The ship floated in silent orbit above the blue planet, its hull absorbing starlight like a void. Below, Earth rotated unaware that its future was being rewritten.
In the strategic chamber, a holographic map shimmered into existence. Not a political map no borders, no flags but a distribution of magical potential, knowledge density, and historical significance.
216 enhanced wizards watched from staggered platforms, silent.
Zack stood at the center.
His voice carried quiet precision.
> "We have secured a controlled magical population.
We have established research stability and cognitive uniformity."
A projection shifted displaying a timeline.
10 years.
50 years.
100 years.
The line continued further, into a horizon no wizard had ever dared imagine.
> "Now begins Phase Three: External Acquisition."
Hands tightened on railings.
Eyes narrowed.
Some held curiosity.
Others fear.
A new hologram appeared.
silhouettes, names.
Five lives that had shaped magical history in silence.
Zack turned slightly, addressing the room.
> "Among all magical humans, five individuals possess knowledge, artifacts, or unique abilities essential to accelerating our progress. They are not to be captured immediately."
He let the words settle.
> "They must be invited."
A murmur echoed.
Invitation from a being who had already taken so much felt more dangerous than force.
THE FIVE
The holograms resolved into faces.
Nicholas Flamel alchemist, holder of the only known Philosopher's Stone, creator of stable life-extension, master of transmutation.
Perenelle Flamel not just his partner, but his equal.
Rumors called her the true stabilizing force behind the Stone.
Her magical signature burned with age and patience a millennium of refinement.
The next faces formed:
A diviner whose predictions had shaped entire governments.
A spellwright whose theoretical enchantments predated Hogwarts itself long believed dead.
A healer whose regenerative magic could regrow organs, restore nerves, rebuild minds a living miracle.
And finally…
A researcher whose experiments on memory, consciousness, and identity bordered on forbidden science.
People feared him.
But Zack saw something else:
Capability.
THE REASON
Zack continued.
> "The Flamels possess the Stone.
Its properties may shorten cloning research from a century… to a decade."
Gasps.
Even enhanced wizards reacted.
The Philosopher's Stone was legend.
Myth.
Hope and greed wrapped into a single object.
> "In exchange," Zack added, "we will restore their aging bodies and extend their lifespan indefinitely. Their work will continue not fade into mortality."
A wizard muttered:
"…That sounds like bribery."
Zack turned toward him, not offended analytical.
> "Incentive," he corrected.
"Bribery implies deceit.
This is an exchange of equal benefit."
Another spoke:
"And if they decline?"
Zack didn't hesitate.
> "Refusal is one possible path," he said calmly.
"But refusal will not alter necessity."
The meaning was clear.
Room felt colder.
THE PLAN
A new interface appeared growing complex layers of strategy.
Phases.
Contingencies.
Projected behavioral responses.
Risk matrices.
Zack explained:
> "Each of the Five will be studied remotely first. Their patterns, values, emotional triggers, loyalties, fears, and needs will be identified. Only then will the optimal approach be executed."
A wizard frowned.
"You're going to manipulate them."
Zack answered with disarming honesty:
> "No.
Manipulation hides intent.
Negotiation requires transparency."
Another voice rose cautious, yet impressed:
"So we're not their enemies."
Zack paused.
Then:
> "Not unless they choose to be."
THE FIRST TARGET
The projection zoomed in France.
A quiet manor hidden by centuries of layered wards.
A garden undisturbed by time.
Candles burning where no flame should persist.
Nicholas and Perenelle Flamel walking, speaking softly, unaware that the universe was beginning to lean toward them.
Zack raised his hand.
> "Prepare an envoy."
A wizard asked:
"What kind of envoy?"
Zack answered and for the first time since the enhancements, several hearts accelerated.
> "One that represents opportunity, not threat."
Another voice from the back hesitant:
"…Do we negotiate… as equals?"
Zack turned.
His eyes glowed faintly.
> "They will decide if we are equals."
THE FINAL SENTENCE
The room watched the Flamels' holograms flicker two ancient beings standing on the edge of relevance.
Zack spoke one last time quiet, certain, inevitable:
> "We do not take them.
We invite them."
A pause.
> "Because the ones who hold the keys to eternity should choose which doorway they walk through."
And somewhere, far below Earth's atmosphere
Nicholas Flamel paused mid-step.
Without knowing why
he felt watched.
Just…
noticed.
The first move had begun.