The hum of the futuristic city faded as I stood on the edge of the quiet dimension, preparing to step back through time. The sky above me shimmered as I focused on the place I needed to go—a time far before this world of technology and data, before digital records and credits controlled everything. I knew what I had to do: build a legacy that could withstand the scrutiny of this world. A family, a name, and an identity that spanned centuries.
I took a deep breath, and with a surge of energy, I shifted. Time twisted around me, and the sleek modern structures dissolved, replaced by the simpler, rough-hewn buildings of a much earlier era.
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**Settling in the Past**
I had landed more than 500 years in the past, in a bustling port city where trade and wealth were beginning to shape the world. The smell of the sea filled the air as merchants moved about, haggling over goods from distant lands. I observed for a moment, scanning the busy streets to get a sense of how I could begin.
This was a time when gold, land, and trade were the cornerstones of power. And I had plenty of gold—pieces I had taken from ancient empires and hidden away for just this moment. But it wasn't enough to simply have wealth. I needed to establish a name and begin the long, careful process of creating an identity that would carry forward through the ages.
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**Finding an Agent**
The first step was to find someone who could act as my representative. I couldn't afford to draw attention to myself by managing my affairs directly. I needed an agent—a trusted individual who could handle my investments and dealings, while I remained in the background.
I spent days observing the city's merchants and brokers, listening to their conversations, watching their interactions. One man stood out—a private broker named Gerrard, who seemed to handle the affairs of wealthy clients with discretion and skill. He moved quietly, avoiding the flamboyant displays of wealth that others indulged in. This was a man who knew how to stay under the radar.
I approached him one evening as the market was winding down.
"Gerrard," I said, stepping into his small office, a humble but efficient space near the docks.
He looked up from his papers, his eyes narrowing slightly as he studied me. "You're not from around here, are you?"
I smiled faintly. "No. But I believe we can help each other. I'm looking for someone who can manage my affairs—discreetly."
He leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. "And why should I trust you? I don't know your name, your background."
I placed a small pouch on the desk, the sound of gold coins clinking softly as it hit the wood. "Consider this a down payment. I'm looking to invest—land, trade, whatever will yield the best returns. But I need to remain...anonymous."
Gerrard's eyes flickered to the pouch, then back to me. "Anonymous clients tend to bring trouble."
"I'm not asking for trouble," I said calmly. "I'm asking for loyalty. And if you prove trustworthy, there will be much more where this came from."
He studied me for a long moment, then nodded slowly. "I can work with that. But if you cross me, no amount of gold will save you."
I smiled. "We won't have that problem."
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**Building the Foundation**
With Gerrard in place, I began making strategic investments. I started small—buying land on the outskirts of the city, investing in local trade routes. Over the months, my influence grew, though I remained in the shadows. Gerrard handled all the transactions, carefully crafting the story of the Kastellan family, a reclusive dynasty with roots in distant lands.
I met with him regularly, reviewing the progress of our ventures, discussing new opportunities. Each meeting was a calculated exchange, as we discussed not just business, but the future.
"What's your endgame here?" Gerrard asked one day, as we reviewed a new trade agreement.
I paused, considering my answer carefully. "Legacy. I want to create something that lasts. A name that will be remembered."
Gerrard chuckled. "Most men with your kind of wealth don't care about names. They care about power."
I shook my head. "Power fades. Wealth can be lost. But a name, a legacy—that can endure."
He regarded me with a mix of curiosity and skepticism but didn't press further. For now, it was enough that he handled the day-to-day affairs of my growing empire.
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**Checking the Future**
Once the foundation was set, I took my next step—traveling forward ten years to see the results of our investments. As I emerged in the future, I walked the familiar streets of the city, now changed by the passage of time. New buildings had risen, the markets were busier, and trade had expanded.
I checked on the businesses I had invested in, noting which ventures had flourished and which had faltered. If something wasn't working, I adjusted my strategy. Gerrard remained in place, his loyalty intact, though he aged with each passing decade. I took careful steps to ensure that our interactions remained infrequent enough not to draw suspicion.
Each time I returned to the past, I made new investments, secured new holdings, and refined the story of the Kastellan family. Over the decades, the family became known for their wealth and influence, though no one ever seemed to meet its patriarch.
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**End of Chapter**
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**Dear Reader,**
Thank you for continuing on this journey with Isaac and Kronos! I'd love to hear your thoughts and feedback, as every review helps shape what's to come. If you're enjoying the story, please consider leaving a Power Stone or review—each review adds an extra chapter this week!
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colinh45