Zain stood there, processing the weight of what Mr. Oberoy had just revealed to him. Two gifts. One from the so-called teacher who had saved his life, and another from Mr. Oberoy himself, who seemed unexpectedly moved by Zain's well-being.
He couldn't help but wonder. Does this man really see me as someone worth saving? He thought back to the vague memories of his past, struggling to recall the long years that had passed. Was I really unconscious for over a thousand years? The realization struck him with a jolt—his savior had protected him, kept him alive through that long stretch of time.
Zain's mind raced, torn between gratitude and disbelief. The man standing before him didn't seem like someone who would go to such lengths. Mr. Oberoy didn't fit the mold of a compassionate soul, yet his actions told a different story.
"I... I really don't know how to thank you," Zain said, his voice rough with emotion. "You saved me, and you've given me the truth. Even if this is your lord's command, I can't repay what you've done."
He bowed his head, sincere but also overwhelmed by the flood of conflicting emotions. "I am truly thankful, Mr. Oberoy... and to your Dark Lord." His words were dipped in reverence, but there was a layer of fear and confusion that he couldn't entirely conceal.
Mr. Oberoy smiled softly, shaking his head. "You don't have to thank me, Zain. As for the lord... I don't know why he chose to save you. But let me warn you, he is not a kind man."
Zain caught the shift in Mr. Oberoy's expression, a flicker of something dark passing through his eyes. For the briefest moment, the older man seemed to retreat into a place of fear, and Zain couldn't help but feel a pang of discomfort.
"I... I will not disappoint you," Zain replied, his voice steady, though his thoughts swirled with questions. "And I will not disappoint your lord."
There was a sincerity in his words now, tempered by the faintest tremor of fear.
Beneath it all, however, a new feeling was beginning to emerge within Zain. It was a smoldering anger—rage that burned deep inside him. He wanted to live. He wanted to find the truth, to uncover the identity of the one who had saved him. But more than anything, he wanted revenge. The darkness of his emotions began to awaken, a part of him eager to unleash it.
Mr. Oberoy studied him closely, noting the change. A slight smile curled at the corner of his lips. "I think you've finally found a reason to live," he thought to himself, a silent approval in his gaze. "Now, you will survive no matter what."
Then, without another word, Mr. Oberoy extended his hand. Two crystals materialized in the air, swirling as they took form. Zain's eyes widened in awe.
The first was a pitch-black crystal, crackling with dark energy, its aura so potent it seemed to distort the air around it. A small vortex of black mist spiraled around it, threatening to consume everything in its path.
The second crystal was light purple, a fraction of the size of the black one. It shimmered, its surface like polished glass, with faint, star-like glimmers flickering inside it. The contrast between the two crystals was stark, and Zain felt a strange pull toward them.
"This black crystal," Mr. Oberoy said, his voice somber, "is a gift from the lord. It's an innate ability that will help you grow stronger. This is one of the most powerful techniques in existence, created by our lord himself."
Zain felt the weight of the words, but his attention was drawn to the second crystal as Mr. Oberoy continued.
"And this one," he said, holding up the purple crystal, "is from me. The lord gave it to me as a reward, but it has little use for someone like me now. It might be more useful to you. It has its drawbacks, but nothing comes without a price. Use it wisely, Zain."
Mr. Oberoy tossed the two crystals toward him. Zain instinctively reached out, and as his fingers brushed the surfaces of the crystals, they began to spin around him at a rapid pace. The black crystal emitted a bluish, dark aura that swirled around him, while the purple one pulsed with soft light. As the two crystals revolved faster, Zain watched in awe as they began to merge, forming a single larger crystal. It grew and expanded until it was a dark purple orb, much larger than either crystal had been.
The fusion continued until the crystal hovered in front of his face, right between his eyebrows. A sharp pain shot through his skull, and he staggered, clutching his head.
Mr. Oberoy stepped forward, his expression resolute. "Clench your teeth, kid," he warned, his voice grim. "It's going to hurt like hell."
Zain barely had time to react before Mr. Oberoy's fist collided with the crystal, forcing it into his forehead with brutal force. The impact sent a jolt through his body, and he felt his mind and body break under the pressure. The world around him spun as pain overwhelmed his senses.
For a brief moment, everything went black.
Then, as if from nowhere, a sharp pain surged through his body, and he found himself back in his spirit form. His body was now a mist-like vapor, but there was something different this time. A dark purple light glowed between his eyebrows, a solid presence that was unmistakably real, even in this intangible state.
Zain reached out with his spirit hand, touching the spot between his brows. To his surprise, he could feel something cold and solid there. It was like a physical presence, a power that resonated deep within him. This is it, Zain realized. This is the power.
A voice echoed in his mind, low and comforting. "Yes, Zain. This crystal is part of your soul now. It is your power."
"What... what can it do?" Zain asked, his curiosity tinged with frustration.
"You'll find out after reincarnation," Mr. Oberoy's voice answered, distant yet clear. "Make sure to use it wisely."
Zain's brow furrowed in frustration. He wanted more answers, but there was no time for that. With a heavy sigh, he nodded. "I'll use it well."
"Now," Mr. Oberoy said, his tone shifting. "It's time for your reincarnation. I'm going to give you three choices. Choose wisely, because each one will shape your future in this new world differently."
Zain's heart raced, his mind whirling. Three choices. Three paths. Each path would determine different things.
"The first," Mr. Oberoy began, "is to reincarnate as a werewolf. A prodigy of a powerful wolf clan. However, his cousins and uncle killed him, trying to seize power for themselves."
Zain felt the weight of the first option settle heavily on his chest. A werewolf, a prodigy... yet betrayed by his own kin. The life of power, and the pain of family treachery, reminds him of the landlord's son in his previous life.
"The second choice," Mr. Oberoy continued, "is to be a noble vampire. Born into a powerful vampire family, but with a weak bloodline. His life was filled with mockery and bullying. Through a forbidden book, he tried to make a contract with a demon, but failed and died in the process. There is a risk the demon could kill you again, but... it's a chance."
Zain's mind raced. A vampire, mocked, rejected... but with the chance to make a pact with a demon? The temptation was great, but so were the dangers.
"The third choice," Mr. Oberoy said, his voice now somber, "is to be a nameless orphan, just 17 years old. He was thrust into a battle against monsters and beasts, only to die at the hands of a monster's sharp tail."
Zain's heart clenched. An orphan, thrown into a world of death and violence. No family, no allies. Just the fight for survival.
Mr. Oberoy's eyes met Zain's. "Choose wisely, Zain. Each path will lead you to different factions, different struggles. Your choice will shape your future in ways you can't even imagine."
Zain stood silent, his heart pounding in his chest. This decision would alter the course of his existence. He had to make it count.