Shadow Slave: Divergence of Hereos

Chapter 20: Tarot Club

Klein, who was sitting at the seat of 'The Fool,' was obviously shocked at the proclamation of Cassie…

'Arrodes…I am going to have to think of a way to punish him. So it seems like her Aspect allows her to know of me…or sense me in some way.' Klein couldn't help but lampoon.

"All of you may take a seat." Klein mentioned to the trio, after he nodded at Cassie…but she obviously was unable to see him nod.

Klein then controlled the conjuration of his smurf account, to assist Cassie in sitting down.

Klein had realised as he was summoning Cassie and Harvey into the world above the grey fog, that he for some reason was able to 'borrow,' some of his spirituality from when he had become 

'The Fool.'

With that, he then was able to conjure his smurf account, 'The World.'

Cassie sat to his left, Harvey to his right and The World, to the opposite side of him.

"So what is this, 'attempt,' of yours about?" Harvey was the first to break the silence as he addressed Klein.

"Communication." Klein said, after thinking about his words for a second.

Harvey and Cassie seemed perplexed for a second.

Klein then manipulated The World to Speak, "What Mr Fool is trying to say is, this is his attempt to establish contact with the waking world."

Klein had decided how he would want the initial theme of this Tarrot Club to go.

He would use 'The World,' publicly as a blessed of 'The Fool' from the start. Using it to answer the majority of the questions regarding himself as 'The Fool.'

"And now that it has worked, are we… allowed to leave?" Cassie asked, in an uncertain voice.

'You addressed him as Mr. Fool…yet you don't have all the information about what is going on?' Harvey thought as he looked towards the blonde girl in slight confusion.

"You may leave at any time, if you decide to make a formal request," Klein spoke out to the crowd.

Harvey took this moment to take in a deep breath… he has had establishment with the Awakened before, but nothing to this extent.

They tended to stay away from mundane matters…and while it wasn't in his nature Harvey didn't mind seeking help.

Afterall, he didn't hear of anybody being able to transport people into other realms so easily, usually it was done through the 'Dreamscape.'

Maybe this man might be able to help him with his predicament.

As Harvey contemplated his options, his mind raced to connect the dots. There were always loopholes, angles, and ways to exploit the unknown, even in this strange realm. But he couldn't afford to be reckless, especially not in a world where people could bend reality.

"Alright," Harvey finally said, leaning back in his chair. "I'm not one to make 'formal requests' lightly, but if we're talking about mutual benefits, I'm willing to negotiate." His tone, as smooth as ever, carried an edge of caution.

Klein's avatar, 'The World,' watched Harvey with a calculating gaze, shrouded by mist. "Negotiate? Interesting choice of words," he replied.

Cassie, still seated, clutched her hands together, her head tilting slightly as though listening intently, but she remained silent. The stillness hung thick in the air, broken only by the quiet hum of the ancient lamp that illuminated their strange meeting.

"Before we continue," Harvey added, his voice sharp, "let's get one thing clear–are there any rules for us to follow in this place?"

Seeing as these words were addressed to The Fool, Klein thought for a moment before replying.

"Equivalent exchange. Anything can be negotiated among each other as long as it is of equal value."

Harvey raised an eyebrow, leaning forward slightly. "Equivalent exchange, huh? But what determines the value here?" 

Klein, as 'The Fool,' remained calm, his voice steady. "That depends on the value for the party at the opposite side of the trade."

A small smirk appeared on Harveys face as he heard that.

Meanwhile, Cassie shifted uncomfortably, still silent but visibly tense. She seemed to be feeling her way through the situation just as much as Harvey, only with far fewer cards to play.

"All right then I have a question…is there a way to defend myself against the Awakened if I am not one myself?" Harvey questioned the room.

The room became tense for a moment, before 'The World' opened his mouth.

"There is a way to gain powers without the Nightmare Spell…"

Evident shock appeared on Harvey and Cassies faces.

Harvey had asked the question as a way to get some sort of weapon…but this….

Harvey's eyes widened slightly, his usual poker face slipping for a brief moment. "Gain powers without the Nightmare Spell?" he repeated, the idea both alarming and intriguing. 

Cassie, who had been quiet up until now, leaned forward, her voice soft but filled with unease. "Is that even possible? Everything we've been told... it's always tied to the Nightmare Spell."

Klein, still seated as 'The Fool,' remained silent, allowing 'The World' to answer. "It's uncommon, but possible. Through rituals, potions, or pacts with certain entities…one can obtain power, though the cost is still existent. It's not without risks."

Harvey regained his composure quickly, his mind now racing. "And what kind of cost are we talking about?"

'The World' paused for a moment, his mist-covered face unreadable. "That depends…if one messes up at any step of the way they may lose control like the awakened."

Klein did want to mention that from his assessment and the trials he had heard the Awakened go through, advancing through the Lower Level sequences seemed easier, but he didn't want to bait people into becoming Beyonders.

They had to choose this path if they wanted to advance in the sequences.

Additionally, especially in the higher sequences, losing control was a very valid problem.

Harvey's gaze sharpened, his mind processing every word with the precision of a legal strategy. "Lose control... like that Emberwing Awakened who destroyed the building," he murmured, more to himself than anyone else. The idea of power was tempting, but losing control? 

That was a risk he wasn't willing to take lightly.

Cassie shuddered slightly at the thought, her fists tightening in her lap. "Is there no other way? Something... safer?" 

Her voice was strained, a clear reflection of the fear gnawing at her.

Klein, still in the guise of 'The Fool,' decided it was time for him to speak. "Power always comes at a cost. If you're not careful, it will consume you. The path is dangerous, and not everyone survives it."

...

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