Mitchell sat cross-legged in his cave, the flickering torchlight casting long shadows on the walls. His mind was heavy with the day's events, particularly Ange's condition for helping him. The idea of being her "Dao companion," even temporarily, left him feeling awkward, but he couldn't deny her knowledge had been invaluable.
As he organized the supplies they had bought, Jack's voice broke through the silence.
"Quite the predicament you've got yourself into," Jack said, his tone laced with amusement. "Holding hands, talking about Dao companionships. Who knew you'd be so popular so soon?"
Mitchell sighed, resting his head against the wall. "It's not like I had much of a choice. She was the only one who could help me navigate the village."
Jack chuckled, the sound echoing faintly in Mitchell's mind. "Well, I suppose it worked out in the end. Still, you're playing a dangerous game, my friend. Alliances like this can be more binding than you realize."
Mitchell ignored him, pulling out the jade slip Ange had given him. He turned it over in his hands, marveling at the intricate runes etched into its surface. "Jack," he said after a moment, "why does everything in this world feel so... foreign? Even the smallest things, like this communication device, seem so advanced yet ancient at the same time."
"Because you're not from here," Jack replied, his tone turning serious. "And this world operates on principles far beyond what you're used to. Speaking of which, it's time we talked about something important—your powers."
Mitchell's brow furrowed. "What about them?"
"You've barely scratched the surface," Jack said. "There's a lot more potential within you than you realize. But before you can unlock it, you need to make a choice."
"A choice?" Mitchell echoed, sitting up straighter.
"Yes," Jack continued. "Every cultivator reaches a point where they must align themselves with a path. For you, it comes down to two options: the Purple God or the Crimson Nightmare."
Mitchell frowned. "What do those mean?"
"The Purple God represents balance, control and its domineering nobleness.," Jack explained. "It's a path of mastery over yourself and the world . . . around you. The Crimson Nightmare, on the other hand, is raw power and destruction—a force of reckoning that consumes everything in its way. Both are incredibly potent, but they demand different things from their wielder."
Mitchell stared at the ground, the weight of Jack's words sinking in. "And what if I don't choose?"
"You must," Jack said firmly. "But first, let's see where you currently stand. Close your eyes and focus. Let your energy flow freely."
Taking a deep breath, Mitchell closed his eyes and did as Jack instructed. He felt the familiar hum of energy coursing through his body, but as he delved deeper, something unexpected happened. Instead of a vibrant purple or fiery crimson aura, a dark, shadowy energy began to manifest around him.
Jack's voice was filled with intrigue. "Well, that's new."
Mitchell opened his eyes, alarmed. "What does it mean? Why isn't it purple or red?"
"It means you're not bound to either path, you have more choices already".Jack said, his tone thoughtful. "You possess a third option—something far more rare and dangerous. This energy... it's untamed, chaotic. . .its damaged. It's as if the very essence of potential resides within you, waiting to be shaped."
Mitchell's heart raced. "What am I supposed to do with this?"
"First, calm down," Jack said. "Your energy is unstable right now. If you lose control, it could consume you."
Mitchell took another deep breath, steadying himself. "Alright, I'm calm. Now what?"
"Focus on cultivation," Jack advised. "Strengthen your foundation before you attempt anything else. The stronger you are, the better equipped you'll be to handle this power."
Mitchell nodded slowly. "And you? What's your role in all this?"
Jack chuckled. "I'm here to guide you, of course. After all, I've been through this before."
"You've been through this?" Mitchell asked, his curiosity piqued.
"Yes," Jack admitted. "A long time ago, I was known as the Purple God. My path was one of control and discipline, but even then, I couldn't reach my full potential and escape the chaos that eventually consumed me. That's why I exist in your mind now—a fragment of what I once was."
Mitchell leaned back, processing Jack's words. "So, you're saying I have the potential to become like you?"
"Perhaps, no human has ever been a purple god before."Jack said. "Or perhaps something even greater. But that depends entirely on you. The power within you is unlike anything I've ever seen. It's both a gift and a curse."
Mitchell sighed, running a hand through his hair. "No pressure, huh?". He didn't hear when jack said 'No human'.
Jack laughed. "None at all. But seriously, Mitchell, take this seriously. Focus on your cultivation and don't let distractions—like a certain green-eyed adventurer—sidetrack you."
Mitchell rolled his eyes and grumbled lowly " I'll keep that in mind."
As the night deepened, Mitchell sat in silence, his mind racing with possibilities. The revelation of his unique energy both excited and terrified him. He felt the might that each of them possessed, and he knew there was a lot more he had not tapped into. . . . .yet. He didn't know what the future held, but one thing was certain: his journey was only just beginning. This new realm, would bring about things that could help him and both kill him. He just had to be careful and listen to jack. After all he had done this before and gotten to God-level.