Extract from the -{ Tome of the ‘Forgotten One’ }- Divine scripture of the Church of the ‘Forgotten One’.

"Amidst the tapestry of stars, each one a testament to the souls that have passed into my realm, I weave the threads of destiny with a steady hand and a fair heart." (The Revelation of Evernight 1:7)

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While Winston's grin remained unchanged, his eyes betrayed a smirk of amusement. Asher silently filed this observation away, his mind working to decipher the layers of complexity behind the homunculus's expressions.

"I see," Asher said, his voice measured as he inched closer to a decision.

Winston leaned forward slightly, his voice taking on a persuasive tone. "Even if we consider the alternative, dear master, it would still bring more benefits than trouble to you if this contract is formed."

Asher's eyes narrowed, a mix of curiosity and wariness in his gaze. "Care to explain?"

"During my hibernation period, I was visited by the 'hermit’ or as you call him Mr.Guide," Winston began, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "He and I formed a contract where I would gain a worthy new master, and in return, I would have to help my new master complete his tasks, whatever they may be."

The homunculus paused, allowing the weight of his words to settle. "It seemed like such an obvious trap, so on the formation of the contract, I specifically cited that if the hermit tried to indirectly take control of me, the contract would become annulled. Surprisingly, the contract was formed normally, meaning he did not lay down any traps. How curious, is it not?"

Winston's signature smile played across his lips, but Asher was too preoccupied with this revelation to notice. The hermit – or rather, the Guide – was moving behind the scenes, and it seemed his plans involved Asher a lot. The question echoed in his mind, a persistent whisper: 'Just why him?'

"During that brief meeting with the 'hermit'," Winston continued, his voice cutting through Asher's thoughts, "he also informed me a bit about the great changes that the realms had undergone while I was unconscious. I don't know too many details, but adding to my own knowledge, it is quite substantial, enough to cover the basics. And basic knowledge is one of the weaknesses that dear master possesses, is it not?"

The statement rang true, causing Asher to shift uncomfortably. He did lack a great deal of information, even about the most basic of things. However, the fact that this man he had never met knew that was a cause for concern, putting Asher on guard.

Meeting Winston's dark, calm eyes, Asher knew the homunculus wasn't bluffing. "How is it that you know that?" he asked, his voice tight with suspicion.

Winston's reply came smoothly as if he had anticipated the question. "The moment the key was received by a potential master candidate, the creation system made the tower aware of its location and information. This involved hints of circumstances surrounding the owner, a preventive measure of sorts to prevent the key from falling into the wrong hands such as beings from the lower realms. After I woke up, the information was synchronized to me by the tower."

He paused, his gaze boring into Asher. "'Asher Whitlock, a human chosen from a newly integrating planet as its pioneer seed that has undergone the awakening tutorial.' This information was enough for me to fill in the pieces regarding dear master's general circumstances."

Asher fell silent, absorbing the honest explanation. One thing became clear: Winston meant no harm, at least for now. The amount of information he was sharing about his own secrets made no sense otherwise. As for the proposal, after all the facts laid on the table, Asher felt it would be foolish to reject the man. He truly was lacking a lot and needed someone who could guide him until he could stand properly on his own.

Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

A heavy sigh escaped Asher's lips. "Well, I guess all the points you have made are valid, and I cannot deny that your knowledge would be very helpful to me and would increase the odds of me reaching the end of whatever this path of mine is."

A smile of victory bloomed on Winston's face, but before he could speak, Asher interrupted him.

"However, taking without giving something in return is a bad trade, isn't it?" Asher's voice was firm, his resolve strengthening. "I don't know what your own agendas are, but whatever they may be, as long as they do not cross my bottom line, I, Asher Whitlock, also promise to do my best to help you achieve them."

Asher stood up straight, looking directly into Winston's now serious face. "Just a bit ago, I was a normal guy living a normal life before I got pulled into all this crazy shit. I am lacking in a lot of ways and don't even know if I will ever make it to the end of this abruptly started journey."

He glanced quickly at Inky and Jormu, still chasing each other in the background, before facing Winston once again. A beaming smile overtook Asher's face as he stretched his hand forward.

"But no matter what happens, let's try to enjoy it to our fullest. Welcome to the crew, Winston."

Winston, still seated on the ground, looked at the outstretched hand with a hint of perplexity. Looking up into Asher's sincere eyes, something seemed to click inside him. His signature toothy grin spread across his face as he stood, removing one of his gloves to reveal flawless pale skin and black nails. As their hands met, Winston's voice carried a note of genuine warmth.

"I look forward to our journey, dear master."

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The Southern peak of the Eldermist mountain, home of the Soul Custodian clan.

A sharp knock broke the serenity of a minimally decorated room. "Branch head, a message from the council has arrived," a rough voice called from behind the door.

"You may enter," replied a dignified and elegant voice from within.

As the door slid open, a well-toned man entered, his eyes widening slightly as he took in the scene before him. "Ah, I didn't know that the branch head of the Aurelion was visiting. I hope I didn't disturb you."

"It's okay, I just came to have some tea with Jinara," replied Liara Aurelion with a smile. Her voice was smooth and silky, a stark contrast to the dignified tones that had granted entry. Liara's long, glossy silver-blonde hair cascaded down like a waterfall, her pale complexion and golden-green eyes enhanced by the black robe she wore. A silver lace attached to its sleeve signified her status as the current head of her branch.

Seated across from her was Jinara Silverfox, the branch head of the Silverfox clan. Unlike Liara's pale complexion, Jinara sported a light tan. Her sharp expression turned towards the newcomer, causing her silky, shoulder-length silver hair to flutter momentarily, revealing a glimpse of her silver eyes with their hint of purple.

"The message?" Jinara's voice was crisp, businesslike.

The man quickly approached the low table, laden with half-filled teacups, a teapot, and some twice-baked biscuits. Having delivered the message, he hastily retreated, leaving the two heads to their discussion.

Jinara broke the seal on the folded letter, her eyes scanning its contents. Meanwhile, Liara rested her face in her hands, a peaceful smile playing on her lips as she waited for Jinara to finish.

A restless sigh escaped Jinara's lips, causing Liara to look up in concern. "Everything alright?"

Jinara's reply was terse, her voice tight with tension. "The pigs from the Iron Fist sect are finally making their move."

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The first floor of the Tower of Fortuna's Folly

A large spiked boar, its eyes blazing with primal fury, thundered through the misty forest. Its body was a canvas of wounds, yet it remained steadfast in its pursuit of a figure concealed by the swirling fog.

As the boar leaped over a fallen tree trunk, it unknowingly exposed its soft underbelly. In that split second, Asher struck. His sword flashed in the filtered sunlight, finding its mark with deadly precision.

The boar's dying squeal echoed through the forest, a haunting sound that seemed to hang in the air long after the beast had fallen.

"Excellent kill, Master Asher," Winston's voice rang out, accompanied by slow, deliberate claps. Asher couldn't quite discern if the praise was genuine or laced with sarcasm, but he chose to ignore it either way.

Their journey through the tower had begun in earnest after Winston joined their party. Using his authority, the homunculus had opened a gate that transported them to the first floor. They found themselves in a lush forest, teeming with life and hidden dangers.

By chance, they encountered a sounder of spiked boars. While most were formidable with their lethal spikes, only the leader showed signs of having awakened. Inky and Jormu, excited by the prospect of action, released their true forms and attacked with unbridled enthusiasm.

Asher had pursued one of the injured boars that fled after Inky's initial tentacle attack. The Kraken had grown to a substantial size, now rivaling an adult mammoth, and its strikes were devastatingly effective.

As Asher hefted the slain boar onto his shoulder, he scanned the misty surroundings for a suitable clearing to make camp and process their hunt. Winston followed closely, his enigmatic smile never wavering as they picked their way through the dense undergrowth.

The weight of the boar, the unfamiliar terrain, and the lingering adrenaline from the hunt all served to remind Asher of how far he had come from his "normal" life. As he glanced at his unlikely companions – two eldritch horrors and a homunculus servant – he couldn't help but wonder what other surprises this tower had in store for them.