Orion, lying prone on the cold wooden bed, tried to fathom the incomprehensible weight within him. It felt like holding an ocean inside a teacup. The energy surged and ebbed, yet he could neither wield nor control it.

Amid his attempts to grapple with this internal maelstrom, the cabins' doors groaned open, revealing the darkly charismatic figure of Varnus. The man moved with an elegant, predatory grace, the embodiment of dark charm. A quick glance told Orion that Varnus bore the markings of a particular cultivation technique— a method Orion recognized from his previous life. But it was rudimentary, its power almost stagnant compared to the refined versions Orion once knew.

"Ah, Orion, the beacon of hope for so many," Varnus sneered, his eyes gleaming with a twisted admiration. "We've always watched, always admired. You wielded the strength of the Chosen, yet remained unburdened by the gods’ whims."

Orion’s eyes narrowed, cautious. "To what end have you brought me here?"

"To learn," Varnus replied, his voice dripping with ambition. "The gods have played puppeteers for far too long. We, too, reject their manipulations. But, to do so, we need power—true power. And we believe you can guide us to it."

Orion couldn’t help but scoff, "You think strength comes from the sacrifices you perform? From spilling the blood of the innocent?"

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Varnus's gaze hardened, "If the path to power requires darkness, so be it."

"Such a path leads only to ruin," Orion retorted.

Varnus laughed, a sound devoid of warmth. "Yet here you are, trapped, powerless, while we are on the cusp of achieving true greatness. You may mock our methods, but they yield results."

Orion, despite his vulnerable state, wouldn't let Varnus have the last word. "I may be weakened, but make no mistake, your cultivation is laughably weak. You’re a child playing with fire, ignorant of its potential and dangers."

Varnus's expression darkened, but he recovered quickly. "Then teach us, Orion. Show us the path to true cultivation, to wield the immense energy the world offers."

Orion pondered, searching for the right strategy. Agreeing might grant him the time he needed to harness his newfound energy. Disagreeing would likely lead to a confrontation he was not prepared for. Moreover, the potential to steer these cultists away from their dark path was tempting.

But the risk was high. "If I agree to guide you," he began slowly, "I do so on my terms. No more needless sacrifices."

Varnus studied Orion for a long, tense moment before finally nodding. "Very well. But betray us, and the consequences will be... dire."

Orion nodded, masking his distaste. The path ahead was fraught with danger and uncertainty. But the warrior within him, the spirit that had faced countless challenges, was undeterred.

For now, he would play Varnus's game, bide his time, and find a way to turn the situation to his advantage. The journey of rediscovering his strength had only just begun.