MTL NOVEL Chapter 57: Whole
Sil's heart skipped a beat. "How? You said---"
"At the time, there was no way to save you, and also restore your power. But now—" Mundus paused, eyes sharp. "Things have changed."
He couldn't fathom it—he would be an agent for the gods? The very gods who had caused so much pain and destruction? But before he could voice his objections, Mundus pressed forward.
"I'm afraid there is a limited window of opportunity though. Once I leave here, it is off the table. So you need to make your choice." Mundus pointed a slender finger at Sil.
A chill ran through Sil as his mind raced.
What's the catch? What does this ancient being truly want? Is that really all I must do in return?
Bliss, noticing his apprehension, was quick to jump in. "It's a generous deal, Sil. Don't be foolish."
The words hit him like a punch to the gut. He could feel the weight of his decision pressing down on him, his chest tight as he glanced between Mundus and Bliss, his mind unraveling the possible consequences. He then looked around the room at his fellow fighters, all wounded, all pushed to their limits, every one hanging in the balance of his choice.
"I'll get to remain on Earth?" Sil asked, shaking as he spoke horsely.
Mundus continued while nodding, his voice almost persuasive now. "Yes. Save your brothers. Keep your powers. But-- only if you defeat this celestial now and agree to answer the call if the ancient ones deem it necessary. You'll be the champion of Earth, its interstellar defender, aiding in maintaining balance and order."
Sil's thoughts swirled. Is this a trap? Do I really want to be a pawn for these sick, narcissistic gods?
But his hesitation was short-lived. Time was running out.
With a sharp inhale, Sil finally nodded, his voice a reluctant growl. "Fine. Let's do it."
In an instant, Mundus' hand shot forward, faster than a mortal could even perceive. His fingers plunged into Sil's chest, right over his heart. A blood churning cry of pain tore from Sil's throat as the agony surged, a fire burning through him as time itself seemed to stretch and twist.
Mundus was rewinding time around Sil's heart, undoing the damage Immortui had wrought. The pain was unbearable, a slow, agonizing process that felt like eternity. Sil nearly screamed, but he gritted his teeth and whispered through the pain, "Finish it. I'm fine." Clenching his fists tighter, at least he tried, he would have done so if only he could move them.
Bliss couldn't bear it any longer, turning her face away, unable to watch.
For what felt like hours, Sil writhed in agony. His body was slick with sweat, every inch of him screaming for relief. But he endured, his will was stronger than the torment. When Mundus finally withdrew his hand and released his hold on Sil, he collapsed onto one knee, doubled over, gasping for air. His chest burned, but when he reached for it, there was no hole, no wound like one would expect after having the hand of another stuck inside of it. There was also- no more great feeling of emptiness. He blinked a few times, tears welling up. He gasped.
He was whole again.
Tears flowed from his eyes. He hesitated for a brief second, scared that it might not work, but then he sensed it. It was impossible to believe, but as he lifted his hand from his chest, now glowing bright, he grasped something in it. It was his soul weapon—the colorful ability book— it materialized before him, glowing with the power he had long since lost.
He let out a relieved sob, and smiled to himself, tears streaming down his face. He touched it, tracing its familiar surface, overwhelmed by emotion. His hands trembled as he flipped through the pages, selecting the abilities he would need to face this fight.
He snapped the book shut, wiping tears from his eyes, with a finality that was almost triumphant. Then he placed it away with a bright flash of light in his chest.
A jolt of energy shot through him, he stood still with his hands outstretched in front of him. He examined them, like he had never before been in his own body. A smile found its way to his lips. It turned to a mischievous smirk and with a simple snap of his fingers, a bolt of lightning cracked in the air near Bliss, sending her into a startled panic. Her hand rushed to her chest as she yelped and jumped aside, then immediately shot a glance that would have killed if looks could do so.
Sil smiled, chuckled once and shrugged. "Just testing." He said, matter of factly. She moved further away and folded her arms, brooding.
Mundus watched, unfazed, wiping Sil's blood from his hand with Calyx's cloak as if it were nothing more than a rag.
Sil stood tall now, his wounds healed, his body whole again. He turned to face Mundus, his expression unreadable, but his heart was full of determination. As he met Mundus' gaze, he felt a strange warmth spread through him.
Mundus' hand stretched out, and a thumb landed on Sil's forehead. The light that emanated from it was blinding, and when it faded, Sil felt a subtle, searing mark settle on his skin—a reminder, an anchor.
"The mark of the Ancient Ones," Mundus said. "You will now be known. This mark will allow us to know where you are at all times. You will be called upon if we ever need you. You are again a godslayer— but this time you are also an agent of the gods."
Sil was mixed—reluctant, yet grateful. He had been saved, but at what cost?
Before he could speak, Mundus turned, and with a flick of his hand, he and Bliss vanished in a flash of white light, leaving Sil standing alone in the stillness of the ship.
The world would soon begin to turn again. And when it did, Sil was ready.
He looked at Calyx, the battle before him, and smiled. The storm had only just begun.