Author: Thank you for reading.

‘AnarchyDev’ - Your question was actually more spot on than you think and will be answered in this chapter along with everyone else's analysis.

You guys can really be perceptive. =)

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Everyone gazed at me with looks of intrigue on their haggard appearances. Illis herself looked extremely puffed out due to the electricity affecting her suits fur. Ever since I gained the [The Chosen of Chaotic Neutral] title, everytime I do something that would be considered ‘extreme’ to a normal person no longer seems to bother them. Before they would usually make some type of comment, or at the very least feel conflicted. Now…

“Kuro, can't we just kill them and end this.” (Belle)

“*Cough* what's the matter Belle, still mad about Folgran.” (Tony)

“Don't talk about that place!” (Belle)

“Settle down Belle, before we do anything getting information takes precedence. Now let me focus.” (Kuro)

Gritting her teeth, Belle remained silent and glared heavily at the two prisoners. It’s amazing how they can resist the enslavement of the collars to a degree. But I tribute it to their abilities. Either that, or something else is at play. Dealing with this situation doesn’t allow me to think that everything is just straight forward. Thus, adding some caution before taking action is in no way a bad idea.

I would be lying also if I said I didn’t want to just kill them as well. The fact that my preparations were so easily infiltrated by the enemy is something that really grinds my soul. If it wasn’t for certain situations coming into play, it would have been too late to retaliate. This thought in itself makes my blood boil.

Discarding these thoughts I focus on the hand I placed on Tony’s chest and concentrate again on my ability to connect to ones soul. It is different from doing it to someone I’m bonded with as there are all types of barriers. However, as Tony had all of his mana expended, his defenses are rather weak making him the obvious first choice.

Willing the energy that makes up the connections I have to the others. I focus it to form a new thread and channel it through my hand into Tony.

It was rough and resistant, but his weakened self couldn’t form up any real defense against my assault. In a few minutes, I entered the realm I find everyone seems to have within them.

There I see a familiar scene. An image of Tony chained to the floor while a separate entity stands across from him with a fully formed puppet that is his spitting image. Except for it having no face at all, it resembles him perfectly. Tony’s real self is also barely there and is almost completely void of any distinguishing features besides his face.

The only real difference is the countless number of fissures all over the place that I can't explain. I feel going near them would be a bad idea so I take care to avoid them.

Looking toward the center of this place I already understood what's going on as Belle’s situation is a good reference to what is happening here. This isn’t surprising as the main problem with this whole scenario is that I wasn’t aware of their existence as a threat. Yet after gaining some clues with no real concrete evidence of them being the perpetrators, they revealed themselves on their own immediately before I even confronted them.

In the end, this encounter just made me extremely suspicious.

Stepping forward I blew away the grotesque entity and pinned the puppet down. Using my experience from before severing Tony’s chains wasn’t as difficult. His soul collapsed to the floor with barely enough strength to gaze up at me.

“You’re...Kuro...right?” (Tony)

His words were so feeble and rasp without any strength to signify he was alive. No doubt he wants to simply die here and now based on how lifeless his eyes are. Unfortunately for him, the information he holds could prove the difference I need to make a suitable counterattack against the assailants.

“Are you capable of fending off the abomination that has imprisoned you?” (Kuro)

“...No...strength.” (Tony)

There was heavy reluctance in his eyes, and he indeed carried no strength to speak of. I decided to channel magic into him and force him to fight but was met with a problem. My mana wouldn’t pass into him. It felt like there was nothing to fill at all.

“Don’t...bother...core...shattered...to...fight...you.” (Tony)

His core was shattered to fight? Who would be dumb enough to even do...ah, his ridiculous surge of mana. Maybe shattering ones core is like a last ditch effort of sorts. The aftereffects however isn’t something all that appealing if what I think is true.

“A shattered core. Does this mean you can't use magic anymore?” (Kuro)

“Uh…” (Tony)

After weakly nodding to my question the entity almost reached my location and was again blown away.

Hmm, if I kill it myself I won't know whether Tony will come out the way he was before being trapped in this state. Tony’s soul is practically on the brink and can't gather any energy to strengthen itself making his chances practically nil. So then...is it possible for me to strengthen it myself? Rather than filling his body with mana, can I just directly fill his soul since he can't do it himself.

In theory I could, but I was told that soul’s aren't so simple to meddle with. I think it would be better to do this when I gain a better understanding. I’ll just have to settle for the more riskier option I restoring his core enough to simply hold mana.

“Tony, I’m going to fix your core enough for you to strengthen yourself, so prepare yourself accordingly.” (Kuro)

He gazed up at me in disbelief as I started the treatment. As time seems to move slower in this place I felt that my analysis of his couldn’t take too much time. Blowing away the entity again, I started focusing [Magic Hands] to start the reconstruction.

As I myself has analyzed my own body countless times to try and find those accursed seals in the past. I have a decent understanding of the structure of a mana core. Putting his back together felt more like finishing a puzzle and took no more than 10 minutes as my [Soul Bound Mind] trait helped me remember the intricate shards shapes and found the proper positions without much issue.

“There, now prepare to answer to a lot of my questions when we are done here.” (Kuro)

Filling his repaired core slowly, Tony began restoring his soul slowly. It was obvious he wanted to simply fade away as he cursed his existence. But he did as I told and regained his corporeal form.

The space around us which held countless cracks, slowly closed as Tony prepared to strike back against his most hated enemy. In a familiar standoff, he fought back with the monster as the surroundings slowly formed into what seemed to be a library. Bright light pushed away the dark space as I opened my eyes in my real body. Countless notifications flooded my vision as I brushed it aside for later viewing.

“Belle, it seems you weren’t the only puppet in all of this.” (Kuro)

“Huh?” (Belle)

“*Cough* Shit…*Weak breathing noises*...Belle right. Nice to actually talk to you as my real self. Like you, Kuro pulled me out of the clutches of that damn monster. I would of rather he just killed me, but it seems I’m not allowed to just die.” (Tony)

Belle looked at Tony as he had a self deprecating smile in shock as she clenched her fists in frustration. She turned away in tears as she realized the one who ruined her life is still out there.

“Tony, if I’m to assume, Tilly here is also under control.” (Kuro)

“Ah, just so you know, Tony isn’t my real name. Also, yes she is.” (Tony?)

“I see, well, tell me your real name after I’m done with her.” (Kuro)

“Don't touch me!” (Tilly?)

I ignored the endless rants coming off of the girl. Ever since we defeated her, she has endlessly been yelling how we are going to die, etc, etc. nothing really interesting.

As she was in a similar state to, whoever Tony really is, the only really annoying thing was breaking through her defenses. After that, all I had to do was repair her core and have her kill the invader.

“Kuh, all this time…*Sob*.” (Tilly?)

“I understand you had a difficult time, but can the both of you give me your real names to make communication between us simple.” (Kuro)

As if their names had no value left to them, they revealed themselves to be Ward and Wynet, names still starting with the same letter. The two are still siblings but weren’t normally together most of the time. As they were usually separated, one was taken and used to lure the other one to be controlled as well.

“Well then, how about the two of you start telling me everything that's going on since time is short.” (Kuro)

The two didn’t even hesitate to tell me everything they could. Since they were already practicing magic, the two had some ability to resist and see what was going on around them. Far different from how Belle was toyed with as she had no such experience.

…

The two were originally members of a magic organization that hid themselves in order to avoid conflict with the major powers. Most mages have sought refuge there and is also the reason why they have become rather scarce. The main point of this organization was to gather young talents to nurture and protect each other from abuse.

It seems they were supposed to be guardians for someone important to them when they finished their studies. The two elaborated that it was something they wanted to do as they were friends with the one they wanted to protect.

However, this organization of mages was discovered by a rather sinister order that eventually seized control as they were caught off guard. Similar to what almost happened to my group. They don't know everything about what happened afterwards but know that this order desired to keep civilization in the dark.

Ward was actually using what little control he had to give me clues on the situation as he expected me to simply kill him rather than free him.

Do I seriously seem the type to kill people without asking questions first...scratch that, my track record doesn’t help this argument. The amount of idiots I killed without listening to them just makes me look like an indiscriminate killer. I may have to work on that...maybe if people weren't so...forget it, back onto the main subject.

People tend to be harder to control when their minds are stimulated so it makes sense to target stupid people. Other than catching them off guard, controlling people with strong personas is rather difficult from what Wynet says. Eliminating ones ego entirely is also only possible if the person themselves gives up entirely.

The only reason Ward and Wynet held on was because they still wanted to pass on their wish to stop the order that took over their organization. Belle had her brother to influence her mental strength so she managed to hold on for the most part. But why the man himself gave up is still a mystery.

Could it be due to a trauma? It's not impossible to think he had issues he buried deep since he had a previous life of experiences. It doesn’t really matter much to me at this point though.

What really troubled me was that after discovering the existence of the chosen sent by the gods thanks to Belle’s brother being discovered. They searched all over for their locations to either kill or use them the same way they did to others.

One of them being killed due to him being difficult to deal with and was eventually back stabbed by his companions.

In truth, the chosen were being infiltrated since long before I met Belle’s brother. So this means that Kronum’s chosen, from what Amare told me, wasn’t killed because of him being unfaithful, but due to this order of dark mages taking out an enemy from the shadows.

These gods couldn’t even tell the difference between an attack and a betrayal. What the hell is wrong with these guys. Amare better give them hell for their incompetence.

“Does this mean that they have already tracked down the others too?” (Kuro)

“They used the information they got from Belle’s brother himself to find them immediately. The strange messages he received from his patron was what lead us to you as well.” (Ward)

Those idiot gods sent enemies right to my doorstep! Literally!

“Son of a…*Deep Breath*...is there anything else.” (Kuro)

If I was mad enough to kill Ward and Wynet simply because I didn’t notice their danger. Than the rage I feel and pain I want to inflict upon these gods can't be put to words.

“Yes, as you may have guessed, this was a distraction. The order became heavily interested in your creations. While we lored you here, they planned on raiding your lab to steal your blueprints and tools.” (Wynet)

A smiled creeped onto my face hearing this. Blueprints? Like I ever needed such a thing. Not to mention, hahaha, I rigged my lab to detonate the moment anything was tampered with. The number of triggers amount to more than 100. Whenever I leave my lab, they are always reset to ensure nothing is taken.

The others are fully aware of my habits and avoid the place entirely. I even set up a warning signal for them as they were told previously that it was to signify evacuation. The question is, does the would be thief know?

…

Arriving at the half destroyed inn, a scorched black body is found within a pile of rubble.

...So much of my materials...gone. Fortunately I hid most of the higher quality things I found from my father's sect in a separate location since I figured this could happen at some point. Not like I really wanted it to really happen though.

Whether or not that is just another victim or the mage himself, doesn't seem possible to discover as nothing really survived the blast. Rather, him still having a corpse is more amazing to me.

I sent Beth to retrieve the townspeople so I can start liberating them seeing as the danger has finally passed for now.

Everyone was rather depressed as they rather enjoyed their new home. Fortunately, other than some serious burns here and there along with some serious fatigue, they would be fine after I treat them. Abra and her son Neil also avoided the conflict entirely as they don't have any combat strength.

“I was thinking, don't you guys want to just live in my family's estate since it can be better defended?” (Kuro)

“What about the village?” (Tammy)

“I can have other people run it while I set things in motion to get everything back in order. If anything I’m just gonna turn this place into a fort with an inn for people passing through. Having that farmer help with keeping the place stocked with food can also help manage the place. Keeping this as a simple village doesn’t seem like a smart move in my opinion.” (Kuro)

Maybe I could also set up some checkpoints along the way to Labrindel. The other city with the last middle class sect also needs to be raided to usurp it into my control as well. Not to mention it could already be under the radar of those damn dark mages.

As I started formulating new plans to deal with this situation while removing the control over the villagers. I couldn’t help scorning the gods for their incapability. Amare and Val seem to be dealing with a real bunch of wastrels.

I then remembered the notifications I got when I freed Ward.

*Ding*

New skill aquired.

New titles received. [Enemy of Restraints] and [Hated Chosen of the Gods (5/8)]

[Acolyte of Chaos] has gained new properties.

User gained 2 levels.

User gained 15 CP.

Hahaha, not like I want their approval in the first place, one of them seem to also hold no malice toward me. Probably Selerius from what Amare told me during one of our tea sessions. Whatever, let's check out that skill.

Spiritual ControlPassive SkillMastery 1/100Description:The user has better control over their soul.Effects:Soul Strength +1%

Spiritual Perception +1%

Spiritual Endurance +1%

Skill updates available.

Fusion of three compatible skills detected.

[Physical Control], [Mana Control] and [Spiritual Control] are capable of fusing into a more dominant skill. Do you wish to Fuse these skills? [Yes] or [No]

Interesting. Does this even need to be asked when it seems to only benefit me as it's a more dominant skill. [Yes]

*Ding*

Selection confirmed. Initializing command.

Full Body ControlPassive SkillMastery 26/100Description:The user has better control over their existence.Effects:Physical Control 100% synchronized.

Mana Control 100% synchronized.

Spiritual Control 4% synchronized.

+10% to all effects when everything is fully synchronized.

Synchronization? Does that mean that when [Spiritual Control] reaches 100% it gains all the benefits as if it were already trained up or does it have a different effect at 100% other than the overall boost? Does it improve faster in this state or if it was a separate skill? A lot of things I need to figure out about this. Regardless that boost to all effects is something that really makes this skill amazing.

I wonder what other skills I need to cause similar things to occur since I know inferior skills will be removed.

I’ll think on this after I check on my permanent class.

Acolyte of ChaosDescription:As the Champion of Chaos, you scoff at superficial limits. Only fools limit themselves to the possibilities around them. Insights and understanding will improve the user, as well as gaining stats and abilities upon achieving each form of enlightenment.[Analyst Rank 2] - X1.02 Wisdom {Calculate}

[Scout Rank 1] - X1.01 Dexterity

[Mana Adept Rank 1] - X1.01 Focus, {Magic Boost}

[Augmentator Rank 1] - {Augment Boost}

[Warrior Rank 1] - X1.01 Strength, {Prowess}

[Spiritualist Rank 1] - {Soul Guard}, {Spirit Boost}

Compared to when I first got this class, the difference is great. [Scout] showed up after hunting around during my trip to Birgen. [Mana Adept], [Augmentator] and [Warrior] appeared after my fight with my father. The newest one is this [Spiritualist]. Obviously due to my recent activities concerning the soul, this new aspect appeared.

As with the previous system these aspects can all grow stronger over time. The abilities they give aren't skills but enhancements relating to them. No doubt these enhancements will also grow stronger over time. In all possibility, they may even combine with other aspects like with my skills from before.

The potential for this class is without question, immense.

Given the situation, I will have to endeavor to grow a lot stronger given that I’m already being targeted by some rather annoying enemies.

“Brother, my hair won't go down…*whimper*, since your done with the villagers, uh *teary eyed*.” (Illis)

“...Come here, let me help.” (Kuro)

“Ah! Me too.” (Puerial)

“...” (Shiro)

“Um.” (Shirley)

“What's the big deal, it looks funny.” (Beth)

“Then why are you getting in line.” (Tammy)

“Geh, well...hahaha.” (Beth)

“Sorry uh, me too.” (Belle)

“Don't leave me out.” (Layla)

*Sigh* who worries about hair at a time like this. Stupid spell.

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A/N: Those dang tables.

Well I hope you enjoyed the chapter. Look forward to the epilogue.