With how panicked the taciturn girl was, Adam understood the haunted soul's ability was most likely related to emotions. That would explain Julius' rash actions. Yet, he had no time to ponder as the hand dangerously closed towards the boy's face. He had to act and do it fast.
'You won't hurt him!' He screamed inwardly, grimacing and biting his lips in worry. Echoing his thoughts, he used his most potent technique, dropping his concern for his mana reserves. An enormous blue spinning spearhead materialised before him, causing Morgane's red hair to flutter wildly. In a split second, raging winds swirled around the terrifying mana weapon. Then...
Four explosions echoed in the passage, rising dust and rubbles in front of the duo as the spear blurred in their visions.
Morgane's eyes widened in unconcealable shock as the surroundings fell silent for a second. In the peaceful calm, contrasting against their dangerous situation, she witnessed Julius flying in the air, blasted by the shockwave before the hand could reach him. Then, she saw the enormous pit drilled on the canyon's opposite end through the pierced mist and haunted soul's form.
Once the second ticked away, sounds returned roaring as she heard the terrifying collisions, exploding rocks and miserable shriek of the evil ghost.
"W-what was that spell?" She stuttered, unable to think correctly after witnessing such devastation. However, Adam ignored her and swiftly floated towards Julius, worried about his well-being.
"Are you ok?" He asked, his hands trembling as he outstretched them to lift him from the ground.
"Huuug..." Julius groaned painfully before rising to his feet with his big brother's help. With trembling eyes, he said, "Thank you. I suddenly felt the creature's emotions and desire for a peaceful departure and..."
"That's the haunted ghost's ability. They are perverse creatures trapped in this world against their will by mages. Their deepest desire is to be freed from their sufferings." Morgane started, her emotionless expression back on her face as she joined the duo.
Then, she continued, "To achieve it, they force their targets' emotions to resonate with them. However, their mad nature forces them to protect themselves, going against their wish and stacking guilt in their mind in an endless loop."
"I guessed as much. Why didn't you scream not to let her touch him?" Adam asked, his face solemn. After all, her panicked warning caused him to use ninety percent of his mana.
Morgan held her forehead, a shiver running down her spine as she remembered how terrifying a haunted soul's touch could be. "Upon contact, they release curses, cause decay or even instant death, depending on their strength." She revealed, causing everyone's eyes to widen.
"..." The duo lost their voice. Thankfully, the ghost wasn't overly swift, like the Pontianak, or Julius would have been a goner.
"Seriously? Intangible body, cursing touch, emotional resonance. Is there something it can't do?" Adam questioned a second later, his brows twitching. However, he didn't expect her response.
"It's one of the most dangerous types of evil ghosts for a reason. It can also manipulate memories, drain souls, and create illusions." Morgane answered, causing their faces to distort into grimaces.
After a few minutes, Adam lowered his eyes and frowned at his ethereal form. 'Why do they all have special abilities, but I'm just a grey ghost that can't even increase its mana? That's unfair! Please, someone, tell me who made this setting. I'll punch him in the face.' He thought, biting his teeth in anger.
With deep breaths to calm down, he turned to Julius and scanned his body, lifting his arms and legs to inspect every corner to ensure he wasn't wounded.
"I'm fine, I assure you." The boy said, smiling, warmth spreading in his chest.
Adam sighed in relief once done and asked Morgane, "Is it safe to take a break, or are the ghosts roaming freely?" He had to recover his mana or use his cape. However, he felt reluctant, especially after learning about the tier-four entity dwelling in the canyon's depths.
"They roam." She answered shortly, worry flashing in her eyes. "Haunted souls are extremely rare and don't actively attack. We won't encounter ghosts more dangerous than the Pontianak, so we should continue." She added, unwilling to go back after their progress.
Adam frowned in response. This canyon proved far more treacherous than he initially thought, and he couldn't guarantee their safety. "We can't take the risk. Let's retreat for today." He said, his voice solemn as he gestured for Julius to retrieve the soul essence.
However, Morgane insisted, her voice cracking, "Please, I can pay you in gold or artefacts. I'll even ask the royals to grant you a noble's title, but we can't go back."
"What do you seek in this forsaken passage so desperately?" Adam asked, crossing his arms over his chest and looking at her in the eyes.
"I-I..." Morgane stuttered, but Julius came to her rescue, patting her gently on the shoulder and nodding. Encouraged by the boy, she gathered her courage and said, "I'm searching for my mother. According to a close friend, she turned into an evil ghost after dying and should be at the end of this path."
Surprised by the revelation, the duo gazed at each other, guessing she was probably an adopted or illegitimate child of the Bellorian's king. Yet, despite his sympathy, her answer lacked logic for Adam.
"Why don't you come with royal mages and knights?" He asked, his brow raised.
"I can't answer." She replied before adding with watery eyes, "It is my only chance. I'll leave the college definitively after the new year. Please, help me."
Feeling her desperation and honesty, Adam scratched his head with a frown. He still didn't understand why the girl appeared familiar and why part of him wanted to help her. Yet, should he put himself and Julius at risk for that sensation?
"I don't know," he muttered, drawing a deep breath and pondering. 'I'm no hero helping people left and right by goodness. I really want to help you, but...'