Elusive Truths
The sun bathed the valley's peak in its golden glow, piercing through the clouds and bestowing a sense of divine blessing upon the people below.
Within the house, John, Rudi, and Aetherius engaged in earnest conversation about the necessary steps. Aetherius clarified several aspects that had eluded John during his research. Primarily, his master confirmed the otherworldly origin of the plant, emphasizing its roots in Aetherius's world.
Additionally, it was revealed that the soul destined to inhabit the body belonged to a race known as the Abyssal Shaldari, although they were colloquially referred to as demon folks. These beings, hailing from Aetherius's world, were proficient wielders of magic, much like Aetherius himself. However, this magical lineage did not extend to Rudi, who remained a regular human. Nonetheless, Rudi's exceptional intellect and skills set him apart from the mundane populace.
"John," Aetherius continued earnestly, "we've waged an unending war against the demon folks for millennia. This may well be their most potent offensive yet, and devising a strategy to counter it has proven extraordinarily challenging. But with you here, victory becomes a conceivable outcome."
"I understand that your mind is likely brimming with questions," Aetherius began, a thoughtful gaze fixed upon John, "and I can perceive the curiosity etched in your eyes. However, our circumstances are rather precarious, and time is not our ally, particularly with Harken's watchful eye upon you."
He paused, taking a moment to choose his words carefully.
"Magic, as a rule, holds little sway in this world, save for a few exceptions such as enchanted items. Even if I were to intentionally employ my magical talents, it would come at a dire cost to my life force. However, with this token," Aetherius continued, retrieving a small, intricate object, "you can establish a telepathic link with me. I must caution you, though; its usage is limited to a few precious minutes. Thus, it would be wise to employ it judiciously."
Aetherius's tone shifted, carrying a weight of significance. "While we have not yet conducted the formal ceremony of master and apprentice, and I cannot predict when our paths will next converge, I believe it prudent to do so now."
With a flourish, Aetherius summoned the remnants of magic, forming a luminous white sphere in his palm. Within this radiant orb swirled a slender thread of golden light, its brilliance entrancing.
Rudi, who had participated in a more elaborate version of this ceremony in his own time, observed as Aetherius performed the ritual with a sense of urgency, the grandeur of the moment overshadowed by the pressing constraints of time.
Aetherius began his solemn chant, his voice resonating with a sense of purpose that seemed to transcend mere words.
"Indeed, O Master," he intoned, "I have been granted the honor of selecting another apprentice. Through your boundless wisdom, my quest for a final apprentice reaches its destined conclusion. The threads of fate, once woven, have now led us to this moment. With your divine guidance, the seeds you have sown shall surely blossom."
As the incantations flowed forth, Aetherius gently pressed the radiant magic sphere against John's chest. It seemed to merge seamlessly with his being, forging an unbreakable connection between them—a bond akin to that of family.
Inexplicably, John sensed a surge of vitality coursing through him. Despite his somewhat weathered appearance, he now radiated an aura akin to a youth in the prime of life.
Conversely, Aetherius appeared visibly drained, his countenance pallid and weary, as though he had endured days of sickness.
"Master..." Rudi began, his voice was soft with concern.
Aetherius cleared his throat, summoning the strength to speak. "My use of magic has exacted a toll upon my life force," he admitted. "Yet, it was a sacrifice willingly made. John, I sense that many questions weigh upon your heart. Trust in the intricate tapestry of fate, for in due time, all shall be unveiled. I pledge, above all else, that I harbor no ill intentions toward your world."
"I understand that Harken no longer has any use for you, but I'm convinced they won't release their grasp on you so easily. There are motives at play here far more significant than a mere plant, and your true value runs deeper than the surface," Aetherius spoke with solemnity.
"Doctor John... I mean, Brother John, please tread cautiously. I acknowledge your vast capabilities, but combat is not your forte. Avoid instigating conflicts; rely instead on your sharp intellect," Rudi advised with genuine concern.
John placed a reassuring hand on Rudi's shoulders and replied, "I shall heed your words."
With a nod of gratitude to Aetherius, John rose and lightly tapped Rudi's shoulder. Rudi accompanied him outside. After they exited, John offered one final bow to the door before departing.
As he retraced his steps, he noticed that the valley had emptied. A mere half-hour had passed since he initially arrived. Reflecting on his master's words, John couldn't help but conclude that Harken's agents were behind this sudden exodus.
"Well, I'm quite the sought-after individual. Can't fault them for being overly cautious," John remarked with a hint of humor.
He strolled back to where their vehicle was parked, noticing the two individuals once more. Observing them closely, John couldn't shake the feeling that these two were merely pawns in a larger game. He let out a sigh and quipped, "Alright, boys, let's get going."
The men bristled at his demeanor and the audible sigh. They felt like they were being mocked by this elderly gentleman.
As they descended the valley, one of the two men, the driver, chimed in, "Hey, old man, we're not heading back to that temple. We're taking you to our main facility."
John simply nodded and gazed out of the window at the passing scenery. Clutching the token given to him by his master, he activated it with a mere thought and inquired, "Master, are you there?"
To his surprise, a familiar voice responded, but it wasn't his master; it was Rudi. "Brother, where is Master?"
"Is he resting now, brother? Is something wrong? Are you in danger?" Rudi inquired with concern.
"No, nothing like that. I'm just reporting that they're transferring me to their main facility," John replied.
"Be cautious, brother. That place is teeming with demon folks, and if they sense anything amiss, they won't hesitate to attack," Rudi warned.
"Thanks, brother. This token is incredible!" John exclaimed.
"I know, brother, but remember, you can only use it twice a day, for a total of 8 minutes. Use it wisely," Rudi cautioned.
"I'll keep that in mind," John replied through their telepathic connection.
After ending their communication, John resumed looking around as if nothing had occurred. "So, this is the power of magic. It's truly amazing!"
"Even though my air gears can replicate some of it, there are still certain limitations due to red tape in the transmission," he noted to himself.
The journey took longer than expected, but John, aided by his AI gear, was able to map their precise location. With the newfound power of the magic talisman, he frequently contacted Rudi. In turn, Rudi consistently reminded him to conserve the talisman's magic.
A few hours later, they arrived at the main facility, and the one who greeted John was none other than Harken himself. The facility was concealed within a mountain on the western side of the country. At first glance, it appeared to be an ordinary mountain, but to John's astonishment, a tunnel suddenly opened before them, drawing them inside.
As Harken closed in and extended his welcome, the two individuals who had accompanied John slowly retreated, their expressions akin to those who had encountered the most fearsome being imaginable.
Once the two had exited the facility, the first one remarked, "Seems like getting our hands on that old man will be even more challenging now. The boss personally welcomed him!"
The second individual nodded in agreement, stating, "That means he's incredibly vital to our organization. Just look at how imposing he was. He knows he's important."
They sighed, realizing the futility of their revenge against the old man.
Walking shoulder to shoulder with Harken, John's appearance remained unchanged despite his increased longevity. However, the aura surrounding him had shifted noticeably, immediately catching Harken's attention.
You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.
"Doctor, were my subordinates hospitable during your stay with us this past week?" Harken inquired.
John nodded in appreciation and replied, "All of my research-related requests and needs were promptly fulfilled."
They entered the elevator, ascending to the facility's highest point, the command area. From here, one could behold the panoramic view of the facility nestled within the mountain.
As John gazed upon the vast subterranean complex, he couldn't help but reflect, "Caving out an entire facility within a mountain might seem like the aspiration of lunatics, yet here I am, standing inside one."
Harken led John to the nearest coffee table and summoned servants to provide refreshments. At the table, they were joined by the monk who had been waiting for them.
"Oh! Doctor John, you appear noticeably younger," were the first words to escape the monk's lips.
"Please, have a seat," the monk invited warmly. However, beneath his amicable exterior, he couldn't help but ponder, "I met this old man just a few days ago, and yet his aura has undergone a significant change. What could have caused it? Could it be the flower, or perhaps some other properties we remain unaware of?"
With these thoughts swirling in his mind, John maintained a friendly expression, something Harken appreciated.
Indeed, Harken had developed a genuine liking for the old man, John. His admiration extended beyond John's remarkable research skills with the purple thorn plant. John's presence evoked memories of Harken's father, endearing him to John. His first command to his subordinates was clear: prioritize the old man's needs. If the two associates had known this, they might have second thoughts about harming John.
As the trio sat together, sipping coffee, Harken took the initiative to speak. "Doctor John, I commend your progress in researching the antidote, and I am personally grateful for it. Doctor, I know you to be a good man. If you want or need anything else, please do not hesitate to ask," Harken stated firmly.
Inwardly, John pondered, *"What if I were to implore him to cease using that plant and halt their malevolent plans for this world? Would he comply?"* Externally, he maintained a solemn countenance and replied, "Sir, what I desire is the freedom of my colleagues and assurance that they will remain uninvolved and unharmed in this matter," he said earnestly.
John always kept the welfare of his colleagues in mind, particularly those young individuals he regarded as the brightest he had ever encountered. Their futures held immense promise, and he aimed to secure their well-being above all else.
Upon hearing John's request, Harken's affinity for the old man grew, and he promptly assured, "Doctor, rest assured that they will not become entangled in this. They have been generously compensated regarding the plant matter. You can consider it a bribe if you will, but to me, it's a handsome reward, perhaps even a once-in-a-lifetime stroke of luck, given that they stumbled upon this by mere chance."
The monk nodded in agreement, and John expressed his gratitude, saying, "Thank you, sir."
"By the way, Doctor, the reason you are here is to personally witness the fruits of your labor. Furthermore, I would like to extend a formal invitation for you to join our organization," Harken stated.
The monk was taken aback by Harken's decision, as he initially perceived this old man as a spent asset with no further utility to the organization. However, upon closer consideration and sensing the newfound aura around John, he began to suspect that Harken possessed knowledge that eluded him.
"This Harken truly revels in concealing information, a cunning and shrewd man indeed," the monk muttered inwardly, his wariness of Harken deepening.
John was equally astounded by the invitation. The idea of infiltrating this organization had been one of his missions, and he couldn't believe he had accomplished it so easily.
"I will take your offer into consideration, Boss," John replied politely.
Harken couldn't help but smile inwardly; he knew that considering the offer meant John was highly likely to accept.
"I will give you a tour of our facility and introduce you to someone who can greatly assist you with your medicine research, especially in conjunction with AI," Harken enthused.
As they descended in the elevator, John communicated once again with Aetherius and Rudi, sharing all the information he had gathered, including the facility's location and other vital details he believed could aid them.
The monk found it rather surprising that Harken was guiding them to their most confidential area.
"Doctor John, welcome to one of our most classified areas. This is where we cultivate the plant, and here, you will witness the processes involved," Harken explained as they entered a dimly lit room.
Within the room, a glass panel provided a view of the plant's cultivation. Outside, individuals in black robes meditated, while two lamps emitted blue flames. These flames seemed to hover above the lamps, and their essence flowed into the plant, as though nourishing it.
John was deeply taken aback by this sight, and Harken secretly observed his reaction. He had a strong feeling that this old man possessed knowledge that ran deeper than he had revealed and that the threads of fate were weaving a complex pattern around him.
Harken noticed the emotions in John's expression, but what truly captured his attention were the old man's eyes. He saw not shock, but marvel – an anticipation of something more. Those eyes almost confirmed his hunch.
Though the monk remained silent, his mind was abuzz with thoughts. He was aware that Harken had ulterior motives behind this, and he couldn't help but wonder what lay beneath.
"Doctor John," Harken began, "though my speculation about you isn't one hundred percent certain, I do know for a fact that you're aware this plant is magical and not from this world. While you may deny it, your eyes reveal that you know more than meets the eye."
Harken moved closer to the glass panel, his gaze locked on John. "The reason I've invited you to the most secretive part of our facility is that I want you, Doctor, to join us. There will be enormous benefits in doing so."
"What would those benefits be?" John inquired. His words sent a shockwave through the monk and Harken alike, veiling John in an aura of mystery.
A momentary silence hung in the air, and the monk was about to speak when Harken gestured for him to remain silent.
"Doctor, once you hear what I'm about to say, there will be no turning back. Are you ready?" Harken asked in a grave tone.
John stared into his eyes, conveying his readiness without words.
"Doctor, the world you currently inhabit holds the key to more power, and that's what we seek. Hidden deep within this world is a treasure and our goal is to obtain it."
"I understand your concerns about the potential implications for the human race, but that's not our intent, Doctor. The use of the plant is just one facet of our plan. Those who exhibit an extreme reaction to the plant are qualified to be vessels for souls. However, once the soul completes its mission, the original owner awakens as if nothing has transpired."
In John's mind, he couldn't fully believe Harken's words.
"Magical powers cannot be utilized here, with one exception – the use of magical items. Yet, transferring a magical item from our world to this one is immensely difficult due to the barriers that have been erected around this world," Harken continued as he walked towards the control area. Pressing a button, he peered outside the glass panel.
Beyond it lay countless purple thorn flowers, meticulously cultivated by the individuals in black robes. As Harken activated the switch, a platform slowly ascended at the center of the flowerbed.
Harken noted the emotions in John's expression, but what truly seized his attention were the old man's eyes. Instead of shock, he saw a sense of wonder – an anticipation of something greater. Those eyes seemed to confirm his suspicion.
While the monk stayed silent, his mind buzzed with thoughts. He knew that Harken had concealed motives behind this, leaving him to wonder what lay beneath the surface.
"Magical powers find little purchase here, save for one exception – the use of magical items. Yet, transporting a magical item from our world to this one is a formidable endeavor due to the barriers enveloping this realm," Harken continued as he neared the control area. Activating a button, he gazed beyond the glass panel.
Drawing closer to the glass panel, Harken's gaze locked onto John. "The reason I've brought you to this most clandestine section of our facility is my desire for you, Doctor, to join us. Substantial benefits are awaiting you."
"What precisely are these benefits?" John inquired. His words sent ripples through both the monk and Harken, shrouding John in a veil of intrigue.
A brief silence hung in the air, and the monk prepared to speak when Harken signaled for him to remain quiet.
"Doctor, once you hear what I am about to disclose, there will be no turning back. Are you prepared?" Harken asked in a solemn tone.
John locked eyes with him, silently conveying his readiness.
"Doctor, your current world holds the key to greater power, and that is our pursuit. Deep within this world, a treasure lies hidden, and our objective is to acquire it."
"I understand your concerns about potential consequences for the human race. However, that is not our intention, Doctor. The use of the plant is just one element of our plan. Those who exhibit an extreme reaction to the plant are deemed vessels for souls. Yet, once a soul fulfills its mission, the original owner awakens as if nothing transpired."
In John's mind, complete belief in Harken's words remained elusive.
"Magical powers cannot be harnessed here, with one exception – the use of magical items. However, transferring a magical item from our world to this one is exceedingly challenging due to the barriers that encircle this world," Harken continued as he approached the control area. Pressing a button, he peered beyond the glass panel.
A sea of meticulously cultivated purple thorn flowers stretched before them. Figures cloaked in black robes attended to them with meticulous care. As Harken engaged the mechanism, a platform ascended slowly from the center of the flowerbed.
A mechanical hum resonated through the chamber as the contraption ascended. John couldn't help but feel immense pressure, reminiscent of the sensation when Aetherius had unveiled the SoulBound relic.
"His forehead began to throb curiously as if it were on fire." John, ever the composed figure, understood that revealing any hint of discomfort would not go unnoticed by Harken.
He voiced his unease, tinged with curiosity, "I must admit, I feel a sense of unease. What is that object that's slowly ascending?"
The mysterious object remained hidden behind darkened glass, encased within a capsule-like structure measuring about three meters in both width and height.
Harken responded with a reassuring smile, "Fear not, Doctor. That object poses no threat to you."
"Doctor, what I am about to reveal is the linchpin of our confidence, the key to our success in acquiring a treasure that has been the subject of contention for millennia."
Harken pressed a button once more, and the opaque glass underwent a subtle transformation, shifting into a translucent state.
Within the enclosure emerged a two-meter plant, the purple thorn plant, appearing like an otherworldly gem. Its slender tendrils curled and unfurled with an almost sentient elegance, adorned with thorns that glistened akin to amethyst daggers. The petals, a vibrant display of violet hues, seemed to ensnare and reflect the very essence of twilight.
As it materialized, John's heart raced, his forehead throbbing,", and a sensation of buzzing coursing through him. The power exuded by the plant resonated deep within him.
Harken keenly observed the awe in John's eyes, knowing that John understood the profound power of this botanical marvel.
Harken pressed the button once more, shrouding the flower in darkness.
Harken pressed the button once more, shrouding the flower in darkness. In response, John closed his eyes, taking a deep breath to regain his composure.
After a brief pause, he asked again, his tone carrying weight "What, precisely, are the advantages of aligning with you?"
Harken smiled, stating, "Firstly, you will amass wealth. Secondly, and most significantly, you will attain longevity; you will regain your youth, Doctor. Lastly, as a bonus, you will unlock and harness the secrets of Magic, which I, Harken, will personally impart to you."
"Doctor John, aligning with me shall not only bestow benefits but also eternal life," he concluded.
Hearing these words, John's pulse quickened, and excitement shimmered in his eyes.