Chapter 71: The Promise of Revenge

Reese stood within the ancient chamber, surrounded by the treasures and artifacts that testified to Lakan Talas's legendary past. The spirit of Lakan had recounted the final battle, the fall of his village, and his own binding to the statue. The weight of the story pressed down on Reese, stirring a deep sense of empathy and resolve within him.

The chamber was silent, the air thick with the presence of history and sorrow. The statue of Lakan, with its determined expression, stood as a testament to the warrior's enduring legacy. Reese could almost feel the anguish and commitment that bound Lakan's spirit to this place.

"Lakan," Reese began, his voice soft but resolute, "your story is one of bravery and sacrifice. To see your village destroyed and your people slaughtered must have been unbearable. I cannot imagine the pain and anguish you endured."

Lakan's spirit was beside the statue, his ethereal form flickering. His eyes, filled with ancient wisdom and sorrow, met Reese's. "It was a dark time, young warrior. The loss still haunts me, even in this bound form. My duty is to protect the treasures and ensure that they do not fall into the wrong hands. But my spirit longs for justice, for vengeance against the dark figure who brought ruin to my people."

Reese's heart ached for Lakan. "If only I could do something to change what happened," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "If I could bring back your people, I would do it in an instant."

Lakan sighed heavily, his form dimming slightly. "I would do anything to face the black figure who slayed me and the innocent villagers. But it is too late. My soul will cease to exist after this."

Reese felt a surge of sorrow and determination. He couldn't let Lakan's story end in despair. "Lakan, there might be a way," he said, an idea forming in his mind. "What if I could give you more time? What if, when I encounter the same black creature you faced before, I could give you a chance for revenge?"

Lakan's spirit flickered, a glimmer of hope appearing in his eyes. "What do you mean, Reese?"

Reese took a deep breath, his resolve strengthening. "I possess an artifact known as the Amethyst Orb. It has the power to transform spiritual energy, including mysterious black energy, into Amethyst Aura. My master, Elder Azulon, taught me how to cultivate this energy. The Amethyst Aura has tempered my body and soul, making them far more powerful than before."

Lakan's expression showed confusion and disbelief. "Amethyst Orb? Amethyst Aura? This is beyond my understanding."

Seeing Lakan's confusion, "Let me show you," Reese said. He demonstrated his abilities. Reese's muscles tensed as he displayed his super strength, effortlessly lifting a massive stone that lay nearby. He then blurred with incredible speed, moving from one end of the chamber to the other in the blink of an eye. Finally, he extended his spiritual sense, filling the chamber with an invisible energy that even Lakan could feel.

Lakan watched, stunned and shocked, as Reese exhibited his abilities. "I never thought a human could be this powerful," he murmured. "Even I, with the strength of the Twin Swords, cannot compare to what you have shown me."

Reese stopped and faced Lakan. "With the power of the Amethyst Aura, I can help you, Lakan. But I understand that you are only a soul now. You don't have a body to channel this power as I do."

Lakan sighed heavily, a sense of helplessness in his gaze. "Yes, I am but a soul. I have no physical form to perform the feats you just displayed."

Reese nodded, realizing the challenge they faced. "You're right. For now, we should focus on prolonging your soul's existence. We will find a way to grant you the revenge you seek when the time comes."

Lakan nodded slowly, a renewed determination in his eyes. "You are right, Reese. We must think of the present. What must I do to prolong my soul's life span?"

Reese considered for a moment, then spoke with confidence. "The Amethyst Orb can help. Its energy can sustain and strengthen your spirit. I will channel the Amethyst Aura into your soul, reinforcing it and giving you the time you need."

Lakan's spirit seemed to brighten. "Thank you, Reese. Your spirit is strong and your heart is pure."

Reese placed the Amethyst Orb between them, focusing his energy. A radiant purple light enveloped Lakan, infusing Lakan's spirit with the essence of the Amethyst Aura. Lakan's form solidified, the light of hope shining in his eyes.

Then Reese asked, "Lakan, do you want to stay here, or do you want to come with me?"

Lakan was confused again. "How can I leave with you? I am only a soul. A lot of people would be alarmed if they saw me walking among the living."

Reese smiled at Lakan's concern. "The Amethyst Orb I have contains a spatial realm, much like your statue, but larger. It can store living beings. Although I haven't tried transferring a soul yet, it shouldn't be a problem. I can transfer the statue with you inside and periodically infuse you with Amethyst Aura to prolong your soul's life span."

Lakan's eyes widened in surprise, and then he smiled. "That sounds like a plan. Let's do it."

Reese felt a wave of relief. "Great. First, I'll transfer all the treasures and the Twin Swords of Eternity inside the Amethyst Orb." He focused on the treasures around them, and one by one, they vanished into the Orb's spatial realm.

"Are you ready?" Reese asked.

Lakan nodded. "I am."

Reese held the Amethyst Orb up, channeling his energy. A radiant purple light enveloped the statue, and in an instant, it disappeared. He felt a surge of energy and then a sense of calm. He hoped it had worked.

Reese entered the Amethyst Orb's spatial realm to check on Lakan. Inside, amidst the treasures and the Twin Swords, stood the statue of Lakan, glowing faintly with spiritual energy. Lakan's spirit appeared beside it, more solid and stable than before.

"It worked," Lakan said, his voice filled with awe. "I am here."

Reese smiled, feeling a deep sense of accomplishment. "Welcome, Lakan. This is only the first step; soon I will find a way to help you take your revenge when the time comes."

Lakan agreed, looking around his surroundings and marveling at the magical realm within the Amethyst Orb. "This place is incredible," he said, awe in his voice.

Reese nodded. "It is. But I need to go back to the resort to check if anything has happened. Will you be okay here alone?"

Lakan chuckled softly. "Reese, I have been alone for countless years. I am used to it. Do what you need to do."

Reese nodded, appreciating Lakan's resilience. "Alright then. Goodbye for now, Lakan. I'll be back soon." With that, Reese exited the Amethyst Orb and reappeared in the clearing.

As soon as Reese was outside, he took out his phone to check the time and was surprised to see that it was already 11 p.m. Reese smiled at how quickly the time had passed. "Time really flies when you're in another spatial realm," he murmured to himself.

Then his phone buzzed with a message from an unknown number. Curious, Reese read the message, and as soon as he did, his heart dropped.

The message was from Jasper: "Reese, it's Jasper. Chloe got kidnapped and Dwight got beaten up. We need your help. Please hurry." 

Reese's mind raced as he absorbed the information. Chloe kidnapped? Dwight beaten up? He had only been gone for a short while, and now this? He felt a surge of anger and determination. Whoever had taken Chloe would regret it.

He immediately called the number that had messaged him. Jasper answered on the first ring, his voice frantic. "Reese, thank God. Chloe is missing. Dwight tried to stop them, but he got overpowered. We think she's been taken."

Reese's voice was tense and resolute. "Jasper, calm down. Where are you now?"

"We're at the resort, in your cottage. Everyone is here, trying to figure out what to do," Jasper replied, his voice shaking.

"I'm on my way," Reese said. "Stay put and keep everyone together. We'll find her, Jasper. I promise." 

Reese ended the call and took a deep breath. He took one last glance at the serene clearing before setting off at a swift pace towards the resort.