In a dimly lit hall, one whose ceiling could faintly be seen and was about 200 meters high, an old man with dirty unkept grey hair that went past his buttocks and threatened to reach his knees could be seen walking.
The man's back was slightly bent and he had a stick in hand to support his fragile legs and trembling body.
Within the old man's gaze, he could neither see the beginning nor the end of the room, all that could faintly register in his sight was the incredibly high ceiling that had a dull light shining on it, the immediate 1 meter around him, and a particularly deep devouring darkness that lay ahead of him.
The man walked a few steps towards this towering darkness unsure of how close he was to it or if he was even getting closer to it and then he collapsed to his knees.
The old man stayed kneeling for what might have been three hours before an encompassing voice reverberated around the hall.
"Caaash" the voice fondly called out the name, saying it with a long drawl.
"Though we only ever interacted once, I can still remember the day I saw you, all that youth and passion," the voice said and then went silent like it was reminiscing about this one day it talked about.
Despite the seconds of silence that went past, the kneeling old man stayed silent, the only movement from him his trembling body.
"Since you came to my palace you've kept to yourself and from what I have heard made little but prodigious improvements in your studies.
I waited expecting greatness from you, but then 120 years ago I heard that you have knelt at the foot of my mountain seeking an audience with me.
Finally, I granted you and an audience with me and sent someone to pick you up, but you refused my act of generosity and decided to climb all 10 thousand steps to get here.
Tell me, how does your body feel?"
Since entering the hall, the old man has been silent and it was only now after he had been asked a question that he spoke.
"It aches all over and feels like it would break apart at any moment, ageing sucks."
"Glad to know the passage of time hasn't dulled your humour." The voice with a chuckle, "But it's a shame it still hasn't taught you to be humble to the one whom you've come to with a request"
Some seconds of silence passed before the voice spoke once more.
"The number of humans in existence has waned during this very short time with about a few dozen being all that is left.
Amongst them, you are one of the few blessed with both the resources and talents necessary to live long and most importantly grow into a position of power.
Why have you decided to waste your most important years kneeling at the foot of my mountain and then climbing its treacherous stairs.
Despite your race's perilous situation, there is so much you could do for them.
"I kneel at the foot of your mountain for over a century because I hope my perseverance and dedication would make an exalted being like you take pity on me and decide to hear me out.
I reject your generosity and climb up to your temple not to disrespect you but to remind you that I am a man with a free mind.
I kneel before you now because I acknowledge your greatness and superiority and also because I have a deal for you."
"You've always been proud and humble, lovable traits, but now you dare to be arrogant.
Have you refused to age with wisdom Cash?"
"I'm not sure if I am unwise, but what I do know is what I desire."
"And so you want is to make a deal with me. Tell me cash, what would make a pebble think it has the right to make a deal with a mountain."
"A way to save the life of the mountain."
A sort of warmth had filled the large hall as these two people talked but after the old man said these words, the temperature within the hall rapidly fell.
"You don't think I will survive."
"You are almighty but not all-powerful, your era and dreams are about to be put to an end, your life and all you've achieved to be used as a stepping stone for another."
"I think of you too highly Cash, tell me what is on your mind before I change how I feel about being told by the likes of you what I can and can't do.
"When you lose the fight, just before you are killed, I want you to give Earth another chance and in exchange, I would bring you Ruhal's slate."
After these words were spoken, silence that lasted for several hours passed and then the hall thrummed.
"Caaashhh" the voice called out once more, just as it had the first time, the hall getting a bit more lighted and the shadow of a titanic figure which sat down on a towering throne becoming barely visible
"Do you want a second chance for earth or for yourself"
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