"That stone holds a fragment of my power, to make use of it... you must agree to my proposal first."
Alex was quite disturbed by the statement, "what do you mean? A deal?"
"Yes, it would benefit you greatly and would be able to save your friend. If I grant you my powers, you would have to help me in fulfilling my last wish," the voice said, pausing for a couple of minutes.
The word flowed in Alex's head, "Grant me his powers! Hell! By the way things are going, these beings are truly powerful and one willing to grant me his powers just to fulfil his wish," he couldn't help but utter in disbelief.
"You said I need to fulfil your wish, right. Can I know what I'm signing into, uhm... I mean your wish."
"That you can't know of yet, when the time comes I will tell you. For now you just need to trust me."
"Not even going into some details about it?"
"No!"
"Then I don't think I would be able to help you," Alex said, heading back to the door. "The risks... is not worth it."
"Wait! Your family... with my powers you would be able to bring them back! Think about it, with them being brought back you would also have the power to protect them."
"My family! I... I would be able to bring them back?! Y...You're lying! You're just trying to get to me through that way!"
Tsk.
"I'm an ancient being, a powerful entity and I don't need to lie to get what I want. All I said is nothing but the truth, how did you think you were able to survive? It's up to you, you choose what's best." The voice faded giving Alex a moment of silence to think.
"Hold on! How is that even possible, their bodies, I mean I don't even know if their bodies are intact."
Alex got no reply causing him to brood in the silence. "Bringing back my family that seems unbelievable," he thought with a sigh. "But the way he said it, he was quite confident... I think I would have to go on with it. After all, I have nothing to lose, gaining strength and being able to bring them back..."
"Alright, I agree to your deal." He got no response. "Hello! I said I agree with your proposal!"
"Alright, head to the platform and collect the stone. I'll tell you what to do next." Walking forward, Alex clenched his fist tightly. "So this is it, I can repay Ray for his kindness by bringing him back and and take his wish as a variable which I would have to deal with later."
Standing on the platform, he grabbed the stone, waiting for his next words. "Stay still!" He heard and soon the stone began to vibrate with cracks forming. It broke into dust with the red liquid swirling in it, floating for a moment before forcing its way into his mouth.
"Guhh!" Alex collapsed to the ground, feeling a wave of energy consuming him.
"Now we have to bond, to complete the process."
"Bond? I thought I did that the first time," Alex said, clenching his fist tightly.
"That was just providing space to hold my powers. That guy didn't explain anything to you, did he?" Letting out a grunt, "now try your hardest and focus, this is gonna hurt like hell."
Just then Alex felt a cold feeling, at first it was nice , but suddenly he could feel the temperature rise, his blood boiling furiously.
"ARGHHHHH!" He screamed, rolling on the ground. "Make it stop!" He yelled, already feeling drowsy from the process.
That wasn't the end, he felt a warm feeling, akin to his soul, moving towards a certain spot. On the other hand he could feel a chaotic energy, akin to the being soul, both heading to a spot, with the chaotic energy trying to destroy everything it passed through.
Both energy began to merge, a long and endearing pain he had to bear through. He could feel both fighting for dominance before finally merging.
"Good, you did great! Now, all we have to do is wait."
"That's... great," he said, breathing heavily. Regaining his breathing, he finally asked the question that was bothering him. "What did the other guy keep away from me?" He asked, waiting for an answer but got none.
"Argh! This is frustrating!" He yelled, pulling his hair. "What have I gotten into," he thought. He lay on the ground trying to get in touch with the ancient being but got no reply, slowly he closed his eyes, succumbing to the drowsy feeling.
~~~~
It was another day in the academy with the students all dressed in their respective uniforms. Zephyr walked out heading to the designated spot for the event. Few minutes later, he found the place already crowded with people.
The atmosphere was tense and sombre with guards stationed at every point. Zephyr headed to the side meant for students taking a seat.
On the opposite end of the area, a raised platform held the four elders and various high-ranking officials, their expressions sombre and grave. Fen approached the gathering, noting the presence of all assembled, and cleared his throat before speaking.
"It is with heavy hearts that I must deliver the news of the passing of our comrades, who made the ultimate sacrifice for a just course," he began, his voice steady but laced with emotion. "Their memories will be eternally cherished, serving as a beacon of peace and solace in these trying times. Their laughter, love, kindness, and unwavering strength will live on forever."
He paused, the weight of loss palpable in the air, before continuing, "For death leaves a heartache that no one can heal, a void, only their legacy can fill."
Most wiped off their tears, touched by the speech. They all went through the ordeal and knew how hellish it was. This further strengthened their resolve, to grow stronger and avenge their comrades.
"I urge you all to continue diligently in your training, the academy will provide everything needed for the growth of y'all and also make sure this never repeats itself."
"We've also received a message from the higher ups, in five months' time, a force would be sent to clear the outer zone from the zombies and beasts once and for all," he said with a pause, catching his breath.
"Farewell to those who lost their lives, you all are forever in our hearts." Finishing his speech, he walked back to his seat. A moment of silence was given before dispersing.
The elders sat watching the students leave the area. Just as they were about to begin their little talk, a guard walked up to them bowing before them.
"We have a visitor from the inner zone, and he's currently asking for a meeting with the elders of the academy."