Chapter 18 1288 Vouchers Chapter 18 "The female devotee brought the body here precisely for me to guide her into the afterlife. It's your obsession that chains her spirit to this world!" The abbot's words struck Alexander like hammer blows. He grasped their meaning: "So Sophie's still alive?" "She is deceased, yet a fragment of consciousness lingers." "That devotee was reciting the Prayer for the Deceased when you interrupted." Regret flooded Alexander as the abbot spoke. His heart softened-Olivia had been wholeheartedly chanting for So- phie. An apology was due. But now he clung to this revelation like a lifeline, desperately demanding answers: "Can you bring Sophie back, Master?" The abbot recoiled, shaking his head vehemently: "Impossible!" Alexander's eyes dimmed, bitter laughter escaping him as he gazed at Sophie's form: "So I'll never see Sophie again?" Silent, the abbot handed him a slender booklet before departing. Alexander stared at the Prayer for the Deceased, throat tight. He couldn't let Sophie vanish completely. But as he opened it, his eyes widened at an additional passage: "The Apparition Summoning Chant initiates the Prayer. It may summon spirits for communion." Disbelief morphed into elation. Clutching the booklet, he chased after the abbot-now sweeping fallen leaves at the gate. "Countless have attempted this, Alexander. Few succeed. Know why?" "I don't care. I must try!" Alexander's resolve rang absolute. "Should she endure Fiery Torment, you'll share her agony. Still willing?" 00% 12:40 Chapter 18 1288 Vouchers Sophie's spirit, drifting outside, heard everything. She watched Alexander grip the abbot's hands with terrifying intensity: "I am." "Just let me see Sophie once more." A tear traced Alexander's profile. This uncle wept more since her death than ever before. But what purpose would reunion serve now? His obsession felt pointless to Sophie-she scarcely wanted to see him. "Can the torment wait? Certain matters require clarity." Ice edged Alexander's request. "Sooner proves better," the abbot cautioned, resuming his sweeping. "Prolonged separation hinders her passage." He added without looking up: "And do not remove her from here." Alexander made a bold decision: summoning the medical examiner to the temple. He'd witness the autopsy personally. Finding the room too cramped, he sought an open, ventilated space to await the examiner. There, he discovered Olivia still chanting scriptures. "Stop, Olivia. I won't let Sophie move on yet." Olivia seemed entranced, her eyes tightly shut as her lips moved relentlessly, the words tumbling out faster and faster. Beads of sweat dotted her forehead. Alexander leaned closer to catch her frantic whispers: "Don't come for me, don't come for me..." "Olivia!" Alexander swiftly tapped her shoulder. She whirled around, eyes wide with terror, trembling uncontrollably. Her mouth fell open, shock still etched across her face. Alexander frowned. "Did you take the body?" 49.5% 12.40 Chapter 18 He shook his head, puzzled. Olivia exhaled sharply before murmuring: "Good... that's good." "You only brought Sophie here for the afterlife rites. Why didn't you tell me?" Finally regaining composure, Olivia forced down her lingering fear. "Would it matter? You'd never have agreed." True-Alexander would have refused any afterlife ritual. "Regardless... thank you." His sincere words hung in the air, leaving Olivia speechless. After a stunned pause, bitterness twisted her lips into a stiff smile: "No need." It's not over yet, Alexander. Your gratitude comes too soon. Beside the body, men circled, placing dry straw around Sophie's form. The abbot sighed, shutting the temple doors. His restless chanting continued, clearly unsettled. As if guilty of something. 1288 Vouchers 79.1 % 12:40