these two soul-books, study them, and master them."
Soul-self released two box-shaped books that floated toward Fatheema.
The first book was silver, the second gold.
The moment they touched her hands—her body jolted, as if she were floating. Strange symbols, like unknown letters, appeared in the surrounding space. They swirled around her, then vanished into her body along with the books.
For a moment, Fatheema stood still in awe. Miraculously, the knowledge from both books was already inside her mind.
"The gold book… it's about inner force, or mana. It teaches how to train and use it. Mana can be used to create supernatural power."
"The silver book… it's about techniques to lighten the body and enhance speed. It improves agility—very useful for escaping danger."
"Fatheema, knowing is not the same as mastering. You must keep training. Since our consciousness is connected, whether you train mentally or physically, it will still benefit you," Soul-self reminded her.
"Now I will return to the mental realm. You should go back to the physical world—continue searching for your friends and find a way out of this place. If something important happens, I'll contact you through your visions."
"What? You're leaving? But I'm still confused about what to do!"
"Fatheema, even this dream realm requires energy. Time is almost up. Stay strong."
Soul-self faded and disappeared.
Fatheema jolted awake.
The walls of the cave trembled violently, like an earthquake. Stones fell from the ceiling, and the glowing orb above flickered as if it were about to go out.
Even worse, the air in several areas became distorted, forming cracks.
Startled, her heart pounded. Instinctively, she leaped left and right, dodging falling stalactites.
"Oh my God, what's happening?!"
The shaking intensified—and the yellow orb went dark.
Her eyes ignited with a purple glow, her irises deep crimson.
Parts of the cave began collapsing.
Fear overwhelmed her.
***
Whoosh!
In the darkness, a red blur darted out from dense foliage.
"So the Alas Roban Forest really is haunted, just like its reputation."
A girl dressed in red, with pale skin and long waist-length hair tied with beads at the ends, walked slowly while glancing behind her.
She was beautiful, but her eyes were slightly narrow with lifted outer corners. Her ears were unusual—long and pointed like a fox's.
"That was close. I almost got swallowed by one of the forest's creatures.
The whispers… the shadows that drain your consciousness… If you get trapped there, you'll never come out."
"Richard, Jessica… I'm sorry. I hope you're okay. Once I get the energy orb, I'll find a way to save you."
Before her stood a massive dome-shaped stone mountain.
"Finally… the giant dome. I hope I can seize the energy orb. We really need it."
She walked along its edge.
After some time, she reached a river mouth that seemed to pass straight through the mountain.
She quickly ran toward the cave connected to the river.
Suddenly—the ground shook violently!
Distortions and cracks appeared in the air.
She swiftly avoided them, lowering her body as she ran—and transformed into a red fox.
She dashed into the darkness of the cave and vanished.
**
Inside the cave, Fatheema continued leaping frantically, avoiding falling rocks and terrifying distortions.
"Dad! Mom! Someone, help me! Oh God, I don't want to die!"
Moments later, the tremors stopped. The cracks disappeared. The yellow orb flickered, then lit up again.
The cave, which had nearly collapsed, began to restore itself—as if by magic.
"Hey… what just happened?!"
"An earthquake, distortions, cracks in the air… what kind of place is this? Where did that thug Hanako bring me?"
"What world is this? The cave almost collapsed… and now it's repairing itself?!"
"I have to get out of here. At least find a wider space… figure out where I am… find my friends and go home."
"I'm sure once I leave this dark cave, I'll find some clues."
"I'll gather food and water first, then find a way out."
She hurried to collect the fruits scattered around.
***
The fox ran swiftly along the river inside the cave until it reached a fork in the path—a trail sloping upward, away from the river.
"This path probably leads to storage chambers or portals. The energy orb should be there."
"I'll take this route."
She ran along the path until suddenly—
She stopped abruptly and hid behind a rock.
"Oops… guards. Cave gorillas. Why are there so many? Giant centipedes too?"
"Is it always like this?"
"Or are they searching for something?"
"I'll sneak through them… and find the energy orb they're guarding."
The fox stood—and transformed into a gorilla the size of an adult human.
Slowly, she walked toward the group of cave gorillas and giant centipedes.
"Hey! Where have you been?!" a deep voice barked.
"I came from the river. I had something to do," she replied briefly.
"What kind of business?!"
"Sorry… I needed to relieve myself," she answered awkwardly.
"Next time, don't wander off from the group!"
"Yes, sorry. It was urgent—I couldn't hold it!"
The fake gorilla quickly blended into the group.
She observed her surroundings, searching for a path deeper into the cave.
"I'll blend in and find where this formation leads. These gorillas and centipedes are beast soldiers… something must have happened to make them patrol like this. They're definitely searching for something."
The disguised gorilla continued walking through the dark tunnel, heading deeper into the cave.
***