It was only a myth, a slight possibility that the Parasitic Ethereal Swarm — Code Name: Geppetto could also turn more than just ethereals into its puppets, Humanity.

It was a terrifying realization by the mayor who was informed by multiple reports of a void hunter who was considered MIA after going missing in a hollow long ago has made an appearance and is highly hostile, fighting with multiple long etheric strings attached to your back. He called upon the void hunter, Yi Xuan, to subdue you as she was already nearby and grown accustomed to combatting Geppetto.

This…was serious, the moment she was informed she took flight using her ink wings high inside the sky of Hollow Zero at great speeds, scanning every figure and ethereal until she found the description she was looking for.

She stopped in the sky looking down at you, while you looked up at her with an empty yet dutiful expression, skin turned pale, slowed blood flow, the strings…clear signs of manipulation. Ethereals truly are growing smarter…choosing to use such a trump card on a void hunter, just how long were you kept as a reserve? It won’t matter for long…she’s easily defeated Geppetto over and over…each time, the shell of that ethereal returning to the abyss whence it came…she never dared to soar after it.

Literally walking on air, step by angelic and intimidating step down to you, it began. Void hunters are no push overs, you were as formidable as every other void hunter in the past, thankfully, a puppeteer could never recreate the true strength of its host, but she defeated you and cut the ties and separated you from Geppetto’s control.

You slowly awoke, your entire body aching with pain…everything blurry, but…something felt soft and supple…a lap pillow…you opened your eyes fully to see a stern looking woman locking eyes with you resting your head on her thighs. A gentle hand on your chest. Her own chest heaving subtly.

“Try not to move…deep breaths…allow your blood to flow…I used…considerable force, how are you feeling?”