Chapter 16: Soul Power Saturation
The next requirement was one Alicia had been expecting for a while.
Reach sufficient planetary Soul Power density.
Compared to the freshwater cycle, this one felt more familiar.
Soul Power was already being produced automatically through the skill she had bought earlier.
But up until now, it had mostly been spreading passively.
This time, Alicia needed to use it more deliberately.
She began by observing how Soul Power was currently distributed.
The forest had the highest concentration due to its dense life.
The rivers and lakes held a softer, flowing presence.
The plains had less, but they were becoming more active as human groups spent more time there.
The world wasn't lacking Soul Power.
It just wasn't balanced yet.
Alicia focused carefully and began adjusting the flow.
She increased Soul Power density slightly in the forest, allowing plants and beasts there to become a little more resilient. She spread a moderate amount through the rivers and wetlands to support life and growth, while keeping the plains lighter so the humans could develop more naturally without being overwhelmed.
The changes were subtle.
But clear.
Plants grew healthier.
Smaller creatures became more alert.
Predators moved with better instincts.
And the humans…
They were still primitive, but they were beginning to feel more coordinated.
Not stronger in an obvious way.
Just… sharper.
More aware.
Alicia observed all of it with growing interest.
"…So this is what it looks like when the whole world starts waking up a little."
That was a useful realization.
Life Energy built life.
But Soul Power prepared it.
Strengthened it.
Connected it.
The system responded soon after.
Ding!
[Soul Power Saturation Detected]
[Planetary Soul Power Density Requirement Completed]
Alicia looked over her world again.
Everything felt a little more alive than before.
A little more responsive.
A little more ready.
That was probably the best word for it.
Ready.
She watched a small fox pause near a stream, carefully testing the current before crossing.
Alicia was quiet for a second.
Then thought:
"…You're getting suspiciously competent."
The fox, naturally, ignored her.