A/n: Bit of a filler chapter. Though it has major importance for the next few chapters.
Also, remember to comment, it helps keep me motivated.
....
One of the skills that Alastor had attained as a consequence of Wesley's escapade was an intriguing form of telepathy.
Firstly, it could only examine surface thoughts. Nothing profound or well concealed.
Secondly, it was a passive ability. Signifying it was on continuously.
Finally, it had an effective breadth of 250 feet.
Why was he explaining this?
Simply put, this ability had permitted him to maintain awareness of the conflict occurring downstairs while he worked on his endeavor.
A condescending grin sprawled across Alastor's face as he listened to Wesley calling himself cannon fodder.
" Oh, you're not fodder my dear. You're just a seed that has yet to bloom." Alastor announced to himself.
Wesley merely hasn't had sufficient time to accommodate his new capacities. Something the vet was no doubt conscious of.
However, unbeknownst to his subordinate, it wasn't only him that needed to adapt, but his body.
' Inferring by the rate at which my own body is adjusting to these modifications, I'd say he's barely functioning at ten percent of his maximum physical output .' Idly speculated the Radio Demon as he manifested the agreement Wesley had signed before his battle.
Glancing over it Alastor found what, or rather the absence of what, he was looking for.
There wasn't a clause for the body automatically acclimating to the substantial alterations made to the strength of the individuals involved.
' How unfortunate. I appeared to have reduced the short-term benefit of our little excursion exponentially. It'll take at least a week before our bodies settle in a harmonious state.' Alastor reckoned with a delighted smile.
Certainly, it made a percentage of his schemes additionally arduous, but that's part of the fun!
Watching primary characters struggle enthralls audiences and establishes a feeling of achievement when the ultimate objective is realized!
It's fundamental to storytelling!
" And just like all stories, the hero should be rewarded for his efforts," Alastor said with a smile.
Mentally clasping the link created by the initial pact he brokered with Wesley, Alastor manipulated it slightly.
He had discovered he couldn't modify the deals he formulated once they were finalized, but he could exploit the intent behind them.
In this case, he reversed the purpose behind the statement "In return, I take all current and future ailments you may have".
Initially, these words meant that Alastor would have to be consciously aware of Wesley's ailments through their connection to make the active decision to take them away.
However, with his manipulations, it shifted from "consciously" to" unconsciously" and "having to actively take ailments" to " taking ailments automatically".
A simple yet substantially powerful alteration.
An abrupt storm of green power writhed around and arced off of Alastor as he completed the modification, bestowing him a truly eldritch ambiance.
Briefly, his shape flickered to that of his true appearance before his aura calmed.
Taking one last peek at the bond between himself and his first and now most certainly loyal subordinate, he grinned madly as he saw it glow a sickly green.
....
A/n: Short chapter today.
Fun fact: Originally I wasn't going to have Alastor give Wesley a boost until later, but with the plans I have for the story I realized Carl needed this earlier than anticipated or they'd just get their ass kicked for thirty more chapters. Characters struggling is fine, even the occasional ass kicking is fine, but a consistent theme of it isn't.
Alt title: rebirth pt 2