Chapter 87: Evolution
The tiny sphere of azure light completely merged into the tower.
One heartbeat later, the rib-like pillars surrounding the tower began expanding like a blooming flower.
Crack!!!
Crack!!!
New branches of bone slowly grew from the existing ribs.
Unlike before, these new bones were much thinner and covered in intricate azure runes that pulsed rhythmically like veins carrying blood.
The horned skull tilted upward as its empty jaw slowly opened.
A deep vortex formed around the archway.
The faint soul mist drifting throughout the Fortress rushed toward it from every direction.
Even the lingering remnants of Soul Essence hidden within the nearby Nightmare blood were drawn into the structure.
"Hummmmmm..."
The entire Fortress vibrated. Then, another system window unfolded before Edgar.
---
⟨Soul Seed Detected.⟩
Compatible Soul Structure Found.
Beginning Soul Synchronization...
---
A progress bar slowly appeared.
1%...
7%...
18%...
---
The tower continued to absorb the surrounding Soul Essence, which was invisible to the naked eye.
Its azure glow grew brighter with every passing second.
As the synchronization reached halfway, the ground beneath the tower cracked open.
Thin lines of azure light spread across the earth like roots.
The lines extended in every direction before disappearing beneath nearby buildings.
Edgar frowned. "...What’s it doing?"
The answer came almost immediately.
---
Soul Synchronization Complete.
Evolution Successful.
---
Before Edgar could react, another notification appeared.
---
⟨Tower of Souls has awakened a unique trait.⟩
Trait: Soul Network
Description:
⟨Every Soul Guardian manifested by this tower shares a connection with the Tower of Souls and the Fortress Owner.⟩
⟨The Tower can perceive everything seen and heard by every Soul Guardian.⟩
⟨Soul Guardians can instantly receive commands directly from the Tower and owner without verbal orders.⟩
⟨Soul Essence recovery speed within Fortress territory has increased.⟩
---
Edgar’s breathing slowed for a moment.
"...A hive mind."
The implications of such a power quickly ran through his mind.
Without having to walk away from the Fortress, Edgar could control the Soul Guardians to collect information, deliver letters, and explore unknown areas.
The more he thought about it, the more excitement he felt.
’It’s much better than I had expected.’
Taking in a deep breath, Edgar looked up at the sky, which was covered by thin murky grey-black fog.
’I don’t have much time.’
Edgar took in a deep breath and walked out of the Fortress to bring in more monster bodies.
He planned to create more Soul Guardians that could help him in the two-way assault tonight.
---
It took Edgar half an hour to create four more Soul Guardians before all the dead bodies outside were used.
Even though disappointed, Edgar didn’t let it get to his head.
Five Soul Guardians were already far beyond what he had expected to obtain in a single day.
Outside the Fortress Wall, they all stood tall in front of the main gate, waiting for Edgar’s orders.
The blond boy standing in front of them closed his eyes.
The moment he focused on the newly awakened Soul Network, a strange sensation spread through his mind.
His vision split into five, showing him five different perspectives.
’...This is hard.’
A dull ache shot through his temples.
Receiving information from five pairs of eyes simultaneously wasn’t as effortless as he’d imagined.
After a few moments, Edgar slowly adapted.
The overlapping visions gradually organized themselves.
Rather than forcing every image into his consciousness at once, his mind instinctively shifted its focus between them.
’Amazing...’
He no longer needed to guess what was happening on the walls.
Nor would he have to rely solely on verbal reports.
Edgar opened his eyes before issuing his first mental command.
"Guardian One and Two. Patrol the eastern wall."
Without uttering a single word, the nearest two Soul Guardians immediately turned and marched away.
Heavy footsteps echoed across the Fortress.
"Guardian Three and Four. Guard the main gate."
"Guardian Five. Hide and wait for my orders during tonight’s battle."
One after another, the towering skeletons moved to carry out their assigned duties.
After doing all this, Edgar walked inside the Fortress and looked around the place.
Everything was going smoothly, albeit there was some tension in the air.
While the blond boy was roaming around, he found Hera sitting in the corner with her maid, Reeba.
When Hera noticed Edgar approaching, she slowly rose to her feet.
"...Edgar."
"Are you alright now?" he asked, acknowledging the bow from Reeba.
She gave a short nod before she sat down on the bench once again.
"..I-I just don’t know what to do."
A look of exhaustion appeared on her face as she lowered her head.
Edgar sat down beside her, which made the girl turn to look at him.
"Things can be tough, but time always changes," he said, looking up at the sky. "...Time heals everything."
The warmth radiating from Edgar’s body put the girl at ease.
A bitter smile appeared on her lips. "My father used to say the same thing."
She let out a quiet laugh, though there wasn’t a trace of joy within it.
"He would tell me that no matter how painful today was, tomorrow would be better."
Her fingers unconsciously tightened around the fabric of her dress.
Thinking of her father filled her with immense guilt, and she wanted to die to atone for them.
"You are bound to lose the people you love," Edgar said, rubbing his thighs. "It’s up to you if you want to keep on living for them."
Saying so, he stood up and stretched his body.
As he began walking away, Hera quietly called after him.
"...Edgar."
He stopped and looked over his shoulder.
"...Stay safe tonight."
Edgar smiled. "I’ll do my best."
With those words, he turned and continued walking toward the center of the Fortress.
For he could sense a gaze on him from there.
When Edgar reached close to the ⟨Unbroken Fire⟩, he found a lady sitting by its side cross-legged.
The lady had long black hair that flowed behind her like a gentle river.
Semele looked up at Edgar and patted the seat by her side.
"Would you mind sitting with me for a while, young hero?" she asked with a graceful smile on her face.
Edgar narrowed his eyes and asked quietly,
"What do you want?"
The lady’s gaze shifted outside the Fortress Wall.
Still smiling, she said, "Things will be difficult for you tonight."