Chapter 8: The Choice

  'A way to become an Extraordinary?'

  Nicholas mulled over Mr. Edwin's words. From those key phrases, it seemed there were many types of so-called Extraordinary, and Spirit Medium was likely one of them. Moreover, becoming a Spirit Medium was not something determined at birth, but rather the result of fulfilling certain conditions.

  Nicholas couldn't help but think of the power he had received through the gray mirror. He wondered if it was something similar.

  "Mr. Edwin, may I ask about the method you mentioned?" Nicholas inquired with a respectful tone.

  "Then I shall take that as your interest in this opportunity." Mr. Edwin replied, looking satisfied before delving deeper into the explanation.

  "We do not know exactly how many ways exist to transcend humanity and become an Extraordinary. However, the most widespread and commonly used method is through Potions. In the case of Spirit Mediums, we refer to it as the 'Spirit Awakening Elixir.'"

  Nicholas leaned forward slightly, absorbing every word.

  "It serves to attune the human body, allowing it to bridge with the spirit world and channel spiritual energy into one's own being. Naturally, the formula is a secret within our organization and cannot be disclosed."

  'If one were to find a scientific explanation for this, it would be akin to a human consuming a chemical compound that triggers a genetic mutation of sorts,' Nicholas thought, trying to visualize the process.

  As if reading the silence, Mr. Edwin continued his explanation.

  "Beyond consuming the potion, to ensure a higher chance of success, one must also undergo a ritual known as the 'Trial of Rebirth.' This ceremony is typically presided over and sanctioned by the Church."

  This meant the various Churches held the sole authority to create Extraordinary. If everyone could become an Extraordinary, why weren't these potions distributed widely? Nicholas guessed there must be some limitations that prevented it.

  Of course, the keyword in Mr. Edwin's statement was 'chances of success.'

  "What happens if the ritual fails?"

  The question made the corners of Mr. Edwin's mouth twitch slightly. It seemed his subtle hint had been caught by Nicholas.

  "Death, Mr. Parlay,"

  Mr. Edwin said softly, yet the words resonated with chilling clarity in Nicholas's mind, as if they had been whispered directly into his ear.

  "If you fail to become an Extraordinary, you die... though, I suspect death might be the preferable outcome, considering the other possibilities that could befall you…." He paused briefly before continuing.

  "If you are unlucky, you might become nothing more than a living corpse."

  Stolen story; please report.

  ...

  The conversation in the book-filled room finally subsided as Nicholas made his exit. After the door closed, only the man in white remained, sitting in calm silence.

  "Why did you offer him the choice to become a Spirit Medium?"

  A flat voice cut through the silence. Romero emerged from the shadows of the dark corner, his expression as unreadable as ever. He stopped before the man in white.

  "He is just an ordinary person who happened to encounter a supernatural incident. Wouldn't it be better to simply erase his memories of the event?"

  Romero's voice, which was normally void of any emotion, now revealed a hint of skepticism.

  In truth, Nicholas was still slightly mistaken. Becoming a Spirit Medium was not a path open to everyone. Typically, the Churches and various organizations hand-picked a select few who showed innate talent from a young age, training them for years to withstand the volatile effects of the potions.

  In the case of Spirit Mediums, apprentices must possess the sensitivity to perceive spiritual energy and a constitution resilient enough to endure the Spirit Awakening Elixir as it channels raw power into their body. This was the reason why there were only a handful of Extraordinaries compared to the continent's population.

  "If an ordinary person who has not been trained drinks the Spirit Awakening Elixir, their chances of survival are practically zero. Even for those trained since childhood under the strict rituals of the Church, the survival rate barely reaches one in ten. Your offer is no different from handing him a death sentence."

  Romero paused, then added with a chill in his voice, "And that is without considering the risk of his body rejecting the spiritual energy, causing him to mutate into an Abomination."

  An Abomination was the term used to describe those who failed the consumption of potions. They were no different from living corpses. The longer they lived in this world, the more dangerous they became to other living beings. As a rule, once an Abomination was sighted, it was to be terminated immediately to prevent any further harm.

  Mr. Edwin set the book in his hand down. His expression grew solemn, his eyes drifting toward the empty space beside him.

  "Even I am surprised..."

  He spoke with eyes gleaming with wonder.

  "Nicholas Parlay disappeared from his residence on October 5th, only to be seen again on October 11th. What's truly peculiar is that his behavior after returning was completely different from before. Then, the very next day, he was attacked by a Vengeful Spirit on the verge of evolving into a Specter. Yet he miraculously survived. " Mr. Edwin then turned to Romero and asked

  "Don't you find that interesting, Romero?"

  Prosecutor Romero did not respond. He continued to stare at his superior with an impassive expression.

  "What he told us is certainly true. But I sense he is still hiding something. I am certain that something happened to him during those missing days, and only time will unveil the truth..."

  Silence enveloped the room. It seemed that reason alone was not enough to dispel his subordinate's doubts. Mr. Edwin couldn't help but smile dryly, beginning to wonder who held the higher rank—himself or the man standing before him.

  "...But that wasn't the reason I offered him that choice."

  With those words, Mr. Edwin snapped his fingers. Suddenly, a cold black mist enveloped the surrounding atmosphere and formed a shape behind him. It revealed a dark figure covered in thin vapor emanating from its flesh. It resembled a human but possessed three distinct heads, each with its own grotesque features.

  The first face was encrusted with a multitude of revolting eyes, darting in every direction as if obsessively monitoring its surroundings.

  The second face was a gaping wound with only two twisted ears on either side.

  The final face consisted of a cavernous maw filled with rows of needle-like teeth arranged in chaotic disorder, its mouth continued to move as if whispering something to Mr. Edwin's ear.

  The creature lacked legs, instead possessing two oversized arms equipped with long, sharpened claws.

  "Nicholas could sense my Bound Spirit. More than that, he could even pinpoint its exact location. That is not something an ordinary apprentice should be capable of..."

  Upon hearing this, Romero froze slightly—a reaction that was entirely justified."

  'Bound Spirit' was the contracted spirit of a high-level Spirit Medium. This was especially true for the entity before him. Mr. Edwin's Bound Spirit possessed a power equivalent to that of a Specter. If it chose to remain hidden, even Romero himself would be unable to sense its presence... He only became aware of the entity now because Mr. Edwin had signaled it to manifest itself.

  "Judging by this factor alone, it's not just about his compatibility with the potion. I believe his chances of passing the Trial of Rebirth are exceptionally high—perhaps the highest I have ever seen."

  Upon hearing this, Romero fell silent for a moment before asking,

  "Has he given you his answer yet?"

  "He said nothing," Edwin replied. "Which is understandable. Given the level of risk, no one could make such a decision immediately."

  Mr. Edwin said while reflecting on his conversation with Nicholas.

  "I know he has much to consider, so I have given him time to decide and sent him on his way... Romero, just in case, please inform the surveillance unit to keep a close watch on him.

  Upon hearing this, Romero nodded and made his way toward the door. But before exiting the room, he paused and turned back to pose one final question to Mr. Edwin.

  "Earlier, you said Nicholas has the highest chance of passing the Trial of Rebirth of anyone you've ever seen. Exactly what are his chances?"

  The question caused Mr. Edwin to lean back slightly against his chair. He tapped his fingers against the armrest in a steady rhythm—a habit that had perhaps trickled down the chain of command.

  After pondering for a brief moment, he answered softly with a faint, enigmatic smile.

  "About thirty percent, perhaps."

  14.10.550

  Nicholas Parlay

  Judicial representative