26 A Clash of Souls (1/2)

Rose stopped in front of the seven mid Intermediate Awaken cultivators, chest puffed out, hands on her hips, chin stuck up, and an evil smile on her face. \”You guys shouldn't be this lazy when your friends are fighting for their lives. You should have charged forward instead of waiting for me to come, shame on you.\”

The ridicule in Rose's tone set ablaze the rage in the seven cultivators' hearts, but they didn't abandon their rationality and attack. Since Rose's companions were that powerful, the seven didn't doubt that she as the party leader was equally dangerous.

Ral Bal signaled with his gaze at a bald human to use his Awakened Skill on Rose. In response, the bald human immediately let out a concentrated somniferous gas from his mouth.

Rose snorted coldly upon Ral Bal's signal and the obvious actions of the bald human, she had no idea what kind of gas that cultivator was releasing, and still she wasn't even a bit afraid of it. Her Awakened Skill allowed her to control the smell, which, in essence, was the product of certain mix of substances carried by the wind reaching the chemical sensors of one's nose. So, when she used her Awakened Skill to conceal her smell, she was basically manipulating chemical substances! Of course, her control was very limited in strength since it was meant only to conceal smells and flavors.

Moments later, the bald human revealed a shocked expression. \”Impossible! My somniferous gas has been completely stopped before it could reach her! For a Wind Element Awakened Skill user to be able to do this, it must be at least at the Full Awaken Stage!\” He then turned to look in disbelief at Thorn who was only at the Intermediate Awaken stage.

It must be known that for a Wind Element Awakened Skill user to be able to control all kinds of gases; that is to say, to have control over every matter related to one's Awakened Skill; the user had to first reach the Full Awaken stage.

Of course, Special Awakened Skill users not always follow this rule; for example, Rose.

*Pow!!*

With a loud reverberation, Rose's punch slammed into the distracted cultivator's face! The strike was so powerful it broke that human's neck!

*Pun!*

His body fell, dead.

\”I stopped your attack.\” Rose said, evidently annoyed by the bald human's disrespect. He had dared to look elsewhere when his enemy was her, even though she had been right in front of him!

*Gasp*… *Gasp*… *Gasp*…

Clear gasps of astonishment could be heard coming from the remaining six cultivators. They now knew that they shouldn't let her close in on them.

All of them retreated backward while Ral Bal dragged the corpse of his comrade.

\”Someone, give him medicine!\” Ral Bal shouted as he set up an earth wall between them and Rose.

A male shadow human quickly took out a bottle with medicine and started to treat the bald human's heavy injuries. Based on the speed of the healing, it was evident that it would take several minutes to repair that broken neck. It wasn't certain whether or not the bald human's soul would last long enough for his body to recover.

At that moment, Rose looked down at her broken, bloody fist and frowned. (It doesn't matter how amazing my martial arts are, my body still can't handle them.)

Suddenly, that fist began to heal itself, and, in the blink of an eye, it returned to its best condition!

Rose's eyes unconsciously turned toward Thorn who was being madly attacked by the three knights, a faint smile then appeared on her face.

Around this time, Arnold Alch was pulling out his hair in frustration, without knowing what to do but knowing that he had to do something! (They are monsters! I can't even start to understand the real strength of their souls!)

In the end, Arnold Alch gritted his teeth and, casting his enraged stare at Rose's eyes, activated his Awakened Skill. (I should be at least strong enough to defeat her!)

At that moment, Rose's vision turned dark.

Thorn abruptly opened his eyes. (Damn it! Arnold has invaded Rose's soul!) Worry could be seen in the depths of his violet eyes. (My understanding on souls is still too shallow. I can't help her. If I forcibly interfere, I may put her in greater danger…)

*Sigh*…

A helpless sigh escaped out of him, and he once again closed his eyes. (I'm sorry, Rose. You'll have to overcome this on your own.)

By now, the darkness had already vanished from Rose's line of sight. Rose's soul had appeared within a white marble room. In front of her was Arnold Alch, looking at her coldly.

\”Rose, why are you risking your life working as a mercenary? Shouldn't you be within the safety of the walls of your castle?\” He asked, a hint of confusion in his voice.

Feeling like her chest were being tightened by the bizarre situation she was in, she answered: \”I got expelled from my family.\” Her own words greatly surprised her. Unexpectedly, she couldn't lie right now.

Since that was the case, she tried to discover whether or not Arnold Alch was in the same situation. \”How does your Awakened Skill work?\” She probed.

He stayed silent for a moment; and abruptly dashed toward her, showing a fierce expression.

Rose immediately understood Arnold Alch's physical strength and took a defensive stance, a sense of foreboding welling up inside of her.

*Pow!*

His punch bumped on her forearms and, just as Rose had expected, she was sent flying backward.

The exchange caused Arnold Alch to sigh in relief. (Her bones are soft. My soul is much stronger than hers.) He then followed up with a second dash.