Alistair Illyria's POV
As the contract with the *Cosmic Chimera* solidified, Alistair's heart sank.
The revelation struck him hard: he was bound as a servant in a master-servant relationship, a dynamic that left him feeling disposable, a pawn in a larger game.
His face contorted with anger and frustration, the implications of such a contract weighing heavily on his conscience.
Yet, before he could fully spiral into despair, he felt something awakening within him—a chaotic energy, pulsating and wild. It surged through him, tethered to the tattoo now etched onto his neck, the mark of his bond with the Chimera.
He forced himself to breathe, to calm his racing thoughts. This energy was a gift, a promise of power from his new master.
With newfound determination, Alistair settled into a meditative position.
As he focused on the chaotic energy, it began to intertwine with his mana core, transforming it.
The process was both painful and exhilarating; his mana was corrupted, reshaped, and elevated. In that moment, he felt the exhilarating rush of strength—he was now on par with a tier 11 god.
Dangerous thoughts flitted through his mind, temptations of power and revenge, but they flickered away as the Chimera tattoo heated up against his skin.
A flash of fear gripped him momentarily, but it quickly shifted to exhilaration.
He had never dreamed that power could be obtained so easily, and all his previous negative emotions about the *Cosmic Chimera* dissipated like mist in the sun.
This newfound strength imbued him with confidence.
Alistair felt a surge of conviction: he had made the right choice.
In a world where power dictated status, he had to keep up or be left behind.
The realization emboldened him, igniting a fierce determination to confront the Truth Order and exact his revenge on the Lightning Emperor.
With only one tier 12 high god and four tier 11 gods in the Truth Order, Alistair no longer felt the crushing burden of inferiority.
As long as he operated in the shadows, leaving no trace, he could take action against the members of the Truth Order and settle his score.
The thought thrilled him.
However, he understood the importance of stabilization.
Before he engaged in any conflict, he needed to ensure that his new powers were firmly integrated into his being.
He closed his eyes, focusing on harnessing the chaotic energy, reinforcing his resolve and preparing for the battles that lay ahead.
Third POV
Simultaneously, similar events unfolded across the Grand Magus World. Individuals formed contracts with various constellations, some eagerly embracing the chaotic energy while others hesitated, burdened by the weight of their choices.
Those who quickly accepted the master-servant arrangement chose silence, reluctant to disclose the true nature of their contracts, hoping to keep others ensnared in the same trap they had fallen into.
As pressure mounted, many felt there was no escape; the allure of power became too enticing to resist.
They remained unaware that the constellations, bound by the constraints of the Grand Magus World, could not act directly within its confines.
The world itself held a powerful will, perceiving any constellation attempting to descend as an invader, ready to retaliate against them.
The Prophet, an enigmatic figure whose motives remained cloaked in mystery, chose not to reveal this crucial information.
He understood the dynamics of fear and power, believing that the pressure would compel the members of the Truth Order to make decisive choices.
By withholding the truth about the constellations' limitations, he aimed to test their mettle and assess how they would navigate the perilous waters of their new reality.
As the world braced itself for the repercussions of these contracts, alliances were forged in shadows, and intentions twisted like serpents.
Each decision could lead to unimaginable power or catastrophic downfall, and the stakes had never been higher.
In this intricate game of power and manipulation, the balance of strength was shifting, and only those who could adapt and strategize would survive the tumultuous tides of the Grand Magus World.
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