Chapter 9

At the Crossroads

Within the concealed confines of the facility, a lush bed of purple thorn plants swayed gracefully in response to the gentle currents of air that brushed the hidden garden. Their movements radiated a serenity that contrasted the conflict brewing in John's heart.

Turning to Harken, curiosity compelled John to inquire, "Suppose I entertained this intriguing proposal. How quickly could these promises materialize?" Skepticism colored his tone, reflecting the seriousness of his deliberation.

Harken's response exuded confidence, bordering on pride. "Should you join us now, the wealth you desire could grace your hands in mere moments," he declared.

John, however, dismissed the notion with a wave. "Wealth holds little allure, dear Boss. What I crave is the elixir of longevity and the key to the arcane mysteries of Magic," he confessed, holding Harken's gaze with resolve.

"To unlock Magic's formidable forces," Harken elucidated, "we must first break the ancient seal binding our world. This quest requires retrieving a long-lost treasure, an act that will unleash the dormant mana and let it flow freely again."

As Harken's cryptic words hung in the air, uncertainty ensnared John. The truth of Harken's claims remained obscured, leaving him lost in contemplative silence. The weight of his decision pressed upon his heart, and he knew the path he chose would be profound and irreversible.

However, Harken mistook John's hesitation for doubt. Swiftly, he retrieved an item from his pocket. "Consider this, my friend. If you align with us, this token shall be yours—bearing the insignia of my otherworldly master. Holding it signifies my acknowledgment of you as a prospective apprentice."

Harken elaborated on the enticing benefits, his words dripping with possibility. "Clutching this insignia brings remarkable advantages. Your longevity will be restored, your skin will regain its youthful vigor in just a year, your intellect will sharpen, and most intriguingly, you'll gain power over the elusive purple thorn."

In response, the monk sprang up, his voice resolute and fervent. "Boss, offering that precious relic is an insult! The elder it represents hails from a realm not our own. Moreover, such a treasure should belong to your most loyal—namely, myself!" His words resonated with passion and indignation, reflecting the unresolved conflict between him and Harken, a conflict seemingly extending to Harken's other followers.

Observing this exchange, John discerned a universal truth transcending worlds. "In every group, conflicts of interest are inevitable. Surely rotten elements exist in their ranks."

With deliberate calm, Harken pocketed the item, eyes fixed on the monk. He then departed, parting words for John. "Should you decide, know you can contact me anytime." A subtle notification on John's watch revealed the means to reach Harken—a gateway of choices, each brimming with profound consequence.

John couldn't help but breathe relief. An odd sense of agreement with Harken's terms washed over him, a feeling strangely unsettling. Yet, with his AI-enhanced gear, clarity emerged from the fog of uncertainty. Earbuds discreetly recorded each word, while a vigilant AI sorted and reported data promptly, a dependable ally in this enigmatic realm.

He couldn't deny a nagging sense of something amiss within himself, likely the influence of the enigmatic purple thorn or other arcane forces at play.

As Harken withdrew, the previously frenzied monk, now composed, offered nothing more than a disdainful snort before departing.

Alone in the room, aware of the monitoring but undeterred, John settled into contemplative meditation. Guided by his AI, he meticulously reviewed the unfolding events, piecing together the puzzle from start to finish.

Hours later, in his lavish, gold-trimmed office, Harken reclined in an ornate chair. His attention fixed on a screen monitoring John's every move. A sigh escaped his lips as he muttered, "This old man is exceptional, though the reason eludes me. Is this what my master called 'the weavers of Fate'? A force even I cannot oppose."

Resignation clouded his features briefly. "Very well, if that is the way of it, I shall play my part. My master's words echo—those aiding the chosen of fate shall reap bountiful rewards."

High atop the valley, a small, idyllic house stood, a serene and picturesque sight.

Within, two figures sat meditating, locked in an emotional struggle. Aetherius, seated in front, battled exhaustion following his intricate magical ritual.

"Master, it seems this incantation is taking a heavy toll on your body," Rudi voiced his concern, his tone etched with worry.

Aetherius, though appearing withered, remained steadfast, engrossed in his meditation. He brushed off Rudi's apprehension with cold determination. "Staking everything on Doctor John is our final recourse to shield that treasure from Harken and his henchmen. Once everything is in place, we shall claim it for our master."

"Why can't we take it now, Master?" Rudi persisted, his impatience evident. "I've witnessed your power; you could seize it today. Why wait for some distant promise?"

Aetherius broke his meditation, his tired eyes locking onto Rudi's. "An early attempt would come at great cost, perhaps even my life. To forcibly take it would trigger the protective enchantment surrounding the treasure."

"Harken's methods may be rash, but thanks to that purple thorn plant, the casualties are minimal. I still marvel at their acquisition of that legendary item. If I dared to compare, it rivals the very treasure we seek."

"Master, the texts provide no details about this treasure. Is it some sort of weapon?" Rudi inquired.

Aetherius rose from his meditation, settled into a nearby chair, and poured himself some tea. "This treasure is of divine nature; it adapts to its wielder's will. Possessing it means an end to concerns about depleting mana—it's coveted even by the gods themselves."

"As the rightful heirs of the Aetherstrand lineage, this treasure, the Eldritch Resonance Stone, rightfully belongs to us."

"My family and master possess a unique method to locate this item. However, to acquire it, we must break the protective shield guarding it. This spell weakens at a specific time each year. Once we breach this safeguard, the last step involves dismantling the barrier shielding the treasure."

"Master, it feels like this weapon is an heirloom, why is it so hard to obtain? Why not simply pass it on?" Rudi inquired.

Aetherius considered the question. "Your perspective is valid, Rudi, but you've grown up in a world that operates differently. You've never experienced the 'law of the jungle' as we do in my world. In my realm, if you wish to possess something, you must exert all your efforts to claim it. Acquiring it binds you to it."

"My world adheres to this principle: those who deserve something will obtain it. However, my predecessors were not without compassion. They allowed a degree of leniency for their lineage, a test of worthiness. That's why we find ourselves here."

Rudi nodded thoughtfully. After a moment of contemplative silence, he posed a weighty question. "Master, why did you choose Doctor John? And why entrust him with that precious talisman?"

"I believe the threads of destiny woven by the Weavers of Fate are now entwining with this old man. Utilizing him as a catalyst to achieve our goal is a risk worth taking."

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"I can't help but feel somewhat uneasy, Master," Rudi confessed. "The idea of having an apprentice brother was exciting, but now it seems we are using him to attain the treasure."

Aetherius let out a deep sigh. "I share your sentiments, Rudi. My time here has been extensive, and I acknowledge that my involvement contributed to the conflict among humans. Yet, I do this for their sake. If we allow Harken to acquire the weapon, he is likely to test it in this world."

Rudi nodded in silent agreement.

As four days swiftly passed, John had settled into his "private quarters." He pondered his thought patterns and surmised that someone or something was implanting thoughts in his mind, almost as if manipulating him. His best guess led to the Soulbound relic that had fused with him during his initial meeting with Aetherius.

"The treasure... my master... and this relic now intertwined with my body. If I recall correctly, my master mentioned that this relic houses a potent soul. But whose soul could it be?"

John began piecing the puzzle together, realizing that he was at the heart of it all.

"They're after that legendary weapon," he thought. "And Harken holds the answers to all my lingering questions."

John reached for his watch and issued a command to contact Harken through his AI gear. After a few seconds, a voice crackled through the line.

"Doctor John, how can I assist you? Have you made up your mind about joining my organization?"

"Always direct," John mused. "But I do have a question, Boss," he replied.

"Go ahead," came the response from the other end.

"I'm curious about the treasure you seek," John said. "I'd like to know more."

Harken took a moment to gather his thoughts. "It's a rather complex tale, Doctor John. It originates from our world, and recounting a history that spans a thousand years seems rather extravagant. But let me offer a summary."

He paused, choosing his words carefully. "This weapon was once possessed by an immensely powerful being from our world. Before departing, they declared that they had left a treasure here, in your world. Among all the treasures they left behind, the most coveted is the Eldritch Resonance Stone. It's a formidable weapon, unique in that it adapts to its user's desires. When wielded, it grants the user an infinite well of mana."

"So, having this treasure equates to tapping into an unlimited source of power and potential uses that extend beyond imagination. Do you grasp the significance, Doctor John?"

"In essence," John pondered, "humanity is merely caught in the crossfire, all because of this treasure, correct?"

"If you frame it that way, Doctor, then I must concede," Harken replied.

John paused for a moment before asking, "Boss, if I decide to join you, will I have the opportunity to see this treasure?"

A hearty laugh echoed from the other end. "You have an amusing sense of humor, Doctor John. Indeed, not only will I show it to you, but every member of the organization will learn of its location, for we shall all journey there together," Harken responded.

Before John could voice more concerns, Harken interjected, "Doctor John, I understand your worries regarding your kind and humanity's safety. But rest assured, we're not here to harm them; quite the contrary, we aim to assist. Regarding the purple thorn flower, you've witnessed its effects. I've mentioned that only a select few will be chosen to partake. Others who consume it will simply experience its healing benefits."

He continued, "By joining us, I'll place you among my trusted subordinates. This means you'll witness the unfolding events and have a say in our practices. However, your presence also entails cooperation and assistance. At the moment, what I need is the complete formula to counter the plant's side effects."

John understood that membership in this organization came at a cost, and that cost was the formula he sought.

"What guarantee do I have," John inquired cautiously, "that once you obtain the formula, I won't be harmed?"

"Harmed?" Harken seemed genuinely surprised. "Your exposure to the magic of my world has sparked some imaginative ideas, Doctor. But rest assured, promises in your world may be easily broken, but in my world, once decreed, they're bound to our very souls. If you join us, you'll remain unharmed, and everything you require will be provided. Simply name your needs."

John felt a sense of relief at these words and replied firmly, "I'll join your organization today, Boss."

Harken concealed his inner satisfaction, pleased with the addition of this capable individual.

"Doctor, I'll send you my insignia. A drop of your blood on it will seal our pact. Remember what I've told you: wealth, longevity, and access to magical powers will all be at your disposal."

As their communication ended, Harken's parting words echoed in John's mind. "I'm glad you've joined us, Doctor. It's a wise decision, perhaps the second-best you've made in your entire life."

With the call concluded, John sat in silence for a moment, his eyes closed. He murmured softly, "So, this is what it feels like to make a pact with the devil." His thoughts swirled, as if a conflicting force within him wrestled with the decision, making him question if he was betraying someone or something.

John had already pinpointed the root cause of his inner turmoil – the Soulbound Relic. His master had mentioned in passing that a formidable soul resided within this relic, one of immense power. John couldn't help but speculate that this soul was influencing his thoughts, subtly steering his decisions.

"With all the recent magical wonders I've encountered and the potency of the purple thorn plant," John mused to himself, "I wouldn't be surprised if I were hosting an uninvited guest within my own body."

He continued his seclusion in his room, splitting his focus between researching the plant and self-monitoring. Over the past few days, he hadn't reported or utilized the talisman. Firstly, he wished to keep his affiliation with Harken a secret from Aetherius; the only knowledge they had was that he was leveraging his expertise to unearth their secrets. Secondly, he felt a pang of betrayal due to the matter of the Soulbound Relic. Yet, his master had assured him that there were countless things he remained unaware of, unable to explain at present. John harbored an enduring faith in his mentor.

At the stroke of midnight, there came a knock on his door, preceded by a prior notification of an impending visitor. This visitor was tasked with delivering Harken's Insignia. To John's surprise, the person at the door was none other than the monk himself.

The monk wore a somber expression but forced a chilling smile. "I can't fathom what's going on in Harken's mind, but he's certainly plotting something."

Despite sensing a sinister aura about the monk, John extended a warm welcome. "Please, come inside, sir. Have a seat."

The monk, however, remained silent and entered without taking a seat, choosing instead to stand by the door.

"Boss has bestowed upon you this special item, although I doubt it serves any real purpose for you," the monk sneered as he produced an item from his pocket. It was a black circular badge adorned with intricate golden patterns. At its center lay a peculiar symbol—a fusion of a skull and a rose.

The monk casually handed over the item, although a hint of hesitation and greed flickered in his eyes. But he knew better than to interfere with this artifact, as attempting to force someone to activate it would inevitably lead to his own demise. Not even his soul would escape unscathed.

"I believe you know what to do with it. If you have no further questions, I'll take my leave," the monk declared, turning to depart.

However, just as the monk was about to make his exit, John ventured to pose a question.

"Sir, please, I have a question," John began.

The monk, although somewhat annoyed by the delay, managed to force a thin smile and replied in a cool tone, "Proceed."

John hesitated for a moment, scratching his head in uncertainty before speaking, "Well, it's related to my research on the plant. You see, I'm curious if there are ways to counteract soul possession. For instance, there appears to be a dormant soul within me, secretly scheming and influencing my thoughts."

The monk's surprise was palpable. In their world, such magical phenomena were not uncommon, but hearing about it from a regular human was certainly unexpected.

"Soul possession is considered dark and taboo in our world," the monk began, "but countering it is quite feasible. The effectiveness of countermeasures depends on the strength of the possessing soul and the corresponding item used."

"In your world, however, soul possession doesn't function unless an item is employed as a catalyst, such as placing a fragmented soul inside a relic. Even then, it's a costly and rare practice," the monk continued.

John was taken aback by the monk's willingness to provide an informative lecture. He hadn't anticipated such an elaborate explanation.

The monk continued, "Regardless of your query, if a relic is employed, the soul within becomes a parasitic force, manipulating your thoughts."

John, unable to contain his excitement, cut the monk off mid-sentence and posed a new question, "Sir, do you know of any such item here in my world that can counteract this effect?"

The monk, interrupted yet again, found himself surprised and slightly irritated. However, upon seeing John's elderly, beseeching face, he chose to overlook the interruption and provided a thoughtful response.

"As a matter of fact, I possess such an item—an amulet designed to counteract the effects of the relic. It's effective against lower-level soul fragments," the monk explained.

"Soul fragments..." John pondered for a moment, seeking clarification, "So, these fragments are the souls residing within the relics, correct?"

The monk simply nodded in confirmation.

At this point, John, his tone a mix of pleading and excitement, clasped the monk's shoulder, saying, "Sir, I'll do anything you ask. I could even offer you a glowing commendation to Harken. Please, please, could you lend me this item for my research?"

The monk, taken aback by John's eagerness and sensing an opportunity, began to formulate a plan. "I could win the favor of this old man and then use him as a stepping stone to approach Harken. After all, the boss did emphasize that anything the old man requires should be provided promptly."

With this scheme in mind, the monk produced the amulet. It was a plain, unadorned piece with a solitary stone set within it. John's eyes glittered with anticipation as he accepted the amulet, examining it closely. Yet, after only a few seconds of contact, an unexpected reaction occurred. His forehead grew unbearably hot, and he stumbled back in pain.

Witnessing this, the monk's eyes widened in shock. Such an immediate and intense reaction suggested soul possession.

"You... Are you possessed?" he stammered, his voice trembling with disbelief.