Chapter 37: The Depth of the Soul

"Well, I can take something from this, huh? Then I shall choose it," Evan muttered, stepping forward and tightly clutching one of the glowing orbs.

As he squeezed it, the orb dissolved into his soul, vanishing like mist.

This—this was the most important choice of his second life. A step toward surpassing his former self.

He chose the

mask

.

A symbol of secrecy, growth, and hidden power.

A path where shadows would be his armor, and surprise his greatest weapon. Letting others remain blind to his status? That alone was worth its weight in divinity.

"Well, this is quite good enough for now," Evan said, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "I suppose I don’t need anything else."

He turned to Grim. "You can take the rest away."

With a simple nod and a flick of his finger, Grim made everything vanish.

Then came a question from One, casual but loaded with meaning.

"So Evan, tell me… how full do you feel inside right now?"

Evan blinked, confused—until he understood. "Ah, I see. You mean the soul’s capacity. Huh… honestly? Feels the same as before I picked the mask. I doubt a simple item like this could fill up much space in my soul."

He let out a small chuckle.

"Interesting," One mused. "Your soul’s capacity is far greater now than in your past lives. Remember? In your first life, this mask alone filled half your capacity. That’s why you never even glimpsed the true treasure you earned that day. But now…" He trailed off meaningfully. "Now you might actually be able to claim it."

Evan’s eyes widened.

Wasn’t soul capacity supposed to remain fixed? Or had it changed because of the time travel?

"Wait… does this mean my soul capacity is randomized each time I return?"

"Oh no," came a softer, unfamiliar voice from within the tent—likely a woman. "A person’s soul strength is based on the soul itself. It’s not something that’s randomized, so don’t worry. Just help yourself and start choosing."

One smiled faintly. "Soul speaks the truth. She understands souls better than anyone."

Evan gave a short nod. "Alright… but then why does it differ every time I return?"

Soul stepped closer, her presence serene.

"That’s because of the

soul experience devouring

—the process through which souls grow stronger by consuming the experiences of others. Every time you kill an enemy, their soul’s accumulated life experience becomes yours.

In your first life, you reached the

Entry level of an Immortal warrior

.

In your second life, you peaked as a

Demi-God warrior

.

Both elevated your soul to higher realms. And with each return, your soul undergoes mutation. This time, perhaps a particularly powerful one."

Evan slowly nodded, the realization dawning.

"So… this time I can choose more than my past selves, huh?"

Soul offered a gentle nod and stepped back into the shadows.

"Great," Evan said, clapping his hands. "Let me get started then. But wait… are these really all the items? Just a few dozen?"

He glanced around, spotting more orbs floating in the distance.

"What about those over there? Are they not mine?"

"Oh, they’re yours," One admitted, smiling. "We just thought you wouldn’t be able to handle them. But since things have changed…"

Grim raised a hand, and the distant artifacts began floating toward Evan.

Magnificent.

Just at a glance, Evan could tell these items were worlds above the rest.

"Seriously? You show me garbage first—except for the mask, of course—and

then

reveal these?"

One shrugged. "That’s because these items… aren’t meant for normal users. They are too powerful, even for us. Only a

true candidate

can wield them. You were an exception. You used one of them to annihilate an enemy once.

And the mask? That one was crafted

only

for you."

Evan’s brows furrowed. "What do you mean… true candidate?"

One’s tone shifted, now heavier and more solemn.

"Evan, what you think of as 'gods'—they're nothing but titles. Nominal labels for powerful beings. But those with a

Relic

… the true candidates? They are sovereigns. Comparing us to them is like comparing a puddle to an ocean.

They’re not myths.

They exist—and they dominate everything. Even now, they reign beyond reach. Their strength? Enough to obliterate thousands of so-called 'gods' in mere seconds.

Our master… he was once among them.

A candidate. Not the strongest, but not the weakest either. He created us, ruled easily… until others came—other candidates—intent on erasing him.

And he died. We were helpless to do anything but watch."

One paused, then continued.

"Every cosmos is governed by a single god. Our master told us that there are

countless

cosmoses. He saw them—from the Real Land.

That’s where the true candidates reside. A realm beyond our comprehension."

Evan was speechless.

"And you," One said, voice rising, "were an exception. You

killed

one of them."

The revelation hit like thunder.

"Wait…

what

? I killed one of those monsters? Then how did I still die?"

"You weren’t supposed to engage him," One said, voice bitter. "But you did. Over a girl."

Evan flinched. "A girl…?"

"Yes. You were obsessed with her. Even though you already had six in your group, you desired more. The two of you fought for her. When he realized he was losing… he killed her.

You lost it. You fought like a demon—and you died with him."

Evan clenched his fists.

"In your second life, you found her again. You lived happily… for a time. But a Monarch set his sights on her. You fought again—madly, recklessly. And she died again. You could’ve escaped, but you didn’t. You stayed and died beside her.

But not this time. We checked. That girl?

She’s been

erased

.

Her existence—wiped from time and space. Only a faint soul wisp remains… and even that might be gone now."

Silence settled like dust.

"So… can I choose the real stuff now? Or is there more to this story?" Evan asked, eyes sharp.

One gave a slow nod.

"It’s time. But let me explain what each truly holds—because the next choice you make may shape not just this life…

…but the fate of every life beyond."