54 An alternative ending to Cay Vs Jason Chapter 45

1. The resolution to Jason's depression was 'hand-wavey' or 'magic'.

2. Jason didn't 'get over' his depression himself or that it was an external influence.

I understand both concerns, and so I changed the way the situation unfolded so that its less 'hand-wavey' and a result of Jason's direct actions.

___________________________________________________

Jason dropped to his knees. It was hopeless. The requirement to upgrade his battle physique was unknown, and in all these months, he had yet to make any progress.

Cay saw the despair in Jason's eyes, and for a moment, he paused. Slowly, he asked. "How's Olivia?"

Jason only glanced at the ground with a dull expression.

"No matter, I'll find her myself." Cay shook his head. He gave Jason another glance. "Jason, right? Back then, I didn't know what an awakened soul was, so I lost and had to become a tool of the tower. Although I lost my freedom, I learned so much." Cay considered his words. "Looking at your response to my first attack, you still have a lot to learn. You don't know how to mask your will, nor deceive another. Do you even know what a-"

An immense force abruptly pressed Cay to his knees. The air trembled as the ground cracked in every direction with Jason as the center. Despair and hopelessness flooded the world. Jason's will unfolded as he lost himself in the reality of Tank's death. Never before had he so intimately shared feelings with another person, or in this case, a creature. No death had affected him as much as this one.

Cay looked around in shock, recognizing this power. It was precisely a domain, formed from will and powered by intent. While he wasn't the target, Cay just so happened to be right next to Jason, the source. Cay's will was like a small boat in a storm, barely afloat. Jason's will seeped in, infecting Cay's soul.

Cay's tears hit the ground as long-suppressed emotions rose to the surface. The shattered pride of the strongest assassin upon failing to kill Shenlong, and the regret from killing his wife, son, and brother for power in a moment of weakness.

Back when Jason and Shenlong clashed wills during the tournament, they knew continuing further might irreparably change their souls. Cay was aware Jason was flooding his soul with emotions he disdained, yet he could do nothing to stop it. Right now, if Jason wanted to, he could directly destroy Cay's soul. It was because he was in shock Cay remained alive.

At this moment, Jason's mind was a mess. A part of him wanted Cay to kill him, a part of him was afraid of death, a part of him wanted to struggle, and a part of him wished he had the confidence he used to have, back when he fought alongside his best friends.

Like how an artist painted their subject, Jason used this absurd confidence as inspiration to rekindle his motivation and will. This was it. The feeling he had fighting monsters, completing quests, and living life to its fullest alongside his companions—belief in yourself and the confidence to accomplish anything.

Eventually, Jason opened his eyes. The aura around him changed from despair to resolve and purpose. By this time, the curse binding Jason was gone. His wounds had almost healed; his heart grown anew. Standing up, he pulled out the arrows in his chest before looking down at Cay. The man was collapsed on the ground, his tears soaking the dirt.

"Did I do this?" Jason muttered as he connected the dots. Unfortunately, when Jason used Cay's will as inspiration, doing so with his state of mind at the time had altered Cay's soul. It was almost evil to corrupt another's soul for your benefit. Jason felt regretful, yet when he recalled all the people Cay killed, he only felt pity.

Regardless, Jason felt great and entered his mind. There, he found Tank in a deep sleep. Opening his eyes, he scanned the horizon with a smile. "Don't worry. I'll revive you in no time."

"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry…" Cay's muttering came from below.

Jason looked down at the man with pity. "Now, what do I do with you?"

The man had a lot to answer for, and Jason's pity for Cay wouldn't stop him from finding justice. It was time to find Olivia.