Jason jogged across the bracken land. Well, does this really count as jogging? His eyes travelled down and he marvelled at how the ground blurred underneath him. He shook his head, and focused on his destination in the distance. He had decided to head to the other nearby settlements, figuring that the people in control of the parasites would have to be at least somewhat close to keep up the attack.

The marsh area stretched out in front of him, the smell of salt still permeating the air, and the black water left the joints of his armour feeling gritty. He sighed. It was going to take some time to arrive.

He kept running, until he was finally close enough. He looked down from the hill he was standing on. About a quarter of an hour’s walk away was Henron, and it was covered in parasites, like Danist. He grimaced, and manipulated his armour so that he could wipe the sweat off his forehead. So, they’ve already taken over this place. It did make finding his target potentially easier, It was just that he would now need to fight an entire town’s worth of enemies. He paused, and shrugged. At least it isn’t Silver. He headed down, not bothering to hide his approach; he didn’t know the first thing about being stealthy. As he got closer, he heard a call, and an alarm bell started to ring. The barnacles didn’t move, so he assumed that meant that the controller didn’t know yet, or didn’t care – or wasn’t even here. Doesn’t matter. He sprinted up the road to the gates, activating [Phantom State] and running straight through them. He immediately spotted a group of people hurrying about, before pausing when they spotted him. He exhaled slowly, as his eyes ran over them. A cold prickle inside told him that these were not civilians, and he had it confirmed when a black mist started to emanate from several of them. A nagging feeling popped up from the back of his head, but he ignored it, and dashed forward, launching [Spacial Strikes] into the group. Shields were raised, and evades were performed; regardless, a quarter of them collapsed with a scream. The nagging grew stronger, and he doubled down his focus. The black mist surged towards him, and his connection to his bones alerted him to it being corroded. His ghostly visor also was becoming damaged, but resisted better than the rest of his armour. He dashed forward, searching for the three mages who were causing the attack. He couldn’t find them so, feeling reckless, he spun around, causing a massive distorted circle to blast out from his sword; it actually dragged the mist away a little, giving him a bit of room, before his attack disappeared. He heard cries of pain soon after, and he rushed in the direction of them.

He emerged from the black mist, with wisps trailing off of him, his eyes landing on the mages. They were bleeding but standing up still, showing that they had high Vitality. It didn’t make them any more resistant to his attacks though, as he struck them, causing them to collapse into halves. His eye twitched, and the crash of rubble made him look up. His attack from before had caused the buildings around him to topple, and the noise made him wince. He shook himself, and ran deeper into the town.

‘Ding’ You have levelled up. [Phantom Swordsman Lv 95 – Lv 102]

35 Stat points gained.

‘Ding’ You have levelled up. [Bone Manipulator Lv 66 – Lv 75]

27 Stat points gained.

‘Ding’ [Bone Manipulation 2nd Tier Lv 2 – Lv 6]

‘Ding’ [Dense Bones 2nd Tier Lv 2 – Lv 6]

‘Ding’ [Mana Marrow Lv 1 – Lv 10]

‘Ding [Ghostly Swordsmanship Lv 14 – Lv 16]

His first sign that the controller was coming, was the barnacles twitching. He slowed, and waited for them to appear. It turned out that was the wrong move, as suddenly, he was swarmed by all directions from the parasites. He activated [Phantom State] meaning the swarm could only twist around him, blocking sight. His twitching increased, and he gritted his teeth. They can control the swarm from a distance. He began to blindy walk through, but the swarm followed him. He recalled where the nearest building had been, and headed in that direction. He took a step, and felt his leg become cut off from the swarm. With a deep breath, he leapt in and emerged in a dark room. He breathed a sigh of relief, and looked around. I wish I could fly, it would be so much easier to deal with things… He sighed. Maybe one day. The room he was in was musty, and he pressed his lips together tightly, trying to prevent himself from coughing. He ran his hand along the walls, and was surprised at the lack of barnacles. Oh man, it’s weird to take a break from fighting people in the middle of a fight…

Images of what he’d done began to flash in his mind, and he winced. He shook his head. Come on, I’ve got to help. He paced, and then stopped, the images in his head still lingering. His hands started to shake, and his breathing quickened. He began to cough, and bended over, clutching his stomach. His eyes started to well with tears, and he could feel it dripping down his nose. He knelt down. What the fuck am I doing? Killing people?! He took deep shuddering inhales.

He jumped, as his tears were suddenly interrupted by a long drawn out scratching noise. He looked around wildly, his hand feeling the wall, when it suddenly brushed across something.

Looks like you're having a rough time. Wanna talk about it?

He paused. “What?” The words flowed and disappeared before the sound came back, and his fingers felt a new message.

I’m just saying…two lonely dudes, in a room, having a heart to heart in the dark! Sounds nice, yeah?

His jaw hung open. “What?”

Come on, it’s not that hard to understand.

He looked around again, but it was too dark. “Who are you?” New words carved themselves under his fingers.

Hmm? I’m Henry, obviously. You’ve never heard of how Town Hearts talk to people?

What. He made a confused groan. “I…no, I haven’t. You’re the Town Heart?”

That's right. Wow, are you a Wilding? They’re the only people who wouldn’t really know, I think. No wonder you’re bawling.

He shook his head. “No…I’m not a Wilding. I’m just from…somewhere else.”

Aww, come on. That’s no fun. Tell me? I’m literally a statue, there isn’t much excitement going on right now in my life.

He frowned. “Aren’t…you currently being taken over by parasites?”

Eh…yeah, and that sucks. But, what am I going to do about it? There’s too many of the buggers to get rid of, so I’ve withdrawn from the town into this room. They can’t get me in here.

He raised an eyebrow. “What if I’m with them?”

I don’t think the legendary Grasping Hand would come stumbling in here cr-

“Alright, alright! Jeez.”

So…gonna tell me what’s up?

He hesitated, but then snorted. “Sure, why not?...I’m not actually from this world…” He began to tell the empty room his story, how he’d found the Minx, how it had taken him, and how he’d stumbled through the Phantom castle. He went on to speak about the Holy Will, and Streni, before leading on to the fight through the dungeon. Then he finished it off with everything that had happened the past few days.

The Holy Will is coming?

He nodded. “Yeah, apparently they’re gonna tear up the land to fight the Grasping Hand.”

Well fuck me, that’s gonna be shit.

He tilted his head. “Will you be alright?”

Well... yeah, I should… if I can get some help…

He didn’t say anything for a while.

“I’m sorry.”

Ah… well, I wasn’t really expecting to live again when I took this Class. Thought it would be kind of like dreaming, which it was, at first. Anyway, I get the feeling you haven’t talked about your problem?

“Ah…I guess I didn’t…”

I’m listening.

“I…the world I’m from? It’s super peaceful compared to this one. It’s considered morally wrong to kill people. That’s the main thing I’m struggling with. But, I’ve read books right? Fantasy books where the main character is super judgmental and says stuff like ‘how could you kill that person, killing is wrong!’ And they’re right…killing is bad. But, they always – or usually, end up realising they have to…kill, in order to defend themselves. So when I got here, and I saw that, you got stronger from other things dying? I immediately realised that if I didn’t fight, I’d end up…gutted.”

He took a deep inhale. “And I’ve gotta say, I’m enjoying it. I’ve always been a fan of magic in books, and shows, and I’ve always been super competitive. Being so… strong? It’s - it’s - it’s a rush-” He stopped and took a moment to gasp in air.

“...and that worries me, cause I’m hunting people now. I’ve defended myself before, but that’s completely different to hunting people.” He shuddered. “I had… a realisation recently, which was that I could make a difference in this world. And, these people? The Grasping Hand? They’ve taken' homes, and a war might start because of them too… but does that justify me killing them? I was so certain that was the right action because it just solved all of my problems… but now? I dunno…” There was no response, and his hand trailed slowly down the wall. Until, the sound of carving came back. His fingers shot up and felt for the message written.

um…

He burst out into laughter, his back sliding down the wall. More sounds of carving came.

I – ha, that was kind of funny, wasn’t it? Sorry though, I wasn’t expecting anything like that. I thought ‘aw here’s a dude that needs an ear’ I can do that…hooo boy, was I ever wrong!

He shook his head, his laughter trailing off. “No, it was perfect, thank you. It’s a complicated situation. I…shit, I’m going to have to kill the controller…”

Wait…that’s what you’re here for? What are you, Lv 102? Yeah, you’re nowhere near the right level.

“I managed to defeat one before, although that was with some help.”

You did?...Oh, I saw you coming through the walls…yeah that'd be helpful against them

There was nothing else, so he just waited.

Okay, I could help you. But, it’s super risky for me. They’ll have a chance to wreck my body.

He frowned. “Won’t that happen eventually anyway?”

Maybe…

“I…think you’re right, there’s no way I can do it by myself. I guess I don’t have to kill them, I could leave? It’s up to you.” There was nothing for a bit, until…

Damn, alright let’s do it.

“But… is it really okay for m-”

Just do it, dude.

He closed his eyes. “...right.”

You ready then?

“Yes.”

Jason felt the words written, which described the location of the controller. He nodded, and used [Phantom State] to walk through the walls again. Once outside, he headed off towards a remote part of the town. The park… He snorted, remembering how he’d entered this world. It made the iron wrought gates to the place somewhat nostalgic. He entered, ignoring the crawling of the parasites.

What must have once been a soft field of grass, was now rough and wet. The paths, uneven and wriggling with the… things. He shuddered, and continued, heading towards the bench where a woman sat. She looked remarkably similar to the previous controller, bald, wearing robes, and covered in writhing barnacles.

‘Ding’ [Grasping Tide Lv 150]

Huh, I can identify over one hundred now…

The woman’s head swivelled to stare at him, and he paused, while taking the chance to summon his bone sword. The woman stood up, and brushed her robes, the barnacles falling off, before crawling back up again. She slumped, before looking up at him approaching her again.

“So, you’re the one who’s wrecked a portion of the town.”

He tilted his head. “Can I ask you a question?”

The woman shrugged. “Sure.”

“Did you have to do this?”

She eyed him. “Well yeah, I believe so. There’s no way to get everywhere to accept people like us. So, we have to carve our own place in the world.”

“But surely there’s plenty of space in the Wildlands?”

“We’ve done that already. It doesn’t change anything, people still hunt us down, either that or a high-level monster comes along and kills us all.”

“So the only way to change people's minds is to take their homes away?”

“It’s not about that, although I hope they remember that we gave them plenty of time to run. We need a large defensible territory, there’s so many of us, and we can’t establish that anywhere without being assaulted.”

He nodded, and then without a word, sent a [Spacial Strike] towards her. The barnacles surged, and she rapidly started retreating. I think I get it now. It’s just like in the mediaeval times – or whatever, where everything is a contest for resources. The time I’m from doesn’t have that problem. This whole thing is just a bit…shit. He advanced through the wave of parasites with ease, but the controller had moved back a fair distance, before the ground suddenly bursted with walls. The woman’s face became shocked as she was suddenly being boxed in a large room. He watched the walls slowly close around her, and then he jumped through them while in his State. Flickering lanterns emerged from the stone, lighting up the room and revealing the controller whose expression was one of pure disbelief. Her eyes moved to him, and she shook her head. “Well played.”

He continued to remain silent, and sent more and more slashes at her. She dodged them, and sent some barnacles back, but they were ineffective. The walls slowly began to close in, and she panicked, pushing barnacles against them, trying to slow them down. She retreated as Jason came closer, still somehow dodging his attacks. Feeling frustrated, he unleashed a barrage of quick slices that blasted towards her. The woman's eyes widened, and she used the swarm to launch herself above them. His attacks continued, crashing into the wall behind her, causing a bit of daylight to leak through. The controller immediately used the opportunity to smash through the gap, and dragged herself out with the slimy sea life. He raced after her, worried that he’d let her get away, when he heard a bang. He leapt through the hole and landed on the controller, who was clutching her head against a sudden wall. She looked up at him, spitefully. “Too late.”

He cut her head off. The barnacles writhed and tried to reattach it, while she gnashed her teeth at him, but he continued to cut up her body, leaving him splattered and dripping with blood.

‘Ding’ You have defeated [Grasping Tide Lv 150]

‘Ding’ You have levelled up. [Phantom Swordsman Lv 102 – Lv 114]

60 Stat points gained.

‘Ding’ You have Levelled up. [Bone Manipulator Lv 75 – Lv 89]

42 Stat points gained.

‘Ding’ [Bone Manipulation 2nd Tier Lv 6 – Lv 9]

‘Ding’ [Dense Bones 2nd Tier Lv 6 – Lv 9]

‘Ding’ [Mana Marrow Lv 10 – Lv 11]

‘Ding’ [Ghostly Swordsmanship Lv 16 – Lv 19]

“It’s done Henry…” He sighed, and manipulated his armour to shed off the blood stains. He looked around at the walls, trying to see any messages being written. He frowned when he remembered what the woman said. Too late. A chill went down his spine, and he started running back into town.

Other members of the Hand tried to stop him on the way, but he dealt with them quickly. He slowed as the building came into view, his breath catching as he saw the huge crack in the wall. He went over, and used [Phantom State] to go through. He could see inside the blank stone room, now that light was streaming in. His gaze went to the statue of a teenage boy. He noted the closed eyes, and the open mouth, while the body leaned back against the wall. He was covered in barnacles, running along the deep cracks that ran up from his feet.

Kill m-

He stared at the unfinished words carved into the plinth underneath him. He swallowed, and his hand tightened around his sword. He stood there, completely at a loss. He closed his eyes, and remembered the bracken mountain wolves which the Alpha had killed. He remembered its mournful howl, and the wolves’ glassy eyes.

He slashed once with his sword.

He walked away from the town of Henron, everything but the infestation had been eradicated. His jaw was set as he turned his sights to the next town.

‘Ding’ You have levelled up. [Phantom Swordsman Lv 114 – 120]

30 Stat points gained.

‘Ding’ You have levelled up. [Bone Manipulator Lv 89 – 98]

27 Stat points gained.

‘Ding’ [Bone Manipulation 2nd Tier Lv 9 – Lv 11]

‘Ding’ [Dense Bones 2nd Tier Lv 9 – Lv 11]

‘Ding’ [Ghostly Swordsmanship Lv 19 – 2nd Tier Lv 2]

Draw upon the knowledge of the Phantom Core’s converted. Allow their experience to help guide your attacks, and boost your power. Damage from sword strikes can be increased by [20% – 40%], using Stamina.

2nd Tier: You have improved upon your connection. You have gained increased reactions and efficiency with strikes.

‘Ding’ Name: Jason Darting

First Class: [Phantom Swordsman Lv 120]

Second Class: [Bone Manipulator Lv 98]

Unspent stat points: None

Vitality: 316 + 20

Endurance: 208 + 20

Strength: 60 + 17

Dexterity: 180 + 20

Wisdom: 208 + 20

Intelligence: 193 + 20

General Skills: [Identify Lv 1] ; [Bretae Standard Language Lv 5] ; [Death Magic Resistance Lv 1] ; [Space Magic Resistance Lv 5] ; [Bone Resistance Lv 1] ; [Pain Resistance Lv 6] ; [Fear Resistance Lv 13]

Class Skills: [Spacial Strike 2nd Tier Lv 20] ; [Phantom State 2nd Tier Lv 20] ; [Ghostly Swordsmanship 2nd Tier Lv 2] ; [Bone Manipulation 2nd Tier Lv 11] ; [Dense Bones 2nd Tier Lv 11] ; [Mana Marrow Lv 11]