[Chapter 62: Then Let's Go Meet These People]
Daniel looked at the two men and said, "I've always wondered how a Heaven-defying technique like Soul Transfer could exist in this world. Wouldn't that let someone live indefinitely -- an alternative form of immortality? Regardless of whether this immortality truly exists, it absolutely shouldn't be mastered by just anyone."
Douglas and Sheriff Ford listened closely, clearly intrigued. Daniel went on, "I believed the Soul Transfer technique must have serious flaws. After talking with Tanusha, my suspicions were confirmed."
Sheriff Ford asked eagerly, "What kind of flaw?"
Daniel explained, "Soul Transfer severely damages the Soul itself. Over a lifetime, one can only transfer it three times. After the last transfer, the Soul weakens so much that they won't live long either."
Sheriff Ford nodded, "So three transfers plus the original life -- that's four lifetimes. That's quite a long time."
"Exactly," Daniel said. "Otherwise, why would so many powerful people be drawn to it? But besides the limit of three transfers, there's a second flaw."
Before Sheriff Ford or Douglas could respond, Daniel continued, "As the Soul weakens, symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and insomnia start to appear. They become much more prone to mental illnesses than ordinary people -- mania, depression, amnesia, schizophrenia, personality disorders, even mental retardation.
They also become sensitive to strong light, like a camera flash. When exposed, the Soul and body momentarily separate. The person either stares blankly or shows signs similar to epilepsy.
In short, these symptoms begin after the second transfer and worsen with each one. The third transfer is endured entirely in agonizing pain. Tanusha and her husband are currently on their second transfer but already suffer occasional migraines."
Douglas was silent for a moment before asking, "If someone only transfers once, can they avoid all that?"
Daniel's voice was cold, "Human greed knows no limits. Once someone has tasted the joy of living again, how could they resist doing it again, even at great cost? Sheriff Ford, as a senior detective, you've seen human greed firsthand."
Sheriff Ford nodded solemnly, "That's true. Most cases I've handled started with greed. People can't resist drugs either. Once they experience a second chance at life, there's likely no going back -- unless they never even start."
Daniel added, "At the very least, they have to kill their own family, film the entire process, donate half their assets, and then spend years trapped in pain, madness, and insanity."
Daniel looked at Douglas. "Do you still want to join them now?"
Douglas's face drained of color and he shook his head, "Forget it. I'll just grow old the normal way."
'I'm just afraid sometimes you won't have a choice,' Daniel thought quietly.
Sheriff Ford also set aside any desire to try Soul Transfer and said, "Since Mr. Douglas won't be joining, let's proceed with our plan and do everything we can to buy time."
Douglas nodded. "I will. Wait for my news."
Because of the urgency, Daniel and Sheriff Ford left immediately without staying for dinner at Douglas's house.
---
Five days later.
Douglas called.
Daniel cut straight to the point, "What happened?"
Douglas replied gravely, "Come to my house. I've also called Sheriff Ford."
When Daniel arrived, Sheriff Ford had just gotten there as well. It was still the three of them, and the same private room. Douglas looked exhausted and noticeably thinner. Though Daniel was anxious, he didn't ask questions yet.
Sheriff Ford finally broke the silence, "Mr. Douglas, what's the news?"
Douglas looked straight at Daniel. "They made a demand: they want to meet you, Mr. Cross."
Daniel frowned. "Meet me?"
Douglas nodded. "Yes, they said they need to meet you before deciding."
Daniel thought it over, his expression darkening. "This isn't good."
Sheriff Ford added, "They want to assess your strength to decide whether to act immediately -- and whether to grant Mr. Douglas any... respect."
Daniel's tone turned serious, "It's more complicated than that. Tanusha is currently occupying Katherine's body. Since Tanusha planned to inherit the Douglas Family's assets through this body, they won't give up such a valuable chance easily. Killing Douglas will be very simple for them now."
Douglas's face sharply changed.
Sheriff Ford asked urgently, "What do we do now?"
Daniel sighed deeply. If he could, he'd hand the whole thing off. But he knew well that the cult wouldn't simply let him walk away after killing Douglas. Not just him--
Daniel glanced at Sheriff Ford, who caught his meaning, pale as well.
Sheriff Ford asked, "Mr. Cross, what's the plan?"
Douglas also looked toward Daniel, tense.
Daniel smirked, "If they want to see me, then let's meet. I want to know what they're planning."
At first, Daniel had been wary of this cult. After all, they offered a form of immortality. How terrifyingly strong must they be after years? But after learning of the flaws from Tanusha, he realized he may have overestimated them.
With so many weaknesses, maybe they could fool some people -- but many would remain clear-headed and refuse to join. Their true strength needed to be reassessed.
Of course, even if they weren't as strong as he initially thought, they could hardly be weak. Daniel would remain cautious.
Seeing Daniel agree made Douglas breathe easier. "I'll contact them."
...
Douglas pulled out his phone and dialed in front of Daniel and Sheriff Ford. After a brief conversation, he hung up.
"It's settled. Tomorrow at 10 AM, Upton Manor."
Sheriff Ford noted, "I think Upton Manor belongs to the Upton Family. Are they part of the sect too?"
"Definitely," Daniel laughed. "They're just showing off."
Sheriff Ford looked puzzled. "Why are you laughing, Mr. Cross?"
Daniel said, "A truly powerful sect doesn't need to flaunt their strength. Only mediocre groups make a show, especially by exposing their own members as proof."
Douglas and Sheriff Ford considered this and relaxed slightly.
Daniel looked at them both. "Right now, we're all in the same boat."
Douglas understood, "Once this is over, Mr. Cross, you can use the Douglas Family's resources however you see fit."
Sheriff Ford agreed, "Same here. If you need anything from me, just say the word. I won't refuse."
Daniel nodded. "Then let's go meet these people."
*****
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