The Purpose and Life Crystal Ball Soul Consent

"The third question," the woman paused, her unwavering gaze fixed upon Allen.

"What is your intention behind obtaining the power crystal ball?"

Upon encountering this question, Allen's demeanor underwent a brief pause, his gaze descending as his eyes lightly closed, plunging into introspection.

After his passing, a culmination of treachery by the two women he once held closest to his heart—his younger sister and cherished fiancée—catalyzed his rebirth. This orchestration was guided by an enigmatic force known as "The System."

Within this renewed life, his paramount aim centered on confronting those who had betrayed him in his former life—chiefly Lecia, his younger sister, and Alice, his once-beloved fiancée.

The intensity of his animosity for these two women ran deep, especially upon remembering their visages—images that summoned forth memories of his heart-wrenching betrayal.

Yet, as the sands of time flowed on, his tumultuous sentiments began to subside, affording him the space to contemplate.

"Is my sole aspiration revenge upon Lecia and Alice?" Allen's inner thoughts circled back to this query, a perplexed note weaving through his contemplation.

Did his purpose solely hinge on seeking revenge for the torment inflicted by betrayal in his past life?

Wasn't it all a result of his own naive misjudgment and his erroneous belief that these two individuals were worthy of his protection and care?

Then, at what juncture did their paths diverge, leading them to align themselves with the hero against him?

Was it his oversight, his disregard for humanity's latent nature of avarice and greed?

Invariably, humans pursued advantage without compunction, a tendency reflected in his perspective—his conclusion that the situation echoed his own betrayal by Lecia and Alice, where the hero held a substantial advantage over him.

"Do Lecia and Alice truly deserve my reproach?" A pang gripped Allen's heart, a turmoil that gnawed at him.

In this moment, he confronted unexpected and uncharted confusion.

In many ways, this third question encapsulated the ultimate examination of one's innermost depths.

Yet Allen's turmoil abruptly dissipated when his recollections encompassed the sight of his mother, Greta, her smile radiating warmth as she intervened to save him from the hero's lethal assault, sparing him from instant death.

Simultaneously, his memories resurfaced of his mother's radiant smile while he savored the food she had prepared.

Recollections unfurled of his younger sister, Irina Frey, a presence he had once dismissed, sacrificing herself to shield him from the hero's onslaught.

Simultaneously, the contrasting memory of Irina's gleeful smile, emblematic of their cherished moments, surged forth.

Visions from both his previous and current lives converged, infusing his once hollow heart with resolute purpose.

Slowly, he opened his eyes, locking gazes with the woman, whose unwavering smile seemed attuned to the subtle shifts in Allen's demeanor.

"Have you uncovered your purpose in attaining the formidable power of the life crystal ball?" The woman was leaning her chin in her palms, her gaze fixed on Allen inquisitively.

Allen, in response, fashioned a more tranquil countenance and offered a light nod.

"Indeed, my aim in gaining such potent might revolves around vengeance and safeguarding what holds significance to me," Allen briefly expounded, a faint smile curving his lips.

"Oh? Might you elaborate further?" The woman's inquiry carried a note of curiosity.

With a leisurely sip of his tea, Allen proceeded to explain, "It entails avenging wrongs committed against me by a certain individual."

Amidst his thoughts, the image of that perplexing figure persisted—the hero summoned by the kingdom of Eldoria.

"And how, exactly, do you intend to achieve this?" The woman's smile remained as she posed further questions.

Allen's lips curled, and he responded with casual aplomb, "By settling scores with the man responsible for my grievances."

Once more, the image of the hero summoned by the kingdom of Eldoria occupied Allen's mind.

"Additionally, I am resolute in shielding those who matter most to me, thus evading the grip of remorse in days to come." Allen's smile radiated warmth as he addressed the woman.

"Am I in the clear?" he asked playfully of the woman.

After listening to all of Allen's answers, the woman laughed and stood up from her chair in excitement.

"I appreciate your attitude, and without a doubt, I'm in agreement to enter into a contract with you!" The woman exclaimed with joy.

Allen chuckled in response and rose from his seat, regarding the woman with a serene expression.

"So, shall we formalize the contract now?" Allen smiled, addressing the woman.

"Absolutely!" The woman readily consented, her enthusiasm unwavering as she brought her palms together.

In an instant, a blue-hued crystal ball emerged from her left chest and hovered in the air.

The woman touched the crystal ball, casting a smile at Allen.

"I, the crystal ball of life, do hereby acknowledge Allen Frey as my rightful owner!" Her gentle voice unexpectedly resonated throughout the garden, and the radiant crystal ball in her hand swiftly darted towards Allen's left chest.

"Whoooshh!" A brilliant light engulfed the entire garden, as if consuming it in its radiance.

Gradually, the brilliance began to wane, ultimately vanishing.

Allen, who had shut his eyes to shield them from the intense light, gradually reopened them.

He observed that the woman's figure before him was softly glowing, as if on the brink of dissolving.

"What's happening to you?" Allen inquired with concern, hastening his steps towards the woman.

Upon hearing Allen's worried query, the woman bestowed a gentle smile and suddenly embraced him.

"Our contract is established, and naturally, I'm returning to my original form." Her murmured words carried a quiet intensity as her eyes gently closed, as if savoring the embrace shared with Allen.

Upon hearing this, Allen nodded in immediate comprehension and gently embraced the woman.

"I'm truly grateful that you've chosen me," he whispered softly into her ear, expressing his gratitude.

As the resonance of Allen's gratitude reached her ears, the woman shook her head slightly and reciprocated by murmuring softly into his ear.

"Don't extend your thanks, for the eight of us are destined to return to our original owners..." Her voice, infused with tenderness and enigma, echoed within Allen's consciousness.

Confusion swept over Allen, prompting him to ask almost involuntarily, "What do you mean?"

Yet, before he could grasp an answer, the woman had vanished, leaving Allen standing alone in the garden, which was gradually shattering like fragile glass.

"What do you mean?" Allen repeated it in a murmur, only to find himself gripped by an inexplicable force, pulling him away from the disintegrating garden.