Shadow Slave: Divergence of Hereos

Chapter 21: Titles

Harvey leaned back in his chair, the tension in the room palpable as he weighed his options. He had always thrived in high-stakes environments, but this... this was something else entirely. 

Gaining power without becoming an Awakened, without the Nightmare Spell, seemed like a loophole, but the risk of losing control wasn't something he could easily ignore. 

Still, in this world, power was everything.

He glanced at Cassie, who was visibly struggling to contain her anxiety. "You said there's a cost," Harvey said, his voice measured. 

"But isn't there always? Everything comes with a price. The real question is... how much are we willing to pay?"

Cassie turned her head toward him, her sightless eyes filled with uncertainty. 

'But the question is what if we pay too much.' Harvey couldn't help but think as he saw the girl who seemed to be blind.

'The World' sat silently for a moment before responding, "That is the risk. The higher the stakes, the higher the rewards... and the consequences."

Klein, sitting as 'The Fool,' spoke, his voice resonating with an air of finality. "There is no need to rush. In time, your decisions will shape your fates"

After a moment of hesitation, Cassie spoke, her voice soft and vulnerable. "Is there… is there a way for me to get my sight back?" 

The question hung in the air, pressing down on the room like a weight. 

Even Harvey, who had been focused on his own dilemma, turned to look at her, sensing the deep vulnerability in her plea. 

A pause followed, heavy with uncertainty, before 'The World' spoke. 

"For you… I would recommend advancing through the Nightmare Trials." Klein had given this advice based on his understanding of this world's workings. 

The stronger the flaw one carried, the stronger the Aspect granted through the Nightmare Trials. Cassie being blind yet not having an equally powerful Aspect didn't make sense. In his experience with the multiverse, there was always a balance, an equivalent exchange of sorts: significant sacrifice for significant power. 

Cassie's voice was a fragile murmur, filled with doubt. "But... how would I survive the trials without being able to see?" 

Her question was directed toward The Fool, who internally lamented. 

He didn't know how to help her without risking her bond to 'The Spell.' What if offering her the equivalent of Beyonder potions had unforeseen consequences on her current powers? 

Klein finally spoke, his voice firm as he attempted to close the topic. "Become an Awakened first." 

Silence fell as Cassie absorbed those words.

Breaking the tension, Klein, through 'The World,' asked, "Do any of you have the means of obtaining a 'Memory'?" 

Harvey and Cassie exchanged uncertain glances. 

Klein had been curious about the equivalent of Beyonder items in this world—items known as "Memories." 

He had yet to examine one up close and now seemed the perfect opportunity to do so. "Is there a specific need for any type of memory?" Cassie asked cautiously. 

"No," 'The World' responded flatly. 

Cassie hesitated briefly before trying to summon a Memory. But as the process began, the mist shifted, swirling protectively, and blocked her attempt. 

Klein raised an eyebrow in surprise. Upon closer reflection, he realised that due to his current lack of mastery over the grey fog, it instinctively protected itself, preventing the introduction of otherworldly items. 

Understanding what had occurred, both Cassie and Harvey turned their gazes toward The Fool. 

"There will be no summoning of Memories here... for now," The Fool stated, his tone leaving no room for further debate. 

Cassie nodded, her thoughts churning as she considered the limitations they were up against. 

After a brief pause, Harvey himself broke the silence as he asked the group a question "Do any of you have information regarding the Emberwing Legacy clan? More than what the public already knows about."

Cassie spoke out, "I am going to meet a batch of Sleepers soon." She said, in a naive tone.

"If I am able to find anything regarding them, I will cont-" She paused, as she realised she didn't really know anything regarding the people in this room. Let alone a way to contact them.

The Fool broke the silence, this time with a new proposition. "There is a test I wish to try with you all." 

With that, Klein taught them the prayer that could be used to contact him in the future—a means of communication that bound them more closely to the enigmatic figure that was 'The Fool.' 

"With this our communication problem is solved." Harvey spoke out. "What is it you wish for compensation?"

Cassie hesitated, as she stated, "I require the Essence crystal of Dormant ranked beasts."

Harvey nodded, not really caring about the cost, "If I am happy with the information, I will provide 1-5 crystals."

Klein inwardly did some mental calculations, the cost of 1 of those crystals was around 100 Credits, for him to offer 500 Credits without caring much about it…it seems like we have a rich member in the Tarot Club!

'Someone to scam…wait that doesn't sound right.' Klein lampooned.

Klein, through 'The World,' added, "It would be wise for us to find a way to address each other without using our real identities." 

With a subtle nod, The Fool conjured a set of Tarot cards, each one representing a title of power, mystery, and potential destiny. 

The Fool card, obviously staying close to himself.

'The World' stepped forward and, unsurprisingly, picked the card that bore his own name—'The World.' 

Watching him, Harvey rose from his seat and approached the remaining cards. After a brief moment of contemplation, he selected 'The Emperor,' a fitting choice for someone accustomed to authority, control, and the wielding of power. 

Cassie, still uncertain but eager to take her place among them, hesitated before picking 'The High Priestess' card, with the help of The World.

She was drawn to its mystery and depth—qualities she was beginning to see within herself despite her blindness. 

Klein, orchestrating the scene as both observer and participant, manipulated 'The World' to speak once more. 

"Praise the Fool," he intoned, with Cassie and Harvey echoing the phrase. 

With that, the meeting of the newly titled trio came to an end.

Klein, who sat in the seat of 'The Fool,' couldn't help but sigh…it was time to punish a certain mirror.

…

(Harvey)

Harvey who returned back to his original spot in the real world couldn't help but sigh.

After all, he had an important choice to make.

To gain powers through this person known as 'Mr Fool,' or to remain a mundane human and potentially be in harm's way.

Maybe this 'Mr Fool,' would also be a way for him to return back to his homeworld.

But first he needed to build trust with this godlike figure. For all he knew, this man was a 'Saint' and this has something to do with his awakened powers.

Yet some part of him couldn't help but smile at the thought of being able to get powers in this new world.

He wondered what Mike would say…

...

Which 'Hero' would you guys like to see in this fic 

You can read up to 15 chapters ahead if you want to on my p#treon.com/Fat_Cultivator