“Every action writes a line in the ledger of the soul.”

Chapter 12.5 - The KARMIC LEDGER

The green portal swallowed them in an instant. There was no sound. No wind. Just a dark, vast, and silent void like the belly of the cosmos. Then… numbers began to fall from the sky.

Not rain. Not light. But karmic numbers, falling like digital snow:

+12 for compassion

–45 for anger

+3 for forgiveness

–99 for jealousy

Shayla stared, stunned. “This is… the karmic balance?” Rosi squinted. “No. This is older than that. This is where all karma is calculated… and traded.” Their footsteps echoed, echoing over and over like the voices of thousands of souls. In the center of the room, a long obsidian table was carved with ancient symbols that constantly changed shape. Suddenly, a figure emerged from the shadows. A tall figure draped in a dark red robe. His face was covered by a golden mask. And in his left hand was a large, glowing green book. The figure bowed gently.

“Welcome,” he said in a calm yet piercing voice and tone. “I am… The Karmic Broker.”

Mr. David immediately felt goosebumps. “So… you’re real? The Ledger Keeper?” The broker laughed softly. “The Keeper? No. I simply… correct the imbalances when the old keepers fail to do their job.” He opened the ledger. Thousands of numbers leaped out like spirits. Preet swallowed digital saliva. “What is this…?” The broker answered without turning.

“This is the record of all beings. Every decision. Every whisper of the heart. Every sin and every redemption.” Shayla stared at Rosi, trembling. “But isn’t this dangerous? If the wrong person sees it?” The broker closed the book quickly. “That’s why I’m holding it. The angels are too slow. The keepers are too rigid. Someone must maintain the flow of karma… at all costs.” His tone suddenly turned colder. “And someone has messed up the market. You guys.”

Rosi snorted. “We’re just saving souls.” The Broker approached, gaping like a red mist. “Oscar’s soul was supposed to be… a valuable asset. And you destroyed it.” Preet took a half step forward, Oscar’s light blazing in his chest. 

“We didn’t destroy anything. Oscar chose redemption.” The Broker paused. He stared more closely at Preet, the golden light shining from within her body. “…Ah. The energy has chosen a new master. Good. That means your time is almost here, Preet.” Mr. David looked at him suspiciously. “Come for what?” The Broker smiled, the golden mask cracking slightly, revealing a fiery red light from behind. “For the coming war. 

A war between the old guard… and the disruptors of balance.” Before anyone could ask another question, the entire room shook. From the dark sky, a familiar voice cut through the darkness: “Release him, Broker.” Everyone turned. Golden wings spread open in the darkness. Light reflected off the figures. The Bird King had arrived.

CONTINUE