09 | Wake up
CASSIUS WATCHED AELIUS SIT opposite of him on the long wooden table, surrounded by shelves upon shelves of books. Aelius, a tall and broad-shouldered man with a thick beard, removed a book from one of the shelves and leafed through its pages. He asked, "So, Cassius. What was your name?"
"A pleasure, Your Excellency, Archon Salacia," said Cassius in a formal tone, but his voice remained high-pitched like a bell tinkling in the wind. There was also a light bow of his head when he greeted the wizard. "I was Vincent De Luca. May I ask as to what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?"
Aelius returned Cassius' pleasantries before explaining, "I'm here on behalf of the Aetheric International Council or the AIC."
"I am honoured, and what may be the purpose of your visit, Your Excellency?" said Cassius, flipping his book close and meeting the Archon's golden eyes.
The wizard leaned back in his chair, smiling at Cassius. "To hear your story, to make an offer, and to prevent you from blowing up. In that very order."
Cassius narrowed his eyes at the mention of exploding before nodding, pretending to understand.
Then he began telling his story from the moment he died in his previous life until the present. He told no lie and omitted nothing. He had no reason to lie.
⁂
Hours had passed, and Aelius listened to Cassius' story with genuine curiosity, his facial expression shifting every now and then. Sometimes he felt wonder and even rage, particularly when Cassius spoke of the Tragedy of Crestmore.
When Cassius finished his tale, he looked outside the window, seemingly in deep thought. He didn't know. He wondered if, perhaps, Cassius was beginning to understand the very nature of where he truly was.
Aelius followed his gaze and explained, "We're in a different space, so time works differently here."
Cassius then shifted his gaze back to him.
But before the boy could speak, Aelius spoke once more. "I understand why you initially refused to live in our world and passed on your soul core to Hiram." He added, "I would also be irate to be cast from another chaos into another – especially the body of a newborn noble. I also noticed you haven't lied, perhaps because of hope that I can provide you with a way out. Am I correct to assume?"
If he was correct, then Cassius was no threat. In fact, he pitied him.
Cassius did not respond to his words. He only sat quietly and avoided eye contact.
Unlike the other Reincarnators that he previously visited, who were intimidated by his presence, as if he had come to take away their newfound opportunity, it was as if Cassius wanted the opposite.
"I cannot help you with that. Not even the wisest of the wizards can provide you with a purpose in life or take your life away," said Aelius before chuckling.
Cassius asked what was so interesting.
Aelius said he had never seen a Reincarnator so disinterested in living in Inar.
Cassius asked if the Reincarnators he met differed from each other.
Aelius said that some opted to live a simple life, while others took the opportunity to pursue dreams and adventures they had never experienced in their past lives. But never did someone "refuse" to reincarnate, but then was reincarnated again.
Aelius then explained that Cassius was both a Transmigrator and a Reincarnator. "You and Hiram aren't wrong to conclude that you're a Reincarnator. But you're both not entirely correct either," he said. "When you first came to Inar, you transmigrated from Earth to live as Hiram. But when you gave up your soul core to Hiram and passed on, you were reborn as Cassius. That technically is another form of reincarnation."
"Interesting," Cassius said and began tapping the table. "But I'm afraid I do not understand what you mean by the technicality."
"It means that you are Cassius Aramdale, and you haven't stolen a body as you claim," said Aelius. "When you gave your soul core to Hiram, you've also shattered the link of transmigration, and your soul passed onto the afterlife. Then you've been reborn while retaining your memories, supporting an old reincarnation theory."
He then explained that the concept of reincarnation and souls remains a mystery even to Archons like him, and many have made it a part of their studies, including him. For example, some wizards study theology to understand if reincarnation is part of the so-called cycle of souls and that after every reincarnation, a soul forgets its past – except in rare cases when people remember.
Meanwhile, some wizards study the possibility that reincarnation is a unique concept in that remembering a previous life is the mark of reincarnation itself. Aelius then explained that this theory is unique because it is based upon a specific millennial phenomenon.
"That meteor you and Hiram saw. It's called the Aetherite, a meteor that indicates the bending of the space-time continuum," said Aelius. "It happens every millennium, and many interesting occurrences happen when it passes – including when the Blight gets stronger, so strong it swallowed empires and kingdoms in the past. It is also when transmigration and reincarnation from Earth to Inar is made possible."
"You retaining your memories would support this theory at the barest levels. But it also does not prove the other theory wrong. Since it can also be that reincarnation of souls is a possibility, like the belief system of the oldest religions, which maintains that souls do not remember their previous lives. Thus, both theories can both be right, or both be wrong."
Aelius then mentioned that after speaking to other Reincarnators. The AIC found that reincarnation is also a concept on Earth, with reports of people apparently remembering their past lives. And similar to some religions on Inar, there are also significant religions on Earth that believe in the cycle of reincarnation.
But the only Reincarnator to follow a concept of reincarnation that applies to death and birth is Cassius. "In short... the term reincarnation itself is semantics at best. What you need to know for now is that, in some way or another, you have been reincarnated."
Cassius widened his eyes as he looked up at him. "So I was wrong. Does that mean I would've died if I hadn't retained my memories?"
Aelius nodded and asked, "Do you remember what Lucas said about peak-rate soul cores?"
"Being born with a peak-rate is both a blessing and a curse. It's too powerful and intense that an infant's body isn't enough to contain it," responded Cassius, then he narrowed his eyes. "He never mentioned a different soul replacing an old one."
Aelius smiled, seeing the realization in Cassius' eyes. "Yes. He also said that babies with peak-rate soul cores could survive through sheer instinct, but the likelihood of survival is almost nil. You would belong to the category that hasn't survived. You only managed to survive because you applied Hiram's knowledge to stabilize your soul core," Aelius said.
"But if these are all just theories, how could you be so sure that I am, in fact, an original soul and not a replacement?" asked Cassius. "If I remember right, my heart stopped, so I assumed that marked the death of my supposed body's previous owner, and my soul was pulled into the empty-body."
"An assumption you based upon your experience with Hiram," said Aelius. "But this case is different. When your heart stopped, it didn't mean you died, and your mother miscarried. It was a respiratory issue that could happen at birth. While it can have lifelong effects, issues like that can be mitigated or even fixed as you cultivate your soul core."
Aelius added, "There is yet no cure for respiratory issues with newborns. You're quite lucky because at least for you... you have a chance."
⁂
Cassius then felt as if a weight was lifted off his shoulders after understanding that he, in fact, had not stolen someone else's life. It only so happened that he remembered his previous life. But he still had so many questions.
Cassius' mind wandered to what he had just heard. The Blight? Are those monsters located in the Uncharted Lands? What about the Aetherite? So, that was the name of the meteor he and Hiram saw – an indicator of the space-time continuum bending? He was just introduced to concepts he found challenging to understand, despite knowing that Aelius had simplified as much as he could.
Thus, instead, he asked, "How about the other Reincarnators? Are they a threat?"
"No. In our eyes, they're like a helpless flock. But their knowledge from Earth can be very dangerous," said Aelius. "Which is why I'm here."
"As you may know, knowledge is something we hold in high regard, especially knowledge of mass destruction," Aelius reiterated that the AIC has already made contact with hundreds of Reincarnators and Transmigrators, and there are more. "And boy, Earth had advanced so much compared to one-thousand years ago, when it was actually less technologically advanced than Inar."
Cassius nodded. "Pardon my candour, Your Excellency. But what of knowledge that could raise Inar's quality of life?"
"Good question. In fact, it's better if Reincarnators can help us create new things. However, you should understand that knowing about something doesn't mean having the ability to create it," said Aelius. "Anyway... in exchange for your silence about your origins and of Earth, the Council is willing to give you something you could use," continued Aelius. "Something to make your life easier."
Cassius was not surprised by the offer, but he raised an eyebrow – intrigued. "A trade?" he asked.
Then the wizard summoned a wand and wrote a runic circle mid-air before summoning what looked like accessories – rings, necklaces, and earrings. They were all hovering. "These are magical artifacts."
Aelius described each and told Cassius they cost at least a million Atharian dollars each at base price. "Is there a catch?" asked Cassius. It was too good to be true. While the items were not powerful or deadly, they were handy.
"No. No catch. Aside from what I already told you. Just pick up something and sign a magical contract," said Aelius with a yawn and placed a few pages on the table.
Then, Cassius felt a bit wary. "It seems too good to be true. I don't think the Council would provide every Reincarnator with a magical artifact worth millions of dollars," he said.
In response, Aelius bellowed out a burst of laughter. "It's good to be suspicious. I get it." Aelius said no other Reincarnator or Transmigrator had been offered magical artifacts. He said they were offered scholarships, protection, or other opportunities to settle in Inar, just like how refugees are offered aid.
"You're the only Reincarnator who broke the link of transmigration. You've already started cultivating your soul core, and you're one step away from breaking through," said Aelius. "You also already have the memories of two, albeit short, lifetimes, where one of them gives you a deep understanding of Inar. There's simply nothing I could offer you."
"If I refuse to sign the agreement?" asked Cassius, and Aelius affirmed that he could. Cassius then read the magical contract. It was only a few pages. He thought it was straightforward, stating that he could do whatever he wanted; but not share advanced Earth-based technology built explicitly for mass destruction. "That's it? It's not like I know how to make atomic bombs or F-11s. Even if I had the knowledge, the technology required is not available in Inar."
It was odd. He looked at Aelius, "Instead, this looks like a standard contract that would actually prevent, or at least discourage those with ill intent from forcefully trying to extract knowledge from Reincarnators and Transmigrators alike."
Aelius nodded. "Yes, it's not a slavery contract, so if ever you decide to go on a killing spree, or take over the world, then the contract would not prevent you from doing that."
"That's a bit too specific. Did the other Reincarnators ask you that?" Cassius asked with a smile.
Aelius sighed with a defeated chuckle, affirming Cassius' suspicions. Then, he said, "But you're right. That magical contract is more of a safeguard to protect Inar against Inarians," Aelius said. "It's a win-win situation for both the Council and Reincarnators. So, you can still refuse if you want."
Cassius eyed Aelius suspiciously. He asked Aelius why the necessity to go through all the trouble instead of simply eliminating otherworlders or erasing their memories.
Aelius responded that it was impossible to erase memories from Earth, and killing as a means of prevention would be inhumane.
"Let's say refugees from a war-torn kingdom come knocking on your doors. Would you kill them?" asked Aelius, and Cassius frowned. "You know, Cassius... One Reincarnator called us barbarians, but your line of questioning makes me believe that Earthlings are more barbarous than us." With a shake of his head, Aelius summoned a cup of tea and took a sip.
Cassius scratched the side of his chin and bobbed his head slightly. "I hope you forgive my ignorance. I was expecting a rather different reception from Inarians knowing about our existence. But I still fail to understand why the Council would offer such kindness," said Cassius.
"From what I've seen, most 'otherworlders,'" said Aelius, emphasizing the word otherworlders, "are unlike you." Aelius sipped his tea and said, "They're like confused and helpless little ducklings. Kill them? I pity them more than anything else."
"They already have too much on their plates, far too many challenges to overcome. The least we could do is help integrate them into Inaris society while keeping our world balanced. We already have the Blight to worry about. And is it their fault that they've come to Inar?" Aelius asked.
Cassius pursed his lips and looked at the table.
"Sure, I don't deny the fact that the Council could benefit from those of your world, Cassius. But as a former advisor of a prominent criminal family, it should be easy for you to understand we've almost nothing to gain from this," Aelius added. "If you must be so suspicious, then yes, the only thing we'd gain is a hope that those from your world could maybe, one day, be of help to the benefit of Inar."
A pause... then Aelius continued. "To protect Inar, that's why the AIC exists. You could say the AIC is the Inar counterpart to the United Nations of Earth."
After a brief moment of silence, Cassius finally nodded and said, "Maybe I'm really overthinking things. Forgive me."
Aelius responded with a surprisingly casual "Yup," before urging him to hurry up and sign the contract. But, what was the hurry about?
⁂
After going over the contract again, Cassius signed it, and when Aelius asked what artifact he wanted, Cassius pointed at a black ring. "I want that." He did not choose the invisibility cloak, the spatial ring, the mirror of scrying, the amulet of protection, or even the talisman of power. He chose the Ring of Transformation.
The Ring of Transformation is a magical artifact that allows the wearer to transform into the form of someone of their choosing, said Aelius. The ring's transformation is also not permanent and can be undone at any time by the wearer. But the appearance, once chosen, cannot be changed or altered.
At least, with the Ring of Transformation, he could briefly escape the life of an infant if ever he feels the urge to become insane from all the boredom. Yes, boredom can be a very lethal weapon against the mind.
"So, what's the catch?" asked Cassius.
"What catch? The only catch is that it's useless before fifth circles and realmers; those are Archons or Sovereigns. Also, it's created with the help of doppelgangers. Unlike them, though, as I said, you can only choose one transformation, which can never be changed," said Aelius. "You can also consider it a gift to a Sovereign-candidate. Even if you're still an infant, you're technically already a candidate. So, I'm sure the AIC won't mind."
Immediately, Cassius figured out what Aelius was talking about. "The Blight of the Uncharted Lands," he said.
While Sovereign-candidates do not necessarily have to be Grand Sorcerers, those with peak-rate soul cores are automatically considered candidates – just like Talia. They also gain significant social status once formalized by the AIC. Wizards created the Sovereign candidacy system to nurture Sovereigns against the Blight.
But this system lost meaning in the last few centuries since the Blight was pushed back to the Uncharted Lands. It became more of a basic social recognition that Sovereign-candidates could use to boost their influence.
"Yes. Inar lacks manpower. The amount of Sovereigns and Archons it has are not enough to stand against the Blight. But you won't need to worry about it for a while. Only a few Reincarnators and Inarians know of the meteorite's effect on the Blight. So, I don't recommend you going off and telling everyone, causing panic," said Aelius.
"Is that why you're really here?" Cassius said and wore the black ring before transforming himself into the appearance of Vincent De Luca. "Cool. It worked."
"Since you're so smart, yes, that's why I'm really here," Aelius said with a hint of sarcasm. "It's up to you if you're going to help us in the future or not." He then asked if Cassius' transformation was how he looked in his previous life.
Cassius nodded in affirmation.
With a wave of his wand, the rest of the artifacts disappeared inside Aelius' spatial ring. "But the real reason I'm here is to help you break through." After saying that, Aelius flicked a finger.
⁂
Then a tall and slender man in his early twenties appeared from a pool of shadows in the middle of the library. He had slicked-back, jet-black hair styled in a neat and precise manner, giving off an air of sophistication and grace. He had a sharp, angular jawline that added to his cold appearance, with eyes a piercing shade of blue shaped like a bird of prey.
It was Lucas who always exuded an aura of mystery and elegance. "Greetings, Your Excellency Archon Salacia," said Lucas before looking at Cassius, greeting him as well.
"Lucas told me about you, Cassius. The AIS and several intelligence agencies work in tandem with the AIC, which is why many Reincarnators were immediately identified. Unlike Earth, Inar has also evolved in the past millennia, but our progress was in the mystical direction rather than technology or science," Aelius said.
"Yes. At first, I thought you were a Regressor since you didn't need help stabilizing your soul core throughout the first year of your life, and you're almost ready to break through – to become a Novice at just the age of one," said Lucas. "But according to the AIC's Spatial Sensor, there was no disturbance in space and time when the Aetherite passed by Inar."
"A Regressor?" asked Cassius before suddenly flinching after feeling a temporary prickling pain in his head. "Wait... did you know I was pretending to be asleep that time?"
Lucas nodded at Cassius before looking at Aelius, gesturing for the Archon to explain Cassius' initial question.
Aelius, as if ignorant of Cassius' sudden flinch, said, "The AIC's Spatial Sensor was, first and foremost, created to detect the emergence of Regressors. We don't need to discuss that right now. You only need to know that it's always been bad news when Regressors show up. Not because Regressors are inherently bad, but because it is an indicator of something bad."
With another sip of his tea, Aelius added. "The method of Regression is unknown to us. We do know that past Regressors have not intentionally regressed. Again, it is only a byproduct and an indicator of a disturbance we cannot ignore."
Aelius spoke more about space and time, but Cassius soon interrupted, unable to truly follow, especially when the wizard got into something that sounded like quantum mechanics and the theory of relativity. It made his head ache.
"It seems like science is also far advanced in Inar, just like Earth," he said, but Aelius shook his head.
"Not like Earth. For example, one of the Reincarnators told me about Einstein's famous theory of relativity, which paved the path of modern satellite navigation on Earth, among many other breakthroughs. We do not have the capability of creating such technology, but it is extremely similar to scrying tools we wizards create," said Aelius.
"On the other hand, and unlike the intellectuals of Earth, we can only apply and test scientific theories to aetheric studies - and we lack the understanding of these said theories," Aelius explained. "Meanwhile, Earth has evolved so much with science, technology, engineering, and math, while we've neglected many paths of research and study – stuck in the age of steam."
"Societies can evolve in varying directions depending on what it has and on its needs," said Lucas with a nod.
As new information was revealed to Cassius, hundreds of more questions appeared. But before he could ask more, he suddenly felt another headache.
"Save your questions for later. Don't forget the main reason why I'm here," said Aelius and stood up before pointing his wand at Cassius' head. "It's time to wake up."