Chapter 48: The Aggregating Instinct of Fragmented Souls

Hettie’s tribe began their migration once again. However, Hettie stayed behind; she had promised Vivian to become her companion.

After bidding farewell to Grandpa Anderson, Hettie followed Vivian back to Paravi.

Vivian had already struck a deal with Ron to collect the scattered remnants of demon lord souls from across the land.

“Then, will you also retrieve the demon lord soul fragments that have already been contained?” Vivian, holding you close, asked the question she cared about most.

Her teacher, Wigford, also bore remnants of a demon lord soul.

Ron hesitated for a few seconds upon hearing this question, but soon gave a decisive answer.

“Even if I don’t collect them, these soul fragments will instinctively gather on their own,” you said. “If you’ve studied history, you should have noticed this pattern.”

Ron had observed this phenomenon while researching in Wigford’s library. His own soul fragments constantly sought reunification. Periodically, a hero or a warlord would rise, attempting to gather many fragments—both driven by human nature and the fragments themselves.

Though his soul had lost its individual consciousness, it still longed to return to unity.

This aggregation often intensified with the collapse of the old empire’s order. Toward the empire’s end, history frequently recorded one or two super-powered individuals who had merged many soul fragments.

“So… you mean you’re going to take your teacher’s soul fragments as well?” Vivian frowned, hesitating. She had agreed to your deal to prevent tragedies sparked by conflicts over the soul fragments. Clearly, she was reluctant to reclaim remnants from her own teacher.

“That was originally mine,” you said calmly.

This statement left Vivian speechless.

You softened your tone with a gentle smile. “Don’t worry, reclaiming the soul fragments doesn’t mean I’ll take back the powers.”

Ron’s words were not entirely reassuring. He could indeed grant his abilities to others. If they were friendly, he could allow them to retain the powers derived from the soul fragments even as he reclaimed them.

“Retain” is not quite accurate—these abilities were fundamentally inscribed on the soul fragments themselves. Ron merely authorized their use.

Only then did Vivian feel somewhat relieved, though she still hadn’t figured out how to broach the topic.

Although teleportation could bring them directly back to Paravi, Vivian clearly didn’t want to waste such a precious skill on mere travel.

On the journey back to Paravi, Ron began teaching Vivian how to use his skills—though he kept the Demon Lord’s Eye and the “Big Brother” abilities for himself.

As mentioned before, Ron could let others access some of his powers by granting permission.

Under his guidance, Vivian quickly learned to wield both the “Sin of Tyranny” and the “Gospel of Suffering.”

Perhaps because these skills were essentially Ron’s, merely invoked by her, they did not mutate due to her constitution.

Watching Vivian skillfully master these two abilities, Ron stretched contentedly.

Next, it was time for Vivian to take the ranking exam.

According to imperial regulations, only graded magicians of at least level three could apply for the Hero’s Badge.

In the magical world, “hero” was a broad title—much like how anyone shameless enough could call themselves a writer after scribbling two words and then rant online.

But the Hero’s Badge was different; it was official recognition.

By imperial decree, those holding the Hero’s Badge could request assistance from local knightly legions—though whether aid was granted depended on local authorities.

Either way, with this badge, Vivian’s journey to explore the empire and collect soul fragments would be much easier.

As for how much effort and time it would take to piece his own soul back together after it had been fragmented, Ron was not worried.

His soul fragments had an innate drive to reunify.

With his consciousness restored, this drive would grow even stronger, all fragments gravitating toward him.

There was one thing Ron hadn’t told Vivian.

If she insisted on staying in Paravi, the city would inevitably become the world’s center due to soul fragment aggregation.

Many scattered fragments and their bearers would be drawn to the vicinity for various reasons—until Ron gathered all his fragments.

This would surely bring catastrophic disaster to the city.

When that time came, even if Vivian resisted cooperating with the demon lord, she would embark on her journey to protect her homeland.

However, applying for the Hero’s Badge now meant taking on the responsibility of subduing demon gods.

A spark of interest gleamed in Ron’s eyes.

He was curious about these so-called demon gods and was determined to find out more.

By midday, Ron had finally finished writing the storyline for the Druid tribe segment.

After days of practice, his writing speed had reached about two thousand words per hour—but only when the plot was already laid out.

Now, all his storylines were complete.

Calculating carefully, he believed he could finish updating this plot before the next recommended dungeon release.

Then, using dungeon monthly tickets to climb the leaderboard and entering the new dungeon with fresh abilities, his chances of success would be much higher.

After finishing his writing, Ron was unusually free.

He glanced at the clock and thought of his empty refrigerator.

Since the incident downstairs, Ron hadn’t gone out.

Though mainly due to being busy with various matters, he also admitted to a certain reluctance.

Who knew if he ventured outside, would he encounter a spirit realm dungeon?

Clearly, it was time to restock ingredients.

Ron could order online, but he felt the need to get out and walk.

Even if he did stumble upon a spirit realm dungeon, clearing it would yield a handsome reward in monthly tickets.

Moreover…

Ron checked his group chat.

Another author had passed away.

Not from a dungeon, but from illness in reality.

This saddened Bailu, who was currently at a home visit.

If the editor caught Ron staying home for days without going out, he might be forced into mandatory exercise.

To avoid being caught by the editor, Ron decided to go shopping himself this time.

The nearest fresh market wasn’t too far.

With this in mind, Ron grabbed his phone and stepped outside.

No matter how unlucky he was, there was no way he’d encounter a spirit realm dungeon every time he went out.

Stepping into the sunlight, Ron instinctively squinted against the glare.

Confirmed: pedestrians on the road normal. Safe passage.