I tighten my hold around Seer, feeling the tension in her body. My fingers press against the cool surface of the detonator, a constant reminder of the power I wield at this moment. She doesn't resist, her gaze fixed on some distant point, as if detached from the reality of our situation.
"You know, Seer," I murmur, my voice low and controlled. "I've figured you out. Your magic is useless here, isn't it? To be specific, the healing is a one-trick phony. You cannot augment your physical abilities with magic power."
Seer remains silent, a stoic expression on her face. It's almost as if she's resigned to the circumstances, acknowledging the truth in my words.
"It's the lack of magic in the air," I continue, a triumphant smirk playing on my lips. "Your abilities, they rely on that magic power, don't they? That's why you're so still, so powerless." Though I am actually the same, no one can kill my bravado if I am especially in a roll... my streak continues!
The Seer’s eyes flicker, a subtle acknowledgment of my words. I've hit the mark.
"With the magic in the atmosphere so sparse, you're just an ordinary woman," I state, relishing the realization. "But me, I've adapted. I can still make use of my Gift, even if it's not at its full potential." That’s a bluff. I can still use my stats though perfectly fine.
Seer's silence persists, but I sense the tension in her body, a quiet admission of defeat. The air around us crackles with a trace of magic, just enough for me to utilize my abilities, albeit in a diminished form… There is little trace of magic power in the air. I might not be able to utilize my full Gift, but I can still employ my Empathetic Imitation, an ability that allows me to read emotions.
"You might be the Seer, but at this moment, you're at my mercy," I declare, a sinister edge to my words. "And there's nothing supernatural that can save you now." The agents surrounding me are all tense, but it is kind of annoying how chill Lancaster is.
I tighten my grip on Seer, my Empathetic Imitation in full swing. Her emotions unfold before me like a vivid painting, and I revel in the malicious glee that courses through me. I pull her into an embrace, a pretense of affection that hides the darker intentions beneath.
A snicker escapes me as I lean in, my nose brushing against her neck. It's a tactic, a form of psychological warfare meant to unsettle even the most composed individuals. I inhale deeply, picking up on the subtle scents of her shampoo and soap.
"Nice choice of products, Seer," I taunt, my grin widening. "Lavender, right? Very calming. I guess you need all the calm you can get in a situation like this."
The men in suits shift uncomfortably, their handguns clutched a little tighter. They're observers in this twisted game, unsure of how to react to my degenerate theatrics. Yet, they remain vigilant, torn between disgust and the threat I pose.
Seer, on the other hand, remains stoic. I can see her side profile, the perfect poker face in place. But my Empathetic Imitation reveals the truth—beneath that composed exterior, she's anything but calm. She's rattled, her emotions a tumultuous storm that contradicts the facade she presents.
"You're quite the actress, Seer," I mock, my tone dripping with amusement. "But you can't fool me. I know you're not as unflappable as you want everyone to believe. Hey, Lancaster, your partner is getting harassed here, help her!"
I continue to hold her in my embrace, reveling in the psychological game I've unleashed. The air thickens with tension, and I know that, at this moment, I hold more than just physical control over Seer. I cannot get overconfident though. Last I got too arrogant, Lancaster fucked me hard.
Lancaster, adorned in a pristine white suit, reprimands me harshly for my uncouth behavior. His voice cuts through the tension in the room like a whip, demanding order.
"Enough of this nonsense!" he barks, taking a step forward with authority.
I raise a hand, halting him in his tracks. "Stop right there, Lancaster, or things will get messy real fast," I warn, my gaze fixed on the detonator in my hand.
The Seer, composed despite the dire circumstances, interjects, "He's not bluffing, Lancaster. He'll press it."
A smirk tugs at the corners of my lips. The Seer's precognition is a double-edged sword. She saw this moment unfold, and yet, here she is, held captive in my embrace. It makes me ponder the limitations of her abilities.
In terms of lethality, I muse, the information she can wield is potent but falls short of certain individuals. More lethal than Kum Seungyeon, perhaps, but not quite on par with Yi Yeonjun.
I tighten my hold on the Seer, embracing her intimately, bodies touching. "Feeling a bit lonely, Seer. A little skinship never hurt anyone," I jest, adding a layer of mockery to the situation.
She stops, imperceptibly to the untrained eye, but not to mine. The Seer is subtly adjusting her position, trying to angle her body to wrestle the detonator from my grasp. The struggle for control intensifies, a silent battle playing out amidst the spoken threats and forced camaraderie.
Lancaster glances at his wristwatch, a subtle sigh escaping his lips. "Seems like Rachel isn't really coming," he remarks, a tinge of disappointment in his voice.
I lean against a crate, crossing my arms confidently. "Rachel sure won't. I made it clear to her that she should escape without me." Relief washes over me, but I keep my emotions hidden.
Curiosity creeps into my tone as I ask Lancaster, "What are your plans, really? Why bother singling out Rachel and sending her into this timeline?" I hope for a villainous monologue, but Lancaster just shakes his head.
"Persuading Rachel has been prolonged," he says. "But I've already achieved my objectives by sending her here. And maybe I got lucky that I am able to perfectly isolate you."
Confusion clouds my face. "I don't understand."
Lancaster gestures to his agents, signaling them to lower their weapons. "Provoking Rachel was just a means to an end," he explains. "Now that it's done, you're free to go."
I raise an eyebrow skeptically. "Is it that easy?"
He nods, and his agents reluctantly lower their guns. "You're free, but don't mistake it for winning," Lancaster warns.
"Lancaster!" protests one of the agents, Oh Junhyuk, but Lancaster silences him with a gesture.
As the tension eases, Lancaster looks at me. "You're free to go," he repeats. I scoff sarcastically, "Sure, easy as that."
Even if I manage to drag the Seer with me, I'll lose my advantage immediately. The game is far from over. I cannot really just go on and accept Lancaster’s words as it is.
The bombs I've planted within the abandoned factory are my trump card against Lancaster. As he talks about me being free to go, I resist the urge to smirk and spat back at him.
I glance around, calculating the timing. Running out and detonating the bombs is tempting, but I know better. There are likely people waiting just outside the factory perimeter, ready to apprehend me. I can't afford to be naive, especially not after dealing with someone like Lancaster.
"I appreciate the offer, but I've got my own plans," I respond, trying to keep my tone casual. I can see doubt flicker in Lancaster's eyes, but he doesn't press further.
Lancaster continues to watch me as I take a step back. "Just remember, you may be free for now, but there are consequences."
I nod nonchalantly, feigning agreement. "Consequences. Got it." With that, I turn and start making my way toward the exit. Step by step, I make distance.
Lancaster's stern expression tightens as he leans in, his words laced with urgency. "You better hurry, or the magic power in the atmosphere is about to reach the threshold," he warns. He is not wrong. For some reason, the magic power in the atmosphere is exponentially increasing.
Sadly, it will take some time for me to absorb the magic power and restart my body and mind.
I meet Lancaster’s gaze, catching the underlying threat in his words. The stakes are high, and the pressure is mounting. Yet, a rebellious spark flickers within me. I secretly yearn for the magic power to surge, to break through the constraints and unlock the full extent of my abilities.
I pray for the magic power to just reach the threshold.
A smirk plays on my lips as I consider the possibilities. Maybe I should demand a helicopter, and make a grand escape. But reason prevails; being a target midair is a fool's gamble. Lancaster seems to have the weight of the entire Korean government behind him, and the prospect of missiles raining down on me is too daunting.
I'm in a bind, and I know it. Still, I muster a forced chuckle, trying to mask the tension. "Come on, Lancaster. If you're going to get rid of me, you can surely do better than that," I retort, hoping my bravado conceals the fact that I'm cornered. The stakes are high, and the countdown to whatever awaits is ticking away relentlessly.
Lancaster smirks, acknowledging my frustration. "You see, the Zeroth Iteration predates even your so-called original timeline. It's the root, the starting point of all timelines. Your research missed that detail."
I scoff, "Zeroth Iteration? Sounds like a bad science fiction plot. What's the point of telling me this?" When the villain starts singing, you listen to him… that’s how I usually do it, but I hate it when it is Lancaster who is doing it.
I mean, I have a theory about a First Iteration, and here Lancaster is pulling a fucking Zeroth Iteration. What is this? A magic show? “Lancaster, if you are thinking of confusing me then you are bad at it!”
Lancaster’s gaze is intense. "Because, my good sir, your existence spans across multiple timelines. You're not just a product of the First Iteration; you're entangled in the fabric of existence itself. Not just you, but every one of us… Those who become aware of it end up untangled, but that’s not enough."
I roll my eyes, unimpressed. "Great, I'm a cosmic anomaly. Now, what's your grand plan?"
Lancaster smirks again, enjoying the suspense. "I've devised a method to sever your ties with destiny, erase you from the timelines altogether. You'll become a blank slate, free from the puppet strings of fate."
I raise an eyebrow. "And what's the catch?"
"No catch," he replies, almost too casually. "Just a small sacrifice on your part. A leap of faith, if you will."
I narrow my eyes. "Define 'leap of faith.'"
Lancaster leans back, a sinister gleam in his eyes. "You have to willingly embrace the unknown, surrender to the void. Only then can we rewrite the narrative of your existence! No, only then we can rewrite the narrative of our existence!"
I hesitate, weighing the options. "And if I refuse?" Lancaster sounds quite crazed to me.
He chuckles. "Then destiny will continue to play its game, and you'll remain a pawn in the cosmic chessboard."
I sigh, realizing the sincerity of the man before me. "Fine, but don’t suddenly sneak attack me." It is a lie, my poor attempt to disengage Lancaster. The magic power in the air has stopped increasing. It is not enough for me to even use .
BANG!
Suddenly, Lancaster pulls a gun on me. That’s very fucking unexpected.
Pain surges through me as Lancaster's bullet pierces my thumb, hitting the detonator dead-on. The explosive device remains untriggered, but my hand throbs with agony. I curse under my breath for not considering a safer design. I think he might have opted for a headshot immediately if I didn’t have my bombs.
I pull the Seer closer to me using her as a human shield. The Seer, however, just sidesteps me and embraces me in a hug.
Lancaster, quick as lightning, leaps away, brandishing the Lionheart Sword. He reappears in an instant, the deadly blade poised to strike. The Seer, embracing me, falls victim to his swift attack. The sword impales her, and I'm only spared by a hair's breadth as I manage to dodge at the last second by forcibly pushing the Seer.
Gasping for breath, I observe Lancaster. His movements are uncanny, not fueled by magic but rather by the Djinn Physique he possesses. He shouts orders to the agents, and they raise their handguns, aiming at me with lethal intent.
A wry smile tugs at my lips. "Shoot to kill, huh?" I mutter, bracing for the onslaught.
Bullets rain down on me, each impact sending waves of searing pain through my body. I stagger, my knees buckling under the assault. Blood stains the ground beneath me as I drop to my knees, weakened and vulnerable.
Through the haze of agony, I glimpse the Seer's battered form, her life force waning. Time ticks away, and I wonder if this is the end of the line for me.
“Oh please, if that’s a betrayal move on the Seer, it is beautifully done… but fuck you Lancaster…” I am in a daze. I try to rise up, and my right knee tries to support me to stand up, but I buckle on my knees and land just beside the dead Seer.
Lancaster kneels beside me, and whispers rather dangerously. “That isn’t betrayal, but a necessary sacrifice for a greater cause.”
Slowly, slowly… I feel my body going cold, and myself losing to the darkness. In the blink of an eye, I lost myself… and I died.
The end.
Yes.
This is my end.
I know this is it. I have died already once, and I know what it is like, so I am certain. I guess this is goodbye. Fuck. This is lame.
I tighten my hold around Seer, feeling the tension in her body. My fingers press against the cool surface of the detonator, a constant reminder of the power I wield at this moment. She doesn't resist, her gaze fixed on some distant point, as if detached from the reality of our situation.
"You know, Seer," I murmur, my voice low and controlled. "I've figured you out. Your magic is useless here, isn't it? To be specific, the healing is a one-trick phony. You cannot augment your physical abilities with magic power."
Seer remains silent, a stoic expression on her face. It's almost as if she's resigned to the circumstances, acknowledging the truth in my words.
"It's the lack of magic in the air," I continue, a triumphant smirk playing on my lips. "Your abilities, they rely on that magic power, don't they? That's why you're so still, so powerless." Though I am actually the same, no one can kill my bravado if I am especially in a roll... my streak continues!
The Seer’s eyes flicker, a subtle acknowledgment of my words. I've hit the mark.
"With the magic in the atmosphere so sparse, you're just an ordinary woman," I state, relishing the realization. "But me, I've adapted. I can still make use of my Gift, even if it's not at its full potential." That’s a bluff. I can still use my stats though perfectly fine.
Seer's silence persists, but I sense the tension in her body, a quiet admission of defeat. The air around us crackles with a trace of magic, just enough for me to utilize my abilities, albeit in a diminished form… There is little trace of magic power in the air. I might not be able to utilize my full Gift, but I can still employ my Empathetic Imitation, an ability that allows me to read emotions.
"You might be the Seer, but at this moment, you're at my mercy," I declare, a sinister edge to my words. "And there's nothing supernatural that can save you now." The agents surrounding me are all tense, but it is kind of annoying how chill Lancaster is.
I tighten my grip on Seer, my Empathetic Imitation in full swing. Her emotions unfold before me like a vivid painting, and I revel in the malicious glee that courses through me. I pull her into an embrace, a pretense of affection that hides the darker intentions beneath.
A snicker escapes me as I lean in, my nose brushing against her neck. It's a tactic, a form of psychological warfare meant to unsettle even the most composed individuals. I inhale deeply, picking up on the subtle scents of her shampoo and soap.
"Nice choice of products, Seer," I taunt, my grin widening. "Lavender, right? Very calming. I guess you need all the calm you can get in a situation like this."
The men in suits shift uncomfortably, their handguns clutched a little tighter. They're observers in this twisted game, unsure of how to react to my degenerate theatrics. Yet, they remain vigilant, torn between disgust and the threat I pose.
Seer, on the other hand, remains stoic. I can see her side profile, the perfect poker face in place. But my Empathetic Imitation reveals the truth—beneath that composed exterior, she's anything but calm. She's rattled, her emotions a tumultuous storm that contradicts the facade she presents.
"You're quite the actress, Seer," I mock, my tone dripping with amusement. "But you can't fool me. I know you're not as unflappable as you want everyone to believe. Hey, Lancaster, your partner is getting harassed here, help her!"
I continue to hold her in my embrace, reveling in the psychological game I've unleashed. The air thickens with tension, and I know that, at this moment, I hold more than just physical control over Seer. I cannot get overconfident though. Last I got too arrogant, Lancaster fucked me hard.
Lancaster, adorned in a pristine white suit, reprimands me harshly for my uncouth behavior. His voice cuts through the tension in the room like a whip, demanding order.
"Enough of this nonsense!" he barks, taking a step forward with authority.
I raise a hand, halting him in his tracks. "Stop right there, Lancaster, or things will get messy real fast," I warn, my gaze fixed on the detonator in my hand.
The Seer, composed despite the dire circumstances, interjects, "He's not bluffing, Lancaster. He'll press it."
A smirk tugs at the corners of my lips. The Seer's precognition is a double-edged sword. She saw this moment unfold, and yet, here she is, held captive in my embrace. It makes me ponder the limitations of her abilities.
In terms of lethality, I muse, the information she can wield is potent but falls short of certain individuals. More lethal than Kum Seungyeon, perhaps, but not quite on par with Yi Yeonjun.
I tighten my hold on the Seer, embracing her intimately, bodies touching. "Feeling a bit lonely, Seer. A little skinship never hurt anyone," I jest, adding a layer of mockery to the situation.
She stops, imperceptibly to the untrained eye, but not to mine. The Seer is subtly adjusting her position, trying to angle her body to wrestle the detonator from my grasp. The struggle for control intensifies, a silent battle playing out amidst the spoken threats and forced camaraderie.
Lancaster glances at his wristwatch, a subtle sigh escaping his lips. "Seems like Rachel isn't really coming," he remarks, a tinge of disappointment in his voice.
I lean against a crate, crossing my arms confidently. "Rachel sure won't. I made it clear to her that she should escape without me." Relief washes over me, but I keep my emotions hidden.
Curiosity creeps into my tone as I ask Lancaster, "What are your plans, really? Why bother singling out Rachel and sending her into this timeline?" I hope for a villainous monologue, but Lancaster just shakes his head.
"Persuading Rachel has been prolonged," he says. "But I've already achieved my objectives by sending her here. And maybe I got lucky that I am able to perfectly isolate you."
Confusion clouds my face. "I don't understand."
Lancaster gestures to his agents, signaling them to lower their weapons. "Provoking Rachel was just a means to an end," he explains. "Now that it's done, you're free to go."
I raise an eyebrow skeptically. "Is it that easy?"
He nods, and his agents reluctantly lower their guns. "You're free, but don't mistake it for winning," Lancaster warns.
"Lancaster!" protests one of the agents, Oh Junhyuk, but Lancaster silences him with a gesture.
As the tension eases, Lancaster looks at me. "You're free to go," he repeats. I scoff sarcastically, "Sure, easy as that."
Even if I manage to drag the Seer with me, I'll lose my advantage immediately. The game is far from over. I cannot really just go on and accept Lancaster’s words as it is.
The bombs I've planted within the abandoned factory are my trump card against Lancaster. As he talks about me being free to go, I resist the urge to smirk and spat back at him.
I glance around, calculating the timing. Running out and detonating the bombs is tempting, but I know better. There are likely people waiting just outside the factory perimeter, ready to apprehend me. I can't afford to be naive, especially not after dealing with someone like Lancaster.
"I appreciate the offer, but I've got my own plans," I respond, trying to keep my tone casual. I can see doubt flicker in Lancaster's eyes, but he doesn't press further.
Lancaster continues to watch me as I take a step back. "Just remember, you may be free for now, but there are consequences."
I nod nonchalantly, feigning agreement. "Consequences. Got it." With that, I turn and start making my way toward the exit. Step by step, I make distance.
Lancaster's stern expression tightens as he leans in, his words laced with urgency. "You better hurry, or the magic power in the atmosphere is about to reach the threshold," he warns. He is not wrong. For some reason, the magic power in the atmosphere is exponentially increasing.
Sadly, it will take some time for me to absorb the magic power and restart my body and mind.
I meet Lancaster’s gaze, catching the underlying threat in his words. The stakes are high, and the pressure is mounting. Yet, a rebellious spark flickers within me. I secretly yearn for the magic power to surge, to break through the constraints and unlock the full extent of my abilities.
I pray for the magic power to just reach the threshold.
A smirk plays on my lips as I consider the possibilities. Maybe I should demand a helicopter, and make a grand escape. But reason prevails; being a target midair is a fool's gamble. Lancaster seems to have the weight of the entire Korean government behind him, and the prospect of missiles raining down on me is too daunting.
I'm in a bind, and I know it. Still, I muster a forced chuckle, trying to mask the tension. "Come on, Lancaster. If you're going to get rid of me, you can surely do better than that," I retort, hoping my bravado conceals the fact that I'm cornered. The stakes are high, and the countdown to whatever awaits is ticking away relentlessly.
Lancaster smirks, acknowledging my frustration. "You see, the Zeroth Iteration predates even your so-called original timeline. It's the root, the starting point of all timelines. Your research missed that detail."
I scoff, "Zeroth Iteration? Sounds like a bad science fiction plot. What's the point of telling me this?" When the villain starts singing, you listen to him… that’s how I usually do it, but I hate it when it is Lancaster who is doing it.
I mean, I have a theory about a First Iteration, and here Lancaster is pulling a fucking Zeroth Iteration. What is this? A magic show? “Lancaster, if you are thinking of confusing me then you are bad at it!”
Lancaster’s gaze is intense. "Because, my good sir, your existence spans across multiple timelines. You're not just a product of the First Iteration; you're entangled in the fabric of existence itself. Not just you, but every one of us… Those who become aware of it end up untangled, but that’s not enough."
I roll my eyes, unimpressed. "Great, I'm a cosmic anomaly. Now, what's your grand plan?"
Lancaster smirks again, enjoying the suspense. "I've devised a method to sever your ties with destiny, erase you from the timelines altogether. You'll become a blank slate, free from the puppet strings of fate."
I raise an eyebrow. "And what's the catch?"
"No catch," he replies, almost too casually. "Just a small sacrifice on your part. A leap of faith, if you will."
I narrow my eyes. "Define 'leap of faith.'"
Lancaster leans back, a sinister gleam in his eyes. "You have to willingly embrace the unknown, surrender to the void. Only then can we rewrite the narrative of your existence! No, only then we can rewrite the narrative of our existence!"
I hesitate, weighing the options. "And if I refuse?" Lancaster sounds quite crazed to me.
He chuckles. "Then destiny will continue to play its game, and you'll remain a pawn in the cosmic chessboard."
I sigh, realizing the sincerity of the man before me. "Fine, but don’t suddenly sneak attack me." It is a lie, my poor attempt to disengage Lancaster. The magic power in the air has stopped increasing. It is not enough for me to even use .
BANG!
Suddenly, Lancaster pulls a gun on me. That’s very fucking unexpected.
Pain surges through me as Lancaster's bullet pierces my thumb, hitting the detonator dead-on. The explosive device remains untriggered, but my hand throbs with agony. I curse under my breath for not considering a safer design. I think he might have opted for a headshot immediately if I didn’t have my bombs.
I pull the Seer closer to me using her as a human shield. The Seer, however, just sidesteps me and embraces me in a hug.
Lancaster, quick as lightning, leaps away, brandishing the Lionheart Sword. He reappears in an instant, the deadly blade poised to strike. The Seer, embracing me, falls victim to his swift attack. The sword impales her, and I'm only spared by a hair's breadth as I manage to dodge at the last second by forcibly pushing the Seer.
Gasping for breath, I observe Lancaster. His movements are uncanny, not fueled by magic but rather by the Djinn Physique he possesses. He shouts orders to the agents, and they raise their handguns, aiming at me with lethal intent.
A wry smile tugs at my lips. "Shoot to kill, huh?" I mutter, bracing for the onslaught.
Bullets rain down on me, each impact sending waves of searing pain through my body. I stagger, my knees buckling under the assault. Blood stains the ground beneath me as I drop to my knees, weakened and vulnerable.
Through the haze of agony, I glimpse the Seer's battered form, her life force waning. Time ticks away, and I wonder if this is the end of the line for me.
“Oh please, if that’s a betrayal move on the Seer, it is beautifully done… but fuck you Lancaster…” I am in a daze. I try to rise up, and my right knee tries to support me to stand up, but I buckle on my knees and land just beside the dead Seer.
Lancaster kneels beside me, and whispers rather dangerously. “That isn’t betrayal, but a necessary sacrifice for a greater cause.”
Slowly, slowly… I feel my body going cold, and myself losing to the darkness. In the blink of an eye, I lost myself… and I died.
The end.
Yes.
This is my end.
I know this is it. I have died already once, and I know what it is like, so I am certain. I guess this is goodbye. Fuck. This is lame.
