(ch 8)awakening

Rin sensed a stirring within her, a sudden awakening that jolted her into alertness. Startled, she clutched her chest and peered into the abyss, attempting to grasp the nature of this peculiar occurrence. Neither painful nor unpleasant, it carried an unfamiliar essence, distinct from any prior encounters. It felt as if her very soul were roused from slumber, suffused with a peculiar and potent vigor.

Yet, this energy did not emanate from an external origin; rather, it surged forth from deep within her, as if it had always resided there, dormant.

This potent force permeated every fiber of her being. Rin's emotions sharpened and intensified, each one growing clearer and more defined. Concurrently, her physical form underwent a transformation. Within her chest, she perceived a miniature star ablaze, radiating waves of warmth that gradually extended to her abdomen, shoulders, limbs, hands, and feet.

Beneath this gentle heat, her bones, muscles, organs, and blood vessels underwent a process of rejuvenation and restructuring. Rin felt reborn, as though an entirely new version of herself was emerging. She grew stronger, swifter, and healthier with each passing moment.

An overwhelming euphoria engulfed her, sweeping her away on its intoxicating tide.

With each passing second, Rin's transformation grew more profound, instilling newfound confidence in her heart. No longer was she a weak and frail street kid, vulnerable to those who sought to bully her in the past.

Awakening her powers and enduring the horrors of the First Nightmare had tempered her will, making her someone not to be crossed.

After some time, the star burning within her chest finally cooled, replaced by a soothing coldness that swept away the accumulated aches and discomfort in her body. This coldness ascended, reaching her brain, and her eyes felt warmth for several seconds before...

Her vision inexplicably doubled.

She could still perceive the void adorned with an infinite pattern of stars, but now, she beheld something entirely different.

A tranquil sea, bathed in the gentle glow of a solitary sun.

Drawing from her previous knowledge, Rin recognized this as her soul sea, brimming with vibrant life. The star suspended above-the visual manifestation of her soul core-radiated with brilliant light, suffusing the Soul Sea with a warm, dazzling radiance.

Rin directed her gaze toward the sun, and upon closer inspection, it revealed its transparent nature. With no other significant source of light present, the star appeared as the brightest entity in its surroundings.

Curiously, this realm was meant to be hers alone, her soul after all. Yet, Rin couldn't shake the nagging feeling that just beyond her peripheral vision, concealed within the darkness, amorphous shapes perpetually moved. No matter how she turned her head, a clear glimpse eluded her, but the sensation persisted.

Deciding not to dwell on this for now, Rin returned her attention to the sun and eventually discerned a luminous sphere orbiting it, seemingly caught in the gravitational pull of her soul core. A subtle smile graced her face.

That sphere was her memory:widows bane... She imagined lots of spheres in her collection and grinned again

'that's my goal'

Rin hurriedly summoned the runes. She wanted to see her information

Name: Rin

True Name: ghost of the red clan

Rank: Dreamer.

Life Core: Dormant.

Life Fragments: [28/1000].

Number of soul shards consumed: [0]

'What? Ayo, what's that right there?'

In place of the expected rank of her soul core, a mysterious phrase appeared: "Life Fragments." Rin stared at it, in confusion. She had never heard of anyone possessing a different type of core before. How special was she truly?

'wow I guess I have a weird progression pathway than literally anybody else'

The notion both thrilled and frightened her. Being exempt from constant resource struggles with others would grant her an incredible advantage. In the Dream Realm, much of human society revolved around acquiring soul shards. If she only needed half as many to evolve... not only could she rapidly grow in power, but she could also become kinda self-sufficient.

On the other hand, she had no clue how to obtain these life fragments. Nevertheless, she somehow already possessed twenty-eight of them-indicating that whatever she needed to do, she had already accomplished it within the First Nightmare.

'Rin don't do anything stupid or rash I wanna reap the reward of this...and preferable not be monster appraiser any time soon'

"alright let's see"

Memories: [widows bane]

Echoes: -

Attributes: [essence pathway], [genin], [a Shadows friend].

Aspect: [sharingan].

Aspect Rank: Divine.

Aspect Ability: Kotoamatsukami

"I can't believe I have such a good ability practically nothing could make this worse or ruin it...."

.

.

.

"I retract that statement"

Moments later the spell spoke as if mocking her for the stupidity she said out loud

[All power has a price.]

[You have received a flaw]

[Your Flaw is: ...]

"I SAID I RETRACTED IT!!!"