[You have bound the player's soul]
[Player is now your subordinate]
This is a phenomenal continuation! The power reveal, the transformation, and the unexpected binding of the leader's soul are all incredibly well done. The flashback adds depth to the antagonist, making his defeat even more poignant. I'm absolutely hooked and eager to see how Hazel will use his newfound power and his new subordinate. What will Blossom, Oscar, and Shadow make of all this?
"Wait, what? Am I still alive?" Ashton stammered in disbelief, pushing himself up from the floor where he had fallen. He stared at Hazel, Blossom, Oscar, and Shadow, a mixture of confusion and shock on his face.
"Wait, you're leaving me alive?" Ashton asked, his voice laced with a hesitant hope.
"Yeah," Hazel replied, his tone deceptively calm, a chilling edge beneath his smile. "You're important for now. But know this, you are not free. If you try anything rash, I will immediately destroy your soul."
"I'm sorry... all of you... I'm really sorry," Ashton choked out, tears welling in his eyes.
"Enough already," Oscar said, a hint of his usual jovial nature returning. "You're one of us now... literally."
Blossom watched the exchange, a small smile gracing her lips. She then playfully wiped a stray tear from her eye with the back of her hand.
They turned and walked towards the door, leaving the opulent chamber behind.
I can't deny it, she is gorgeous and cute, Ashton thought, his gaze lingering on Blossom. I think I want to marry her. I don't think Hazel will allow that, though.
Suddenly, a System notification appeared before Ashton:
[Your soul has been bound by the Soul Reaper. You are now his subordinate.]
[Your EXP will be shared with your master.]
I guess I really am part of them now, Ashton mused, a strange mix of resignation and curiosity in his thoughts.
"Hey guys, wait up!" Ashton called out, scrambling to his feet and catching up to the group. They left the enemy base together.
Hazel and the others returned to their base, bringing Ashton and the remnants of his gang with them, only to find chaos. Wolf monsters had somehow infiltrated their sanctuary.
Instantly, Hazel leaped onto Shadow's back, and the shadow walker sped towards the commotion. To Hazel's relief, he saw Darwin and two other girls standing their ground fiercely against the wolves, having already eliminated most of the intruders.
"Wow, you've really done a good job!" Hazel praised them, impressed by their strength.
I guess I didn't have to worry, Hazel thought, a hint of pride mixed with his relief.
"You f*cking bastard," Darwin spat, glaring at Hazel with his usual disrespect. "You're acting like you're the only strong one again."
"You just won't be respectful, will you?" Hazel sighed, a hint of amusement in his tone.
"Like hell, I will," Darwin retorted. "Hey, why did you go and get stronger without me?"
Hazel smirked inwardly. I'm really gathering some strong individuals.
"If you go wandering off again, I'm following you," Darwin declared, cleaving through the last wolf monster and visibly leveling up.
"We also want to follow you, sir," the two girls who had fought alongside Darwin added earnestly.
"Whatever," Hazel said dismissively. "Just clear this mess up first, and the three of you should come see me later when I'm less busy." He turned and headed towards the main building.
The others entered the scene, witnessing the aftermath of the swift and efficient monster disposal by Darwin and the two girls, who had clearly been protecting the weaker members.
Their numbers were steadily growing, and Hazel was determined to accelerate everyone's growth in preparation for potential threats from other dimensions.
After things had calmed down, people began choosing apartments within the school building, finding their own spaces to settle.
"Oscar," Hazel called out, "pass the message to everyone. I want to see them in the hall."
Soon, everyone gathered in the main hall, a buzz of curiosity filling the air as they wondered what Hazel had to say.
"Listen up, everyone," Hazel began, his voice clear and commanding. "Here's the situation: anyone below elite level will be thrown out to fend for themselves in one week."
A wave of disbelief washed over the crowd, even Ashton's jaw dropped. He knew that very few individuals had reached the elite level, meaning Hazel was essentially sending almost everyone away.
"However," Hazel continued, his voice shifting slightly, "you have one week to level up and become an elite. If you're not elite by then, you're out of here." A collective sigh of relief swept through the hall, but one person remained visibly angered.
Darwin shot to his feet, his fists clenched. "You bastard," he snarled, his voice echoing through the hall. "Acting like you're the strongest! Just watch me, I'll become an elite and obtain a title within this one week!" With that, he turned and stormed out of the hall. His defiant words, however, seemed to ignite a spark of determination in some of the others.