Nathaniel carefully placed the enormous shark into the dimensional storage bag, the water around him still shimmering faintly from the recent battle. As the creature vanished into the bag's infinite space, a strange, resonant sound echoed inside his mind. It was unlike anything he had ever heard before—clear, shrill, almost crystalline, yet imbued with authority and a subtle urgency that tightened his chest. He paused, focusing his senses, attempting to decipher the signal.
~ Alert ~
~ Unidentified material detected… ~
~ Nature: Precious stone… ~
~ Value: Incalculable ~
~ Position: Attached to the shark's abdomen ~
Nathaniel's heart skipped a beat. The bag, a seemingly ordinary storage dimension, had never communicated with him so explicitly before. It had always preserved the contents perfectly, maintaining their essence and integrity without complaint, without comment. Now, however, the bag was acting as if aware—truly aware—analyzing, evaluating, and responding to something extraordinary within its realm.
He inhaled deeply, astonishment mingling with a surge of curiosity. This bag… it isn't just storage. It has consciousness, awareness, perhaps even intelligence. He concentrated and asked inwardly, "Who are you? Are you… part of the bag itself?"
A calm, firm voice replied immediately within his mind, resonating like a presence standing beside him. "I am the consciousness of your bag. I exist to assist you. I can analyze, deconstruct, rebuild, improve, and even destroy anything stored within this dimension. My manifestation is rare; I appear only when something extraordinary enters my realm—something beyond your current understanding."
Nathaniel's eyes widened. "Extraordinary…? You mean this item—the pearl?"
"Yes," the voice replied, steady and clear. "It is a precious pearl of immense value. Its properties are rare, unique, and its potential could influence countless events if mishandled. That is why I manifested."
Nathaniel's mind raced with a mix of excitement and disbelief. "So… you've never manifested before because I was aware of everything I stored? And now, because of this pearl, you've chosen to reveal yourself?"
"Yes," Thorn, as the consciousness now called itself, affirmed. "I exist to assist you, Nathaniel. To ensure smooth interaction with the internal dimension of this bag. I can materialize any stored object directly into your hands, enhance your combat abilities, provide tools, and even defend you by projecting stored weapons or instruments instantly. But I appear only under extraordinary circumstances."
A small smile tugged at Nathaniel's lips. "Alright… if you have no name, I will give you one. I call you Thorn, like my sword Thornhill. Do you… like that?"
A burst of amusement echoed within his mind, mingled with pride and energy. "Yes! I am Thorn! Thorn, destroyer of heavens! Together, we will shake the foundations of worlds!"
Nathaniel chuckled, feeling an unexpected sense of companionship. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Thorn. I think we're going to make an incredible team."
Thorn's voice carried a confident, almost playful tone. "We already are a team, Nathan. There is nothing we cannot handle together. My duty is to aid you, to enhance your abilities, and to ensure you surpass any ordinary human—or even extraordinary being—you encounter."
Nathaniel tilted his head, curiosity piqued. "You said you have a mission, but… who assigned it to you?"
Thorn's tone shifted slightly, measured and careful. "You are not meant to know yet. Revealing the origin prematurely could destabilize the balance."
"The balance?" Nathaniel asked, intrigued and slightly anxious. "What balance are you talking about?"
"It is a force that maintains stability across dimensions, worlds, and realities," Thorn explained. "If disrupted, catastrophic events could ensue, affecting entire civilizations. My duty is to assist you without causing instability. Patience, Master, is required."
Nathaniel frowned at the title. "Master?"
"Yes," Thorn replied proudly. "You are my master, Nathan. You hold authority over the bag and me. I exist to serve, guide, and assist you. Shall I materialize the pearl so you may see it?"
Nathaniel's excitement surged. "Yes! But call me Nathan… Master feels strange."
"Very well, Nathan," Thorn replied. "As you wish."
In an instant, a faint glow emerged in Nathaniel's palm. The pearl materialized, radiating light like a miniature sun, pulsing gently as if alive. Its surface shimmered with ethereal energy, catching the sunlight filtering through the room. The gem was no ordinary treasure; it resonated with potential, humming faintly, vibrating against Nathaniel's very soul.
"This… this is incredible," Nathaniel breathed, his eyes wide with awe. "Its value… it must be astronomical!"
"It is," Thorn confirmed. "Millions upon millions of Zenkai, perhaps more. But more importantly, its properties are rare and unique. You must exercise care; an equivalent exchange is required if you wish to convert it into currency. I recommend the downtown bank—they handle treasures of this magnitude safely."
Nathaniel's expression fell slightly. "The bank… I don't even know where that is."
Thorn laughed softly, warmth and reassurance in its tone. "Fear not, Nathan. I have scanned the universe. I hold spatial and temporal coordinates for every location. The bank's information is already in my system."
Immediately, Nathaniel's mind filled with a detailed map: step-by-step directions, security layouts, exchange protocols, guard positions, escape routes—everything. He could see the bank's interior as if he had memorized it all in a single glance. Astonishment mingled with a thrill of power; with Thorn's guidance, there was almost nothing beyond his reach.
"You're incredible, Thorn," Nathaniel said, admiration bright in his eyes. "Just like Thornhill! What else can you do?"
"I can infuse my consciousness into your sword," Thorn replied. "I can anticipate threats, guide your strikes, and materialize through it. Our potential is not limited by ordinary physical laws; together, we can surpass any conventional boundary."
Nathaniel grinned, the determination in his gaze shining brighter than ever. "Then let's do it! We'll be unstoppable!"
"Indeed," Thorn replied. "But first, the pearl must be secured. We should move to the bank immediately."
A rush of adrenaline coursed through Nathaniel. He leapt forward, propelling himself at speeds that blurred the city streets beneath him, leaving faint afterimages in his wake. Thorn guided him, projecting coordinates and precise step-by-step instructions directly into his consciousness. Every corner, every alley, every potential hazard was accounted for in a perfect mental map.
Yet, danger was not far behind. Voices shouted from nearby rooftops and alleyways, urgent, commanding. "Chief! He has a pearl!" one operative called. "Retrieve it immediately!"
Nathaniel's pulse quickened, but a surge of confidence flowed through him. Thorn was at his side; Thornhill in his hand. He was prepared for whatever challenges awaited. This mission, initially meant to secure a mysterious treasure, had transformed into a test of strategy, speed, and foresight.
Every footfall, every movement, every heartbeat was magnified. The streets themselves seemed alive, reacting to his presence, shadows twisting as if warning of the dangers ahead. Nathaniel moved with grace, weaving through crowds, avoiding obstacles, and feeling the subtle ebb and flow of energy that Thorn projected to guide him.
As he ran, he contemplated the pearl. Its power, its value, the fact that even the consciousness of the bag had awoken for it—it all hinted at secrets far larger than he could yet comprehend. Every step toward the bank was a step toward understanding, toward mastery of his destiny.
Thorn spoke again, his tone calm yet assertive. "Nathan, be aware. The pearl is more than just valuable. It may contain latent energy, consciousness, or a connection to forces beyond our current understanding. Handle it with care; one misstep could draw the attention of beings far more dangerous than the operatives chasing you."
Nathaniel nodded, determination burning in his chest. "I understand. I'll protect it… and us."
The streets stretched endlessly, but Nathaniel's mind and body moved as one with Thorn guiding him. He felt unstoppable, yet aware of the thin line between triumph and disaster. Every shadow, every footstep behind him, every distant shout was a reminder that the world beyond his home was vast, dangerous, and unpredictable.
But he was ready. With Thorn, with Thornhill, and with the pearl's mysterious power, Nathaniel would face whatever lay ahead. The adventure had only just begun—and the universe, with all its hidden layers and uncharted secrets, awaited him.