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TEN AMARTIES
Etched onto the pentagram's surface was a stylized tree. Its lower branches, seven in total, each bore an inscription. At its peak, three massive branches clawed skyward. Leviathan's gaze lingered on the inscription for a fleeting moment before a voice boomed, as heavy as a collapsing mountain.
"A human, once again. What brings you here?" the voice rumbled.
"I seek a contract," Leviathan declared, his voice firm despite the tremor in his heart.
"The Soul Interfusion success experiment?"
"Precisely."
"Then heed my terms. Surrender your positive and negative emotions."
Leviathan's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?"
"A human is a fusion of two parts: soul and body. While one can exist without a physical form, a bodiless existence lacks the spark of a soul. If I take your rationality, your ability to think will crumble. Taking your appetite wouldn't diminish your humanity, and your senses, while valuable, are replaceable. But without emotions, you cease to be human. Emotions are the essence of your being."
A chilling realization dawned on Leviathan. "I accept your terms."
The voice chuckled, a hollow sound that sent shivers down his spine. "For Soul Interfusion to truly work, humans require a final component. A secret you are yet to discover. However, I offer an alternative."
"What is this alternative?" Leviathan pressed.
"A sacrifice. Ten humans who have undergone the failed Soul Interfusion experiment."
"But why can't those who attempt the experiment return?"
"Only those who possess all five components return alive. Those who fail, lacking the final piece, become worthless husks. They are rare, however, and possess immense value."
"How do I find them?"
The voice went cold. "That is not my concern."
Leviathan's voice hardened. "This is a one-sided bargain! You take from me, yet offer nothing in return. True exchange demands fairness!"
His words hung heavy in the air, as if the entity had awaited these words for centuries. A palpable shift in the atmosphere followed.
"Finally," the voice boomed, a hint of amusement lacing its tone. "The one I've been waiting for. The one to defy expectations, to demand an equal exchange. Someone who understands the true meaning of reciprocity. Very well. If I take your emotions, I grant you the Ten Amarties."
"The Ten Amarties?"
"The ten sins – a twisted path that will lead you to your targets."
Leviathan, burdened with this newfound knowledge, turned to leave. A sudden thought struck him, and he paused. "One last question," he said.
"Ask," the voice rumbled.
"Who are you?"
A long silence stretched before the answer came, a chilling whisper echoing through the void. "I am the one they call… the Devil."
Leviathan awoke with a gasp, sweat clinging to his skin. He bolted upright, heart hammering in his chest. Before him stood a sight that sent a jolt of terror through him – ten figures, each radiating an unsettling aura. Three stood to his right, seven to his left. Eight were men, two were women. Their faces were contorted in expressions of rage, sorrow, and every other emotion he had surrendered.
From the larger group of seven, a figure with hair the color of dark chocolate and cherries stepped forward. "I am Languor," he declared, his voice heavy with a languid indifference.
Next came a man with sun-kissed auburn hair. "Arrogance," he announced with a haughty tilt of his chin.
A woman with cascading light ash blonde hair followed. "Lechery," she stated, her voice dripping with a seductive purr.
A man with hair like polished diamonds stepped forward, a simmering rage flickering in his eyes. "Call me Rage," he growled.
A young boy, his caramel-colored hair a stark contrast to the others', piped up. "They call me Greed."
A hulking figure with raven-black hair and a perpetual scowl rumbled, "Ravenous is the name."
The final figure from the group, a woman with light brown hair, introduced herself simply as "Malice." Her voice held a venomous edge.
The remaining three figures stood out from the others, emanating an aura of unnatural darkness that sent shivers down Leviathan's spine. Their blonde, platinum, and silver hair seemed out of place amidst the more muted tones of the others.
The first of these "dark-aura giving" figures, a guy with sunflower blonde hair, spoke. "Despair," he rasped, his voice filled with a chilling emptiness.
The first of these "darker" figures, a woman with sunflower blonde hair, spoke. "Despair," she rasped, her voice filled with a chilling emptiness.
"Cozen," said the second, his platinum hair gleaming in the dim light. His eyes held a glint of deceit.
The last figure, a man with silver hair, offered a twisted smile. "Rile," he purred, his voice laced with a dangerous edge.
All ten figures shared a single striking feature – their eyes glowed an unsettling scarlet red.
In unison, they offered a chilling promise. "We are here to serve you, Leviathan. We will help you find these ten humans. And if we fail to find such humans . . . we'll create ones."
THE LETTER
Weeks bled into one another, and a bombshell exploded in Leviathan's lap – his sister, presumed dead, was not only alive, but thriving in a remote village called Damsholte. News of this miraculous escape traveled fast, eventually reaching the ears of the ever-watchful Ours Truly. With a cold fury in his eyes, he dispatched a ruthless squad of soldiers to Damsholte, their orders chillingly simple: "Kill on sight."
The soldiers descended upon the village like a pack of hungry wolves, but their quarry, Lisa and Edgar, vanished like ghosts. Whispers suggested they had fled across the border, seeking refuge in Germany, where they holed up in a nondescript hotel, their true identities hidden from sight. However, their act wouldn't last long.
Ours Truly, his grip tightening, drafted a letter addressed to the esteemed President of Germany, Nathaniel Twain. The letter, dripping with veiled threats, painted Lisa as a traitorous Danish soldier who had defied a direct kill order. It pinpointed her location – the Gianzen Hotel near Strasbourg – and demanded her immediate arrest, along with her companion, Edgar Vincent. The letter concluded with a plea for cooperation, promising "eternal gratitude" in return for their compliance.
At the helm of German security stood Heim Richter, a seasoned General, and his trusted right-hand man, Major General Jason Aldrich. President Twain, a man known for his unwavering principles, summoned these two confidants to discuss the delicate matter.
"Richter, Aldrich," the President began, a furrow etching itself onto his brow, "I have a request from Denmark concerning a pair of refugees – a woman named Lisa, and a man named Edgar Vincent. Ours Truly claims they're wanted criminals, but I won't simply hand over someone seeking asylum on German soil. We'll conduct our own investigation first. Only then will I decide their fate."
The President's words were a beacon of hope in a storm of political intrigue. The fate of Lisa and Edgar hung in the balance, their freedom hinging on the outcome of this impromptu investigation.
CAUGHT!
Lisa and Edgar sat huddled around a small table, the silence punctuated only by the creak of the old inn. "Edgar," she finally burst out, frustration lacing her voice, "how long can we keep hiding like this? One day, someone will recognize us."
Edgar sighed, his brow furrowed. "You're right, Lisa. But until that day comes, we have to remain under the radar."
A heavy silence descended upon them once more. Finally, Lisa spoke, her face a mask of neutrality. "Edgar, there's something I need to ask."
"Go on," Edgar said, his gaze meeting hers.
"Why did you risk your life to save me?"
A flicker of surprise crossed Edgar's face, quickly replaced by a look of determination. "We were more than just comrades, Lisa. We were raised like siblings. It wouldn't have been right to stay with those… monsters. Dying alongside them would be a fate worse than death." He hesitated for a moment, then continued, his voice dropping a notch, "Besides, Mr. Leviathan… he instructed me to save you. He helped me escape. He told me that he intendly didn't shot at a crucial organ that could cause immediate death and then sent me to rescue you."
Lisa's eyes widened in disbelief. So, Leviathan hadn't truly intended to kill her? He'd orchestrated her escape? The revelation did little to ease the grief that gnawed at her. Her brother's betrayal still sat fresh in her heart, rendering any explanation hollow.
Suddenly, a sharp rapping at the door shattered the tense silence. Both Lisa and Edgar sprang to their feet, apprehension twisting their features. "Who's there?" Edgar called out, hand instinctively reaching for his gun.
A gruff male voice answered, "Open up! This is the military!"
Panic surged through them. Edgar held up a hand, signaling Lisa to take cover. With his gun drawn, he cautiously approached the door.
The hinges groaned as the door splintered open, revealing a contingent of German soldiers. "Surrender!" one of them barked, his finger hovering over the trigger.
Edgar remained frozen, torn between compliance and the risk of appearing hostile. "I'm alone," he managed finally.
The soldiers exchanged skeptical glances. Just then, the door swung open further, revealing another figure – Jason Aldrich.
Edgar's jaw dropped. Aldrich's unexpected arrival added another layer of chaos to the scene. Repeating the soldier's question, Aldrich received the same hesitant answer from Edgar. Despite recognizing him, Edgar remained a blank slate to Aldrich.
Without a word, Aldrich started moving towards the other room, his purpose clear. Alarm flared in Edgar's eyes.
Aldrich reached for his gun and cautiously opened the door. The sight that greeted him was a shocking mirror image – Lisa, gun raised, staring back at him with equal surprise. Their gazes locked, a web of confusion and betrayal tangled between them. They were well acquainted, having crossed paths at countless military meetings and even Independence Day celebrations. Darren, as Edgar was known to Aldrich, and Lisa had always been close allies. Now, however, Aldrich's mind reeled, his trust shattered by this unexpected encounter.
Despite the chaos, Aldrich kept his voice calm. "Lisa, stand down. I won't hurt you – just cooperate."
Lisa's voice was laced with disbelief. "How can I trust you?"
"You don't have a choice," Aldrich responded grimly.
Left with no other option, both Lisa and Edgar surrendered to the military, their fate hanging precariously in the balance.
IN THE LIGHT OF JUSTICE AND TRUTH
A stunned silence hung heavy in the air as Lisa and Edgar knelt before Nathaniel, Aldrich and Richter flanking the President.
"Lisa Bernstein," Nathaniel's voice boomed, a flicker of disbelief coloring his words. "A loyal daughter of Denmark, branded a traitor? It's unthinkable."
Lisa remained silent, her head bowed, a single word escaping her lips in a choked whisper, "No..."
Nathaniel's tone softened. "My dear child, while I can't dismiss the accusations out of hand, neither can I condemn you without proof."
The room remained suffocatingly quiet. Then, tears welled up in Lisa's eyes, spilling down her cheeks like a broken dam. As the others watched with growing anxiety, Lisa poured out the entire story of the tragic incident, a tale that left everyone speechless.
With a gentle hand, Nathaniel urged her to rise. "Stand tall, Lisa," he said, his voice filled with empathy. "Look at me." He met her gaze with an unwavering confidence. "We never doubted you for a moment. You're like a daughter to me, Lisa. I've known you since you were a child, and nothing Denmark claims can shake my faith in your innocence. You have nothing to fear. Here, in Germany, you are safe."
And so, Germany became their new home. Both Lisa and Edgar found themselves back in the military. Edgar, a seasoned soldier, rose to the rank of First Lieutenant. Lisa, though inexperienced, was promoted to Colonel – a bold move by Richter and Nathaniel, a chance to rebuild her confidence.
Nathaniel penned a formal letter to the Republic of Denmark, the contents of which said...
Respected Republic of Denmark,
Me, Nathaniel Twain doesn't allow Denmark to take someone who is innocent from their country. I have investigated the whole matter, and the result has been the decision that Lisa Bernstein does not deserve death; therefore, she will now reside in Germany with her companion Edgar Vincent.
Regards,
Nathaniel Twain
The arrival of the letter sent Ours Truly into a fury. Its contents were so explosive that they ignited a full-blown war between Denmark and Germany. For eleven long months and three brutal weeks, the conflict raged. Heim Richter, Juvia's, and Alvin's father, perished defending his country's borders, his sacrifice the only thing standing between Denmark's army and German soil.
The war finally reached a resolution, with one key condition: Lisa Bernstein would remain confined within German borders. Any attempt to leave would be met with deadly force. With this treaty signed, the fighting ceased. The animosity that had poisoned relations between the two neighbors finally dissipated, replaced by a fragile hope for peace and renewed cooperation. Nathaniel adopted Alvin and Juvia as his own children after the patriotic sacrifice of their father.
TIME FLIES
Two years had bled into the war, and the weight of loss pressed heavily on Alvin. He yearned for the strength his father once possessed, the power of Copper Interfusion. He approached Nathaniel, his father, with a burning desire.
"Teach us, father," he pleaded, his voice laced with a child's determination. "Teach me and Juvia Copper Interfusion, so we can be like Dad."
Nathaniel, burdened by the memory of his fallen friend, finally relented. Their training began, a grueling 389 days filled with sweat and focus. By the end, Richter's children had mastered Copper Interfusion, a bittersweet victory shadowed by the absence of their father.
One quiet night, hunched over a forbidden text, Alvin found himself engrossed in the secrets of Soul Interfusion. Juvia, ever watchful, peeked over his shoulder.
"Alvin, why are you reading that?" she blurted, worry etched on her young face. "Dad said not to touch it!"
Alvin bristled, a touch of defiance flickering in his eyes. "He said not to do it, Juvia, not to read about it."
As he delved deeper into the text, a burning question arose: what was the missing component, and why was Soul Interfusion forbidden? He turned to Juvia, seeking her opinion.
"The last… uh… com-po-nent," she stammered, struggling with the word. "I have no idea what it is, but Dad said messing with Soul Interfusion is wrong. Only God can create a soul, and trying to do it yourself just brings pain and failure. That's why it's illegal."
That night, as Juvia drifted to sleep, Alvin stayed awake, his heart heavy with longing. Tears welled up in his eyes, a stark reminder of the gaping hole left by his parents' absence. The grief of being an orphaned child gnawed at him, a constant dull ache
UNKNOWN INVITATION
The clock ticked towards 3:00 AM, its rhythmic pulse a stark contrast to the stillness of the night. Alvin, unlike Juvia who slumbered peacefully beside him, lay wide awake. A sudden rapping sound shattered the silence, emanating from the window. Intrigued, he rose from the bed, his gaze bypassing Juvia's sleeping form. Reaching the window, he cautiously pushed it open, expecting to find the source of the sound. But the night revealed nothing but an inky expanse.
His attention, however, was quickly snagged by a sight even more perplexing. A lone letter dangled precariously from the window frame. With a frown, he reached out and retrieved it. Breaking the seal, he unfolded the crisp paper, his eyes scanning the single line scrawled across its surface:
"Today at Werder, Lab 14, Room 748."
The cryptic message hung heavy in the air, its brevity amplifying the mystery. A shiver danced down Alvin's spine as a thousand questions flooded his mind. Who had sent it? What awaited him at this enigmatic location? With a surge of adrenaline coursing through him, he knew sleep would be a distant dream for the rest of the night.
BEGINNING OF A REPENTING FATE
The town on the letterhead was a good distance from Alvin's Berlin home. He pedaled furiously, adrenaline pushing his legs for an hour and a half until he reached his destination.
Lab 14 wasn't what he expected. It was a hulking old mansion, clearly military property with two guards at the front. Forced to improvise, Alvin snuck in through a crumbling section of the back wall, a breeze compared to facing the guards. Inside, darkness cloaked the mansion, but not so much that Alvin couldn't navigate.
He climbed the stairs, eyes scanning the seemingly endless row of doors. Numbers flickered past – 420 . . . 499 . . . 558 . . . 672 . . . 740 . . . and finally . . . Room number 748.
With a pounding heart, Alvin reached for the knob and cautiously opened the door. The room was vast and empty, save for a flickering fireplace casting an eerie glow on the left wall. As he stepped inside, he felt a jolt – a large Interfusion Pentagonum was drawn right onto the floor. The room also had another door, which groaned open with a chilling creak.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVB8upJw17K
Eight figures emerged, cloaked in long black robes. Fear prickled at Alvin's skin. They positioned themselves around the pentagon, their faces hidden by hoods. Then, another cloaked figure entered, different from the others. This one was completely shrouded, only a hint of a sadistic smile visible beneath the hood.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZfHVNuyiiK
"Who are you?" Alvin stammered, his voice barely coming out of his throat due to the apprehension.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb5zGH4Shja
The smile widened beneath the hood. "Consider me a guide for those burdened by fate," the figure rasped.
Sweat beaded on Alvin's forehead. There was something off about this figure, a subtle danger that sent shivers down his spine. "Why have you call me here?" he managed.
"For the most desperate," the figure replied, his voice dripping with theatricality, "help arrives like a cruel arrow, piercing the very core of your suffering. You, child, are clearly in pain. Am I right? The pain of losing your father, perhaps?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqhoyKDafGA
This revelation sent a jolt through Alvin. How did this stranger know? The figure continued, his voice low and unsettling. "Deep within your heart, there's a hidden desire, isn't there? A desire to bring him back?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡayfaokIdXa
Alvin's blood ran cold. The figure pointed at the pentagonum. "Wouldn't you do anything to bring his soul back through Soul Interfusion?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdSHWQ6UVaQ
Alvin was speechless. This wasn't what he expected. He stood frozen, a sense of dread washing over him. Never in all those past years he had even thought that a paper letter would lead him into a dark pit from wwhere he woould never be able to return back. Finally, taking courage, he managed a hoarse whisper, "I wouldn't do anything like that. If that's the only reason you called me here, then I'm leaving."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgyxztalU33
Alvin whirled around, his heart skipping a beat. He froze in terror. In the figure's hand, he saw Juvia, a knife pressed against her throat.
"I'll give you three seconds to agree," the figure hissed. "If you don't, this girl will be no more."
The countdown began, but Alvin was paralyzed with fear. He couldn't even utter a yes to save his sister. Finally, as the last number echoed, the figure slashed the dagger across Juvia's throat. A spray of blood stained the air, and her body crumpled to the floor. Her eyes fluttered shut for the last time.
In that moment, a primal scream erupted from Alvin. Tears streamed down his face as he watched his sister die before his very eyes. Grief and rage warred within him.
"I hope she was precious to you," the figure taunted, his voice dripping with evil. "You won't abandon her like this, will you? You won't deny her a chance at returning, would you?"
Alvin, overwhelmed by grief and the threat to his sister's soul, forgot all his reservations. He impulsively agreed, stepping into the center of the pentagonum and focusing on all aspects of his soul. As the pentagonum began to bleed, he felt himself losing his consciousness. But before darkness consumed him, he saw the most horrifying sight: Juvia's body was slowly dissolving into thin air.
"Illusions are quite useful, wouldn't you agree?" the figure chuckled, his voice filled with sadistic glee.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHUA8uWXLWu
The figure's chilling laughter echoed through the room as a horrifying truth dawned on Alvin. He had made a terrible mistake, and now, nothing could save him from getting destroyed. He was trapped, on the verge of being devastated by his own desperate act.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5aQ5ypXUQW
QUESTION OF THE CHAPTER: 207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKa99AXNeWp
Woh! Leviathan makes you feel _____?207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5PEVIF3sXS
Lisa makes you feel _____?
Answer in the comment section to earn a follow207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtX5H5cGi8b
