NOVEL NEXT Chapter 2: Chapter 2: Stepping Into the Originals
Chapter 2: Stepping Into the Originals
Adam stepped through the swirling portal, the air around him rippling as the sights and sounds of New Orleans came into focus. He found himself in the heart of the Mikaelson compound—a grand but eerily quiet place, as though holding its breath.
His first instinct was to take stock of his situation, and thankfully, the system was already on it.
< SYSTEM MESSAGE: Welcome to The Originals. >
< Current Mission:
Absorb the Hollow (Duration: 7 days of proximity). Take Hope Mikaelson as your companion (must join willingly).
Rewards: 100,000 points. Unlock next world. Random S-rank ability/item.
< User Status:
Abilities: Gluttony (Absorb abilities, magic, and objects). Adaptive Evolution (Body evolves to fully control absorbed abilities). Resurrection Remaining: 4 (For this universe).
Inventory:
Daily Points: 50,000. Resurrection Crystal x4 (Allows resurrection without casting magic). Blank Spellbook (Can record spells or create custom magic). Starter Healing Potion x5. Advanced Combat Training Manual.
Appraisal Ability Unlocked: You can now appraise artifacts and individuals for their strengths, weaknesses, and potential value.
Multiversal Shop Available: Access anytime for purchases or sales.
Adam stared at the glowing text, the sheer breadth of his powers finally sinking in. "This is nuts," he muttered to himself, shaking his head.
The sound of footsteps echoed from down the hallway. Snapping to attention, Adam quickly pulled up the appraisal ability.
Appraise.
The moment he activated the skill, a translucent screen popped up in front of him, detailing the person approaching.
< Subject: Hope Mikaelson
Age: 15 Species: Tribrid (Werewolf/Vampire/Witch Hybrid) Magic Level: S-Class (Potential: SS-Class with full mastery). Key Traits: Fiercely independent, loyal, highly emotional, potential vessel for the Hollow. Current Status: Frustrated, confused, wary. Appraisal Note: Has a hidden soft side; earning her trust will take time and effort. >
Adam's lips quirked up in a grin. "Well, isn't this handy?"
Hope rounded the corner, her brows furrowed. She stopped in her tracks when she saw him.
"Who are you?" she demanded, her tone sharp. Her blue eyes narrowed, scanning him like he was an intruder.
Adam raised his hands in mock surrender, giving her a lopsided grin. "Name's Adam. Let's just say I'm a… traveler. And I'm here to help."
Hope snorted, crossing her arms. "Help? With what? And how the hell did you get in here?"
"Big questions," Adam said, taking a step forward. "The short version? I know about the Hollow, and I can get rid of it. Permanently."
Her eyes widened, but she quickly masked it with suspicion. "That's impossible."
Adam chuckled. "Impossible is kind of my specialty. Look, I get it—you don't know me. But I promise, I'm on your side. Let's just say I've got a vested interest in keeping you and your family alive and kicking."
Hope hesitated, clearly torn. "If this is some kind of trick…"
"It's not," Adam interrupted gently. "But I do need something from you in return."
Her gaze hardened. "What kind of 'something'?"
Adam leaned casually against the wall, his expression softening. "A year of your time. That's all. You agree to travel with me for one year, and I'll not only get rid of the Hollow but also bring back two people you've lost. People who meant a lot to you."
Hope froze, her breath catching. "You… you can do that?"
Adam nodded. "Yes. I can bring back Josh. And Hayley."
Her world tilted for a moment at the mention of Hayley's name. Anger, disbelief, and a flicker of hope all warred in her expression.
"Why would you do that? What's in it for you?"
Adam's grin turned softer. "Let's just say I have a thing for fixing broken stories. And your story? It deserves a happy ending. But I can't do it without your help."
Before Hope could respond, Freya's voice rang out behind her. "Hope? What's going on?"
Adam appraised her as she entered.
< Subject: Freya Mikaelson
Age: 30+ (Magic has slowed aging). Species: Witch (Nordic Ancestry). Magic Level: S-Class. Key Traits: Protective, resourceful, fiercely loyal to family. Current Status: Anxious, protective, distrustful. Appraisal Note: Highly skilled but overburdened with responsibility. Gaining her trust may require proof of power. >
Freya's eyes locked onto Adam, her hands already glowing with defensive magic. "Who are you? And why are you here?"
Adam sighed. "Great. More introductions. Look, I'll explain everything, but we're on the clock here. If you want your family back in one piece, you're going to want to hear me out."
Hope turned to Freya, her expression conflicted. "He says he can destroy the Hollow."
Freya's magic dimmed slightly, replaced by shock. "That's… not possible."
Adam's grin returned, cocky but not arrogant. "Yet here I am, telling you it is. All I need is a week to get close to Hope and finish the absorption. In return, I'll bring back Hayley and Josh. Deal?"
Freya and Hope exchanged a long look, uncertainty thick in the air. Finally, Hope stepped forward, her shoulders squared.
"I'll give you a chance," she said, her voice firm. "But if you're lying, I'll make you regret it."
Adam clapped his hands together. "Perfect! You won't regret this."
< SYSTEM MESSAGE: Mission progress updated. Time remaining to absorb the Hollow: 7 days. Stay within 10 meters of Hope Mikaelson to continue absorption. >
Adam smirked at the notification, already anticipating the wild week ahead.
To Be Continued...
PS. THIS FANFIC IS PARTIALLY CREATED BUY AI