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墨書 Inktalez
"What does it mean to lose one's soul?"
In response to Shasha's question, Charles explained with a bitter smile, "A person's soul can be seen as their life force and thoughts. As the body ages, the life force diminishes, and the soul gradually becomes fragmented, leading to a closing off of thoughts."
"So, this guy has no life force right now? But he doesn't look old," Shasha said, furrowing her brow as she observed Frank. Aside from his lack of emotion, he appeared no different from a normal person.
Charles shook his head. "The loss of life force doesn't necessarily mean aging. While aging does lead to a loss of life force, there are rare cases where only the life force diminishes without affecting bodily functions. The person you brought here has a strong self-awareness and an unusually vigorous life force, which is why he can maintain his current state. However, over time, it will become increasingly difficult for him to do so. If you look closely at his hair, the white strands are evidence that his lifespan is being consumed faster than that of an average person."
Upon hearing this, Shasha carefully observed for a moment and indeed noticed white hairs sprouting at an alarming rate. Although he didn't appear aged on the surface, it was proof that he couldn't maintain his current condition.
"Right now, he's like an hourglass; his life force is draining and cannot be stopped."
After hearing this, Shasha fell silent for a moment before asking, "Is there any way to help him recover?"
Charles frowned and sighed deeply. "To be honest, there’s no way. This is beyond human capability to change."
At these words, Shasha's expression turned grim; it meant she had brought Frank out for nothing and hadn’t uncovered any answers after all her efforts.
"I'm sorry I can't help you more. However, I can briefly awaken his consciousness, but it won't be of much assistance to him."
Upon hearing this, Shasha's eyes brightened. She had thought all hope was lost but now saw a glimmer of possibility.
Stimulating consciousness wasn't particularly difficult, especially for someone like Charles, a level four mutant at the peak of mental power. The moment he closed his eyes, Shasha clearly saw Frank's body tremble slightly.
Moments later, Frank's eyelids began to flutter before he struggled to open them. His lips started to move.
Shasha quickly crouched down. "Frank? Frank Castle?"
"That's me... who are you?" Frank replied, unable to see clearly due to the lack of life force sustaining his bodily functions; he could only respond based on faint sounds he heard.
"Why have you become like this?" Shasha refrained from asking about Walter Hardy because she knew Frank's condition was undoubtedly related to the death of Spirit Cat.
"The Black-Robed Woman," Frank's face contorted in pain, "the soul is draining away."
Upon hearing this, Shasha realized he had found a clue, a lead to the truth. He wanted to ask more, but Frank lost consciousness again. Although he couldn't learn more, he understood the general direction of his investigation.
The Black-Robed Woman, who could absorb life force, was the one who killed the Spirit Cat and turned Frank into this state.
Shasha did not notice that Charles wore a strange expression as he listened to Frank's account; it was clear he was thinking of someone who had been missing for a long time.
"Side Quest updated: Clue found."
"Chain Quest Two: The Black-Robed Woman."
"You have discovered the cause of the Spirit Cat's death; in the darkness, a pair of hands is stripping away endless life. Find her!"
Receiving the mission update, Shasha slowly stood up and pondered for a moment. A look of gratitude crossed his face. "Thank you for your help; otherwise, I wouldn't have known why my friend ended up like this."
Charles accepted Shasha's thanks and then, after some consideration, asked tentatively, "Since you know why your friend has become like this, what do you plan to do?"
"Of course, I will find that scoundrel and exact justice!" A cold glint flashed in Shasha's eyes. He wasn't so kind-hearted; however, completing the mission while avenging them was an opportunity he couldn't pass up.
Hearing Shasha's response, Charles let out a barely noticeable sigh and then spoke meaningfully, "Sometimes it's not necessary to trace back to the source; letting go of an enemy can also mean letting go of oneself."
It seemed Professor Charles knew something. However, if he were to ask directly, he was sure Charles wouldn't divulge anything.
Shasha contemplated. The Black-Robed Woman was a mutant; it was evident that Professor Charles recognized her. She might be from the same era as him, narrowing down their circle further.
Not long after, Shasha took his leave with Frank. Before departing, he did not directly answer Charles's question; in truth, this already indicated his stance. Even if the opponent was formidable, he would find a way to eliminate them.
A mission is a mission; one cannot show any leniency to the System.
Knowing the strength of his opponent, Shasha felt an urgent need to enhance his own abilities. Originally hoping to boost his Reputation through this mission, he would have to think of another way now.
He did not return home, as Frank was too conspicuous. If he were to be monitored by S.H.I.E.L.D., it would lead to trouble, and his second identity might be exposed. Therefore, he chose to check into a nearby hotel.
After putting down Frank, Shasha felt at a loss regarding how to handle the lifeless figure before her.
Just when Shasha was at her wit's end, she suddenly remembered the Bloodline Bible. Ever since she obtained it, she had never used it. Just because it was of no use to her did not mean it couldn't be useful for others.
Life force—what about the life force of the blood clan?
If Daken could become a Blood Demon through the Bloodline Bible, then what about Frank?
The only concern was that she might end up creating a monster.
"The host can use the Contract Scroll," the System's voice suddenly chimed in.
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