Soul Trigger

Chapter 614 Unlucky Bastard
Aquil's reaction just now made Ji Li realize something, and he glanced at Clementine behind him.

He had just closed the door to say something when there was another urgent knock. It was Aquile:
Pulitzer, open the door!

Ji Li gestured for Clementine to find a place to hide, and she slipped into the wardrobe before he opened the door.
"what happened again?"

Ji Li deliberately left the door open, and seeing Aiguier looking around, he confirmed his guess:
This girl did indeed see Clementine just now.

Finding no trace of the "ghost," Aiquier breathed a slight sigh of relief, then with a grim expression, he took out a bronze four-leaf clover pendant and put it on Ji Li's head.

He said with an unfriendly expression:
"Don't lose it, and don't take it off when you take a shower."

Ji Li feigned ignorance:

"what do you mean?"

"Don't worry about what I mean, just do as I say!"

Aiquier, growing impatient, was about to leave, but then, seemingly feeling he should at least offer an explanation, he added:

"This afternoon, a murder occurred in a neighboring town upstream, so I got a talisman from the church."

Don't think this is specially for you; I'm just worried that if you die, your aunt will be heartbroken. Make sure you wear it carefully.

After saying that, he slammed the door shut, then hid behind Ji Li's door, took a deep breath, and gritted his teeth:
No wonder I had heart palpitations today and almost peed my pants... Turns out there was a ghost following this guy!

The lucky charm I stole from the church was given to this bastard, how awful... but I can't let him be killed by that ghost, can I?

She sighed, glanced at the light shining through the crack in Ji Li's door, and returned to her own room.
Pulitzer Orin, that's all I can do. Good luck to you, you bastard!

Inside Ji Li's room, he looked at the Clementine that floated out of the closet with a mocking expression:

"She did see you."

Clementine had seemed preoccupied since returning and hadn't paid much attention to the matter, only belatedly noticing:

"How can this be?"

"If she is an awakened one, then it is possible."

"But...there's no spiritual energy fluctuation in her?"

“That’s true, but that’s the only explanation for her reaction just now. Something might have been obscuring the spiritual energy fluctuations on her body.”

Ji Li has already tested the characteristics of Clementine's [Ghost Body]. Without her direct interaction with people, ordinary people cannot see her, not even awakened ones.

Unless the other party possesses sensory abilities or summoning items.

The reason he was seen by the gravedigger who suddenly attacked him at the old campus of Yuk School was because Clementine searched him.

Besides the two points mentioned above, the only way to find Clementine's traces is by observing subtle changes in the environment, because Clementine's other characteristic, "Blasphemy," will leave obvious traces of her movements.

For example, in a previous test, her movement caused the crucifix in Mrs. Duke's living room to fall over.

Aquile can see Clementine directly, which means that this sister, who doesn't particularly like him, probably harbors some secrets:
"Don't worry about it, just pretend you don't know anything." Ji Li kept this in mind.

Clementine nodded, hesitated for a moment, and then said:
"Your Mightiness……"

"You have to call him master."

She remained silent for a few moments, then finally gave in:
"Master... I'd like to discuss something with you."

"What to discuss?"

She turned her head away, instinctively clutching the inverted cross hanging on her chest. It wasn't a real object, but rather an extension of her body, a symbol of her true self as a resting place.
"...I don't like the feeling of death. If possible, could you please try to keep me from dying, like you did tonight?"

Ji Li tilted his head:

"Didn't you tell me today that I didn't need to pull you? I thought you liked dying."

Is the little girl from White Island really that pretentious?

Clementine bit her lower lip, wanting to retort:

Who would like to die?
But he still explained:

“I lied. I don’t want to die, and I don’t like it. I just wanted to show you my worth a little.”

That feeling of despair reminds me of my childhood... especially my last suicide attempt.

If the rules of the mortuary suddenly force me to commit suicide, I want you to stop me.

He paused, then quickly added:
"If you can make that promise, I guarantee I will carry out any of your orders, as long as it doesn't cost me my life."

Ji Li squinted:

“An immortal being who fears death will greatly diminish your value. Considering your young age, I can understand that you need some time to adjust, so I agree for now.”

Clementine finally breathed a sigh of relief:

"Thanks……"

"Perfect timing. You've now mimicked the Gravekeeper's spiritual properties, which will come in handy later. To prevent death from resetting your status, you'd better not die even once recently."

"I understand."

"Speaking of which, I haven't asked you about the traits you gained by imitating the gravedigger yet?"

Clementine's eyes flashed with a spiritual light, and it was only then that she began to review and examine the spiritual properties she had simulated:
"'Sleeplessness' allows me to maintain an extremely clear state at all times and is immune to most mental disturbances."

This explains why Ji Li had difficulty knocking out the tomb keeper.

"The price is..."

She was slightly taken aback, then belatedly realized:
"I will remain mentally alert and find it difficult to fall asleep..."

"That's perfect, you can get used to your current state tonight. Your performance today wasn't very good."

Clementine: "..."

She wanted to cry. Was there really no way for her to go back to being a normal person?
……

The next morning, when Ji Li woke up, he saw Clementine squatting by his bedside, lost in thought.

"Good morning."

Clementine replied with a wooden "Good morning."

Just then, Aiquier's voice came from downstairs. In order to avoid his sister who had opened her eyes to see ghosts, Ji Li told her to wait upstairs for a while before heading to school with him.

Today is a normal school day, which is in line with Pulitzer's usual life trajectory. He went to Yuk High School to investigate the spiritual place.

He changed into the school's dark blue suit uniform and raised his wrist:
There was a spiritual circuit there that he had directly inscribed on his skin, which was changing and twisting like a tadpole.

Now, Ji Li's spiritual circuit level has reached a state of perfection, thanks to the baptism of the Mirage Research Institute and the natural advantage of being a Dead Apostle.

How about checking out the masterpiece of a master who can depict art from a distance?
This is also a spiritual circuit of masterful quality that he inscribed based on the scientific research results from the Mirage Research Institute.

There are two sets of materials, one hidden on the person being monitored and the other on him.

Through the dense, tadpole-like changes, Ji Li was able to "read" the various movements of the tomb keeper at that moment.

This guy drove away from town early in the morning, heading towards a neighboring town to the north. I wonder what he's up to.

After observing for a while, until Mrs. Duke's voice came from downstairs, Ji Li put away his wrist and went downstairs.

On the table were simple sandwiches and blood sausage, a fairly common breakfast on White Island.

In Ji Li's eyes, this was far too shabby compared to the Yuanling Prince's Mansion.

As for Aquile, she had been seated for some time and was wrestling with the large portion of blood sausage on her plate using her knife and fork.

As Ji Li sat down, she was still observing whether there were any ghosts behind him and confirming that Ji Li had put on the four-leaf clover amulet.

But when she met Ji Li's gaze, she quickly looked away, clearly not wanting to talk to him.

Mrs. Duke also took her seat and said to Aquile:
"Honey, how's training going lately?"

"Don't even mention it. The volleyball team suspended volleyball lessons for sailing competitions in several towns, but yesterday afternoon's murder in a neighboring town forced them to change the location of the competitions..."

"There really was a murder case?" Ji Li raised an eyebrow. He had thought that yesterday's excuse was just something Aiguier had come up with.

The gravedigger went to the neighboring town early this morning. Could it be because of a murder case?
Aquil glanced at him:
"Okay, I need to hurry to school after I finish eating. The coaches are having an emergency meeting to announce the new competition schedule."

"Don't overwork yourself, get along well with your classmates."

"I know……"

After giving Aquile her instructions, Mrs. Duke looked at Ji Li, who was eating a sandwich. He was secretly watching his wrist, checking the gravedigger's movements.

We have indeed arrived at the neighboring town, but so far there has been no particular action taken.

“Pulitzer, about Sword Dome University…” Ji Li put away his wrist and looked up.

Upon hearing Mrs. Duke's words, Aquile's eyebrows furrowed, and a visible look of disgust flashed in his eyes as he looked at Ji Li. He grabbed the remaining half of his sandwich, threw down his knife and fork, and left his seat.

"I am leaving."

Ji Li looked at this girl with some confusion, wondering what kind of temper she was throwing.

Mrs. Duke coughed twice and patted Ji Li's hand:
"Don't worry about Aquile, she also hopes you can achieve your dream..."

dream?

Ji Li thought of the poster in Pulitzer's room, about that professor from Sword Sky University:

"Go to Sword Sky University?"

Mrs. Duke nodded and forced a smile:
"I've spoken with the principal about the recommendation letter. Your grades are excellent, and as long as you meet the social practice requirement, he'll agree to write a recommendation letter for the city."

I've already saved up for the travel expenses, but unfortunately the government subsidies have been reduced recently, otherwise I might have been able to save up for the first six months' tuition..."

Ji Li understood:

This is to save money for Pulitzer's college education.

The common currency on White Island is the gold standard, a modern term that is still in use today.

Mrs. Duke's monthly income, including full-time and part-time jobs plus foster care allowances for her two children, totaled less than £3000.

He glanced at the old sticky note on the refrigerator not far away, which was filled with daily expenses.

The high energy bills and food prices are listed in detail, along with other fixed expenses and tuition fees for two children, leaving almost nothing at the end of the month.

After deducting Pulitzer's and Equiel's allowances, plus some unexpected expenses for school needs, such as Equiel's sailboat rental and Pulitzer's book purchases, there was basically no money left, and there was even a deficit.

So, in essence, Mrs. Duke was devoting all her energy and resources to supporting her two children, while also doing her utmost to fulfill Pulitzer's dreams.

Go to Sword Sky University.

This kid... no wonder Aquile dislikes him so much.

The class system on White Island is very rigid. Getting into university is not just about grades; social practice and letters of recommendation also play a role.

Given Pulitzer's family and personal circumstances, getting into Sword Dome University would require a huge element of luck and immense wealth, making it virtually impossible.
"I understand, thank you, Aunt Duke."

Ji Li didn't say much. Of course, he didn't need to go to Sword Sky University, but telling this ordinary middle-aged woman that he had given up on this "dream" might be a bit cruel to her, who had been working so hard for it.

Once he finds a spiritual place, he should leave this place.

Let's leave her with a bright future.

……

Ji Li went to school in Anya's sports car.

The blonde girl had a big smile on her face and took Ji Li for a drive around town, showing off her driving skills and teasing him from time to time.

Western countries value living for the moment, which is similar to the decadent Murphy Mansion, where people would take Ji Liluan for a wild ride early in the morning.

She even encountered a student from the same school who initially drove up in a black convertible to greet her, but his smile vanished when he saw Ji Li sitting inside.

Then Anya overtook him, which annoyed Anya.
"It's Grayson, Jason's lackey..."

Seeing that she had chased after him for a long time without catching up, Ji Li yawned, told her to get out of the car and let him drive, stepped on the gas and sped off, leaving the kid's exhaust fumes in sight.

When I arrived at the school gate, the black car had given up chasing me and was running to school.

Anya was completely distracted, her heart pounding, and she looked at Ji Li as if he were an alien.

"My God... when you brushed past that truck, I almost thought I was going to die..."

Under the watchful eyes of many students, Ji Li skillfully drifted the car into the school, parked it, and pulled the handbrake.

"Don't worry, even if the car explodes to pieces, you won't die as long as you're next to me."

Although this speed was far slower than when Ji Li dragged Anya along and ran wildly through the underground castle.

But Anya still excitedly pounced on him, pressed down the convertible top to close it, and then climbed into the driver's seat, passionately hugging and kissing Ji Li.

Ji Li lifted her face:
What time does class start?

"Twenty minutes left, have you had breakfast?"

"You mean the meal in front of me?" Ji Li pinched her smooth chin.

Anya blushed slightly:
"I mean I haven't had breakfast yet and I'm thinking of eating it in the cafeteria..."

Ji Li naturally embraced her, feeling the youthful body of the girl through her thin school uniform:

"Then why not take care of it in the car?"

Anya giggled and said:

"Lord Odin, will you be my boyfriend?"

"No."

Her expectant expression vanished instantly, but Ji Li's words and actions did not match—

They'd been cooped up in Black Sun Mansion for ages.

Although Clementine was quite alluring, his principles regarding bed partners wouldn't lead him to actually treat the autistic nun as a slave.

Anya, a bold and passionate young model, would be the perfect fit.

He skillfully touched Anya's school uniform stockings, and his upper body under the thin fabric could easily slip inside.

Ji Li's actions made Anya ignore his answer. She awkwardly but warmly leaned against him and rested her head on his shoulder.

The girl from White Island was proactive and generous. Ji Li's caresses delighted her. She squinted her eyes, savoring the moment, and actively swayed in response, whispering soft moans in his ear like praise:

Why did you refuse so quickly yesterday?

"Because it was really inconvenient yesterday."

"Would it be convenient to stay in my car, Mr. Odin? Hmm..."

Anya cupped Ji Li's face and kissed him passionately for a while, then leaned close to his ear, her breath rising and falling in rhythm with the pressure and gliding across his skin.
"But I don't want to end my bachelor party in my car... How about coming to my place at noon? Nobody's home today, and I didn't buy any condoms..."

Before she could finish speaking, her voice suddenly rose.

The sensation from the central gap ignited all the dense nerve endings, and that intense, surging energy spread throughout his body from the inside out. His legs tensed and he suddenly clamped down on Ji Li.

"Don't pinch me like that, I didn't..."

His head felt like it was exploding, and he grabbed Ji Li's head and began to bite it hard in a Western style.

But a sudden loud bang extinguished her ignited hormones, and Anya turned her head away with an annoyed expression to roll down the car window:

"Grayson, what are you doing?"

That was a tall boy with neatly trimmed short hair and silver earrings; he was the owner of the black car from earlier.

He first glanced at Anya, then glared at Ji Li with an unfriendly look, and left without saying a word, carrying the basketball in his hand.

"Hey you……"

"never mind."

Ji Li turned Anya's pretty face towards him and smiled:

"Why should I pay attention to that little brat? Let's continue?"

However, a group of male and female students had already gathered around their car, pointing and whispering, and Anya's face completely fell.

In the back seat, Clementine, who was only visible to Ji Li, was completely stunned, and it was unclear how long she had been staring at the screen.

When Ji Li was pulled into the school by Anya, she found Grayson, the boy with the earring, being beaten up by a red-haired girl in the hallway. There were also a bunch of cookies scattered around, which looked like European gingerbread.

It is his current sister, Equal.

"Listen up, you idiot! Go have your gingerbread and go have your gay time with Jason. Stay away from my brother and don't mess with me, or I'll beat you until you can't even hold a steering wheel anymore!"

Ji Li's eyes brightened slightly:

Is this girl pretty tough?
A large group of students had already gathered around, cheering and shouting for Aquile.

At that moment, Aquile had a sudden thought. Through the gaps in the crowd, he saw Ji Li and Anya behind him. He was stunned for a moment and pushed Grayson, who was bruised and swollen, to the ground.

He pulled a girl from the crowd who was holding a paddleboard and looked lost, then turned and walked away.
"You damn bastard..."
-
P.S.: I started outlining at 7 pm and worked on it until 9 pm, and then continued writing until now. My output is a little low today, so let's take a break and get back to normal.
(End of this chapter)