Absolute Cheater

Chapter 99 Soul Core

He watched as his soul underwent a remarkable transformation. The core, initially dim, began to shine with a soft gray hue. Slowly, it shifted to a bronze sheen, then to a polished silver. The transformation didn't stop there. Gold replaced the silver, shimmering brilliantly before transitioning to an even purer platinum. and then it continue to glow and reached a Diamond color, becoming a round Diamond Bead.

Finally, the core took on a prismatic glow, an ethereal radiance that encompassed all colors, blending them into a harmonious, ever-shifting spectrum. It pulsed with immense power, steady and refined. But then it again shifted back to Platinum color, syncing with his Mana core, which is Platinum Rank of Foundation Ranks.

Asher opened his eyes, his breath steady, though his body tingled with the aftereffects of the transformation. He raised his hand, flexing his fingers as if testing the changes within himself.

"Hmm, there's not much difference," he murmured, his voice calm yet thoughtful. "Aside from... I feel clearer, more focused."

His tone suddenly shifted, a sly edge creeping in. "And look who found me. Goody two-shoes," he remarked, his voice laced with mockery.

Standing up, he stepped forward and conjured a mirror before him. The reflection stared back, but it wasn't his true self. It was another presence entirely—the shadowed side of him that had emerged after an unfortunate accident long ago.

The figure in the mirror smirked, its eyes glowing faintly with a dark, piercing light. "I didn't think you'd come with me to another world," Asher said, his tone sad.

Alt-Asher crossed his arms, his expression dissmissing. "You don't get a choice. I am part of you, like it or not. Besides I have helped you kill your Mother Killer haven't I?"

" I don't need you" Asher said.

The reflection chuckled, a cold, haunting sound that echoed in the quiet space. "For now. But don't think for a second that I'm going to stay silent forever. You'll need me, eventually. You always do."

Asher's gaze hardened, his aura flaring slightly, a crimson hue tinged with silvery threads. "You're wrong. I don't need you—I am no longer a powerless orphan."

The reflection's smirk widened, but it obeyed, fading into the mirror until only Asher's true self remained. He sighed, dismissing the conjured mirror with a flick of his wrist.

Asher closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "Wasn't it just a split personality? Why does my soul also carry a mark of it?" he muttered, confused. Earlier, when his soul core had formed, he'd noticed a dark mark within it. Intrigued and concerned, he had tried to investigate it, only to find a shadowy figure—a miniature version of himself—sitting there. It was a stark reminder of the split personality he had dealt with in his previous life.

"So, he's the reason for the blackouts... and the missing pieces of time," Asher murmured as he shook his head. "I should've realized it sooner. It's like before."

He frowned, determination settling in his features. "I have to find a way to get rid of him," he said under his breath, clenching his fists. The presence in his soul was more than a fragment of his past—it was a lingering threat.

Trying to focus, he dismissed the troubling thought and instead examined the core within him. "So, this is what a soul core is, huh?" he muttered, activating Absolute Appraisal to gain more insight.

[Soul Core]

Description: A core formed after the soul undergoes numerous purifying refinements, elevating it to a level where it can cultivate and harness soul energy.

Soul Energy: A neutral and pure energy that exists at the foundation of all life with a soul. It possesses dual properties: the ability to heal and nurture or destroy and obliterate other souls, depending on their strength compared to the user.

Asher's eyes gleamed as he read the details. "Soul energy, a neutral force capable of both creation and destruction..." he mused. His mind raced with possibilities, but the realization of its destructive potential gave him pause.

"If I'm not careful with this... I could destroy more than I intend to heal," he whispered, his thoughts turning back to the dark fragment within him. Could it use the soul energy against him? Could it grow stronger with time?

[Host cannot, as it is not a separate entity but rather your own soul,] the system informed him, cutting through Asher's thoughts.

"So, it's just me," he muttered, nodding slightly. "Is there any way to purge it?"

[Host possesses the Inheritance. There are many ways to separate a soul,] the system suggested.

Asher frowned, shaking his head. "And let others find out about my system? No, thanks."

He leaned back, crossing his arms as he contemplated the situation. If there's even the slightest chance I fail to deal with it properly, it could cause a massive problem later. But then again... it's not like it's ever actually harmed me, he reasoned aloud.

The truth was undeniable—it hadn't attacked or obstructed him. Despite its ominous presence and occasional blackouts, there was no evidence that the fragment meant him ill.

"For now, I'll leave it," Asher decided, his voice firm. "It's a part of me, even if it's an unwelcome one." He stood tall, adjusting his sword as he turned his focus back to the tower.

"Sadly, I can't climb further right now," Asher muttered to himself, stepping aside to open the Tower Shop. His eyes scanned the glowing interface, filled with countless treasures waiting to be claimed.

"Just as I thought—no Soul Ascension Potion. But there's Sword Aura Ascension and other Aura or Magic Ascension Potions available," he noted, scrolling through the list.

"Hmm... the low-grade ones cost 1,000 coins, while the middle-grade costs 3,000 coins," he mused, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "Bah, I can make a middle-grade potion by fusing two low-grade ones for just 2,000 coins. But I don't really need them right now."

Asher looked at other section trying to find something that will be useful to him.