The electronic waste yielded more Existence Points than Marcus had anticipated. By mid-afternoon, he and Devin had processed nearly half the devices, with Marcus carefully destroying each item using his Tempest skill while explaining it away as "practice for fine control." Although doubtful, Devin had accepted this explanation without question, seemingly impressed by the precision with which Marcus could implode smartphones and tablets without damaging anything else in the apartment.
"That's incredible control."
Devin remarked as another device collapsed into dust within a contained sphere of compressed air.
"Most F-Ranks can barely generate a breeze."
Hearing his comment, Marcus shrugged, checking his internal EP counter: 187 and rising.
"I've had a lot of practice lately."
They had fallen into an efficient rhythm, with Devin preparing each device by removing any remaining batteries or potentially hazardous components, then passing them to Marcus for destruction. The process was oddly companionable, interspersed with casual conversation about the city, Transcendent news, and speculation about the devices' former owners.
"Lunch break?"
Devin suggested after they were done with another batch. He added:
"I'm starving."
Marcus nodded, realizing he had lost track of time.
"There's a delivery menu in the kitchen drawer. Order whatever you want, my treat."
While Devin called in their order, Marcus expanded the system interface to check his status.
[USER STATUS: MARCUS THORNE]
[ORIGIN SKILL: LORD OF CONTRACTS (LEVEL 1)]
[CONTRACTED ALLIES: TEMPEST (LEVEL 4, 12%), WILL (LEVEL 2, 30%), AUTONOMOUS WHEELCHAIR (LEVEL 2, 50%)]
[EXISTENCE POINTS: 187]
[TRANSCENDENT RANK: F]
With his current EP, he could significantly enhance one of his contracted allies or make modest improvements to all three. The most strategic approach would be focusing on Tempest, pushing it closer to the threshold that might unlock the potential to replicate Voss's etheric resonance field technique. But his Will skill also deserved attention as enhanced telekinesis would provide both offensive options and improved mobility.
Setting aside decisions until after lunch, he closed the interface as Devin returned from the kitchen.
"Food will be here in twenty minutes."
Devin reported, settling back into his chair. With a thoughtful expression, he asked:
"So... have you thought more about Specialist Voss's offer?"
Marcus considered his response carefully before speaking.
"I'm still weighing the pros and cons. Access to training and information would be valuable, but I prefer independence."
"Makes sense."
Devin nodded and added:
"The Authority can be controlling. Still, having official backing when hunting spectral entities seems smart."
"You sure do know a lot about this for someone without direct Transcendent experience."
Marcus observed, suspicious about how confident Devin always sounded.
Devin shook his head.
"Like I keep telling you, I follow the forums. All my knowledge about Transcendents comes from there. Plus, after my sister's death, I researched everything I could about Transcendent operations. Wanted to understand the system that failed her."
"And what did you learn?"
"That it's like any other power structure. The Transcendent system was designed to maintain control rather than serve justice."
Devin's expression hardened momentarily before relaxing again.
"But there are good people within it, like Specialist Voss seems to be. The system isn't entirely corrupt, just... prioritized toward stability over individual concerns."
Marcus nodded thoughtfully. Devin's perspective aligned with his own observations. The Authority was neither villain nor savior, merely an institution with its own agenda. Working with them would provide benefits but require compromises.
Their food arrived shortly after—a selection of sandwiches and sides from a local deli. As they ate, Marcus found himself studying Devin with new interest. The man had revealed more of himself yesterday and today—his personal tragedy, his research into Transcendent matters, and his surprisingly nuanced worldview.
The system's assessment of his compatibility as a potential contracted ally seemed increasingly justified.
"Can I ask you something personal?"
Marcus ventured.
"Sure."
Devin replied between bites.
"If you had the opportunity to gain Transcendent abilities, not just basic skills, but significant power, would you take it? Even if it came with complications or responsibilities?"
Devin considered the question seriously, setting down his sandwich.
"Depends on the complications, I guess. But generally speaking? Yes. Not for revenge anymore, I've mostly processed that grief. But to have agency in a world where Transcendents have all the power? To help people who get caught in the crossfire, like my sister did? Absolutely."
The clarity of his answer was unexpected. Devin wasn't seeking power for its own sake but as a means to effect change. He wanted to protect others from experiencing losses similar to his own. It was a purer motivation than Marcus's vengeance-driven quest.
"Interesting hypothetical."
Devin commented with a slight smile. He suddenly asked:
"Any particular reason for asking?"
"Just curious about your perspective."
Marcus replied, not yet ready to reveal anything about the human contract suggested by the system.
"We should finish processing those devices after lunch. I have something else planned for this evening."
He changed the topic.
They returned to their task with renewed energy, completing the destruction of the remaining electronics within two hours. By the time they finished, Marcus's EP counter had reached an impressive 342, which was more than enough for significant enhancements.
"Thanks for your help today. It would have taken me days to process all that alone."
Marcus said as Devin prepared to leave.
"Happy to help."
Devin replied, adding:
"Though I'm still not entirely sure how crushing old phones helps with your wind control, I'll take your word for it."
Marcus smiled slightly.
"It's about precision and energy manipulation. The results aren't immediately obvious."
"If you say so."
Devin hesitated by the door. Then, he turned around and said:
"Listen, about what you asked earlier, the hypothetical about gaining powers? I meant what I said. If there's ever a way I could help more directly with whatever you're planning regarding that Wraith, I'm in. Just so you know."
"..."
The statement hung in the air between them. Devin was clearly unaware of how closely his words aligned with the possibility Marcus had been considering. It felt almost like an invitation, or perhaps a sign that they were destined to share fate.
"I'll keep that in mind."
Marcus replied carefully, adding:
"I'll message you tomorrow."
After Devin left, Marcus expanded the system interface once more, his decision crystallizing.
"Allocate 150 EP to Tempest skill."
He commanded.
[ALLOCATING 150 EP TO TEMPEST SKILL]
[TEMPEST: LEVEL 4, 12% → LEVEL 4, 87%]
[NEW EFFECTS UNLOCKED: ENHANCED FLIGHT SPEED, IMPROVED AIR PRESSURE CONTROL, ATMOSPHERIC SENSING]
[REMAINING EP: 192]
The allocation produced an immediate sensation. There was a sudden rush of power flowing through his awareness, expanding his connection to the air around him. His perception extended outward, allowing him to sense subtle changes in atmospheric pressure and air movement throughout his apartment and beyond. The walls seemed less solid somehow, his awareness flowing through ventilation systems and around architectural barriers.
He continued:
"Allocate 100 EP to Will skill."
[ALLOCATING 100 EP TO WILL SKILL]
[WILL: LEVEL 2, 30% → LEVEL 3, 30%]
[NEW EFFECTS UNLOCKED: ENHANCED TELEKINESIS (RANGE: 5M, MAX WEIGHT: 2KG), IMPROVED MENTAL FOCUS, BASIC PSYCHIC SHIELDING]
[REMAINING EP: 92]
Another rush of power, this one centered in his mind rather than his body. His thoughts sharpened, his mental processes accelerating. The telekinetic extension of his will strengthened substantially. He could feel the difference as he lifted a book from his coffee table, the movement smoother and requiring less concentration than before.
Most intriguing was the "psychic shielding" effect, a subtle barrier around his thoughts that he sensed rather than saw. He wondered if this would protect him from mental intrusion. The Bestiary hadn't mentioned such capabilities in Vitality Wraiths, but other spectral entities were known to attack on mental as well as physical levels.
"Allocate the remaining EP to the Autonomous Wheelchair."
He instructed.
[ALLOCATING 92 EP TO AUTONOMOUS WHEELCHAIR]
[AUTONOMOUS WHEELCHAIR: LEVEL 2, 50% → LEVEL 3, 42%]
[NEW EFFECTS UNLOCKED: ADVANCED TERRAIN HANDLING, ENHANCED SPEED (+50%), IMPROVED OBSTACLE AVOIDANCE, BASIC DEFENSIVE CAPABILITIES]
[REMAINING EP: 0]