---
The black tome pulsed with an eerie glow, its leather cover covered in ancient runes.
Wukong narrowed his eyes. "What's the catch?"
The hooded mage smirked. "Smart monkey."
Lily flinched. "You know who he is?"
The mage chuckled. "I don't need to. I can feel it. Something about him is… wrong. Not of this world. A soul too big for its body." Their golden eyes gleamed. "And that makes him interesting."
Wukong crossed his arms. "I'm flattered. But you still haven't answered my question."
The mage tapped the tome. "This book contains a lost magic—one that even the greatest sorcerers fear. It can help you bypass your limitations… but at a price."
Tian gulped. "I don't like the sound of that."
Lily frowned. "What kind of price?"
The mage grinned. "Oh, nothing much. Just your soul."
---
A Dangerous Path
Silence fell over the room.
Then—
Wukong burst out laughing. "Pfft—HAAH! My soul? Buddy, do you have any idea how many gods have tried and failed to take my soul?"
The mage raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"
Lily hissed. "Wukong, this isn't a joke!"
Tian leaned in. "Dude, we just escaped a death squad. Maybe let's not sell our souls yet?"
Wukong smirked. "Relax. I'm not that dumb." He turned back to the mage. "What's the real price?"
The mage's smile widened. "Ah, you see right through me. Fine. This magic doesn't take your soul." They flipped the tome open, revealing glowing symbols. "But it does bond with you. Once you start using it, it will change you."
Lily tensed. "Change him how?"
The mage's eyes gleamed. "That depends… on how much he's willing to sacrifice."
---
A Monkey's Decision
Wukong stared at the tome. Forbidden magic. Dangerous magic.
The old him—the immortal, invincible Monkey King—would have scoffed at it. He never needed tricks.
But now?
His power was sealed. His body was weak.
And if he didn't find a way to fight back, he wouldn't survive long enough to break his curse.
Tch. What would Buddha think if he saw me like this?
He shook off the thought.
He wasn't the same Wukong anymore.
And if this magic could help him, then so be it.
He reached out and grabbed the book.
"I'll take it."
Lily's eyes widened. "Wukong—!"
The tome shuddered in his hands. Its pages flipped on their own, glowing brighter—
—And then, a black symbol burned itself onto his palm.
Wukong hissed, clenching his fist as the mark sank into his skin.
The mage grinned. "Congratulations, Monkey King. You just took your first step into the abyss."
---
To Be Continued…