Levi was in an extremely bad mood, he had reached the edge of the forest and could see civilization, but he felt no joy.
A few moments earlier, the last of the intense pain from his ankle had vanished. The pebble injury was entirely gone, healed without a trace.
This wasn't a miracle; it was a death sentence, his leaking soul essence, acting as a frantic internal medic, had repaired the damage instantly.
Every time his soul was forced to heal him, his precious lifespan shortened. He had traded immediate pain for a guaranteed, faster death. Freedom had come at a heavy, terrible price.
"Here's where you leave, buddy." Still in a foul mood, Levi dismissed the tiger. The massive creature paused, then exploded into a burst of shadows that slithered back into Levi's own shadow, vanishing instantly.
