Chapter 41: Soul
The soul is considered a vital part of human existence. Souls were created by The Creator, which is responsible for our consciousness, emotions, and moral decisions. It is considered eternal and will exist even after the physical body's death.
The nature of the soul is considered a profound mystery because it is believed to have a connection with the divine realm. The only way to empower, purify, and nourish the soul is through emotions, be it of black and white.
Once the soul is separated from the physical body, it will wander into another realm. An unknown realm where nobody can be certain of its existence. A realm of a succession of images, ideas, emotions, and sensations that usually occur involuntarily.
Thus, this is how a Soul Traveler manages to travel from one realm to another. The involuntary events can be controlled by the soul when it is solid and pure. Ultimately, the existence and nature of realms beyond the physical reality, as well as the ability of the soul to traverse them relies on one's perspectives and experiences.
Being able to travel into Zanno's body, a seven-year-old boy who lived in a realm known as Aena was all too much at first for Babah. He found himself in a peculiar situation as he entered the body of young Zanno in this magical and esoteric world. The sudden shift in perspective and inhabiting a child's consciousness was disorienting.
As he looked at the world through Zanno's innocent eyes, Babah couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and responsibility. He knew that he had to navigate this new reality with care, considering that Zanno's experiences and emotions were now intertwined with his own.
Babah always reminded himself of the purpose of this journey and the importance of understanding the nature of Aena. He began to explore the realm through Zanno's youthful perspective, observing the vibrant landscapes, peculiar creatures, and the unique dynamics of Aena's magical energy.
As Babah delved deeper into Zanno's memories and experiences, he gained insights into the challenges and wonders of this realm. He discovered that Aena was a place where magic and science both exist in a harmonious balance. All of it was made possible by a unique and magical ore known as æsther.
It is widely understood in Aena that æsther has the unique ability to absorb magic particles from its surroundings over time, which causes a complete transformation of its essence. The manipulation of æsther is possible by regulating and controlling the flow of magic particles around it, leading to the emergence of a field of study named magical engineering.
As Babah continued to explore Aena through Zanno's perspective, he witnessed firsthand the anomalies surrounding Zanno's interaction with æsther. This discovery challenged the existing theories and opened up new possibilities for understanding the nature of æsther and its connection to magical energies in Aena.
Zanno's emotion had a direct influence upon æsther. His feelings created some kind of magical field that oscillates, constantly changing its orientation whenever he is in the vicinity of æsther. Those shifts made the polar molecules in the ore spin as they tried to keep up with the fluctuating emotional energies.
Babah realized that he had stumbled upon a significant breakthrough—one that could potentially reshape the understanding of magical engineering in Aena. The implications of Zanno's unique interaction with æsther meant that there was much more to discover and unravel about the realm's magical properties.
Driven by curiosity and a thirst for knowledge, Babah decided to investigate this phenomenon further with the help of Olivia. He sought out her wisdom to shed light on Zanno's extraordinary connection with æsther and its possibilities.
With Olivia's assistance, Babah uncovered fragments of ancient texts and forgotten wisdom buried deep within her archive that hinted at the existence of rare individuals known as 'æsthermancers'. These individuals possessed an innate ability to manipulate and harness the true potential of æsther, transcending the limitations of conventional magical engineering.
According to the records, there were originally six æsthermancers in the history of Aena, each with a unique affinity and mastery over different aspects of æsther manipulation. They were revered as legendary figures and their abilities were considered extraordinary, bordering on the divine.
However, the knowledge of æsthermancers gradually faded over time, and their existence became more of a myth or legend. The rediscovery of Zanno's exceptional connection with æsther hinted at the possibility that he might be the seventh æsthermancer—a previously unknown and unrecorded individual with immense potential.
Babah and Olivia delved deeper into the ancient texts, deciphering cryptic passages and piecing together fragments of information. They uncovered rituals, tests, and trials that were said to awaken and unlock the dormant powers within an æsthermancer.
Once the pieces were puzzled together, one fact of their findings seemed to be intertwined. All of their discoveries pointed them in the direction of an ancient and lost city known as Necrotia and its ruler, known as the Black Queen.
The legend spoke of Necrotia as a city shrouded in mystery, hidden away from the eyes of ordinary inhabitants of Aena. It was said to be a place where darkness and magic knotted together, holding secrets and ancient knowledge that could unlock the true potential of æsthermancy.
◈◈◈
Babah was keeping an eye on Zanno's emotional state when it suddenly shot up drastically. Zanno had reached his breaking point after being treated like a mere tool. The last straw was dropped and currently, Lady Hybris had almost complete control over him, causing him to act irrationally and become consumed with anger.
「 Babah 」
"Mom, we need to help Zanno."
"He is thoroughly influenced by Lady Hybris."
"We need to shove some senses back into him."
「 Olivia 」
"Like I stated earlier Babah, I have no capability to affect Zanno directly."
"You are the one who shared this vehicle with Zanno's soul."
"If someone can make Zanno snap out of Lady Hybris's influence, it is you."
Zanno's battle with the Craglisk Chieftain intensified. A monstrous storm that was summoned by Chief Gralis raged on, forming a virtual cage of lightning that prevented anyone from entering or leaving the courtyard without being struck by tempestuous thunderbolts.
As the lightning crackled and the storm raged, Babah knew that he had to act swiftly to help Zanno regain control over his emotions and break free from Lady Hybris's influence. He focused his thoughts and intentions, calling upon the deep connection he had formed with Zanno's soul.
Within his own consciousness, Babah visualized a serene and tranquil space, a sanctuary where Zanno's true essence could find refuge from the chaos. The vision of his majestic aviary, the one he built with the help and love of the people of Cardinal Peaks. He projected this vision toward Zanno's soul, hoping to create a beacon of calm amidst the storm of emotions.
With every ounce of his being, Babah sent waves of love, compassion, and understanding towards Zanno. He aimed to remind him of his inherent strength, resilience, and the purity of his soul. He encouraged Zanno to reconnect with his own inner power and rise above the manipulation and control of Lady Hybris.
As the storm raged on, a glimmer of light appeared within Zanno's eyes. It was a flicker of recognition, a spark of his true self beginning to emerge from the depths of his being. Babah's efforts were starting to bear fruit.
Drawing upon the energy of the storm itself, Babah channeled his own strength and determination into Zanno's soul. He sent a surge of empowering energy, breaking through the barriers that Lady Hybris had erected around Zanno's consciousness.
At that moment, Zanno's eyes regained their focus, and his expression shifted from pridefulness and anger to humility and self-restraint. He fought against the influence of Lady Hybris, drawing upon his own inner reserves of strength and resilience.
With a burst of energy, Zanno broke free from the virtual cage of influence. Lady Hybris was stunned by the development, before realizing Babah's intervention in her control over Zanno. Her prideful demeanor diminished after noticing Babah's presence.
「 Lady Hybris 」
"You!"
"You are a Soul Traveler."
「 Babah 」
"It's time to let go of his soul, Lady Hybris."
"You can never gain full control of this vehicle..."
"And I think you know why."
「 Lady Hybris 」
"Pride is the mother of all sins."
"You can never seal me away forever..."
"And I think YOU, know why."
"Hahaha!!!"
With a cynical laugh, Lady Hybris faded from Zanno's mind as he regained full control over himself. Zanno stood there, his breathing heavy, his eyes filled with a mixture of relief and determination. He knew that he had narrowly escaped the clutches of Lady Hybris, but he was not out of danger yet.
The battle with the Craglisk Chieftain still loomed before him, and he had to gather his strength to face it head-on. Babah, still connected to Zanno's consciousness, offered words of encouragement and support.
「 Babah 」
"You did it, Zanno!"
"You broke free from Lady Hybris's control."
"Now, gather your strength and face the Craglisk Chieftain with all your might."
「 Zanno 」
"Thank you for the smack in the head, Babah."
「 Babah 」
"Hey, don't mention it Zanno."
"We are in this predicament together."
"I will always have your back, remember?"
"Or like I said before, I have my back?"
"Hehe..."
「 Phoenix Armor Zanno 」
"You sure do my friend."
"You sure do."
"Now, let's take care of Chief Gralis before things start to escalate."
「 Babah 」
"Right on."
"Now that you have come to your senses, Mom and I can back you up."
"No worries!"
[ Humility Experience Point: +1 ]
[ Restraint Experience Point: +1 ]
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
Babazam
Babazam I will continue next week. My son is in a soccer tournament tomorrow :)
Edit: 22 Nov 23
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