Giving Out Contracts

Silently, the trio made their way beneath the bridge, carefully avoiding the watchful eyes of the Sable Serpent guards. They squeezed through a small hole, just large enough for them to crawl through, and found themselves in a dark alleyway within Duskmire.

"See, I told you this would come in handy one day," Elrik said, a hint of pride in his voice.

"Yeah, whatever," Lyria replied, her focus on the task ahead.

Vael, meanwhile, was busy crafting various weapons from the acid element. Elrik watched in awe. "Wow, you can really make different things with this power."

"Yes and no," Vael replied. "It's only possible right now because of the First King's power. Without it, I couldn't do this. We've only got two hours left, so we need to act fast. I'll need you guys to distract the guards while I confront Lord Zephyrian."

As they strategized, Luminara's voice echoed in Vael's mind. "Vael, there's a way to buy more time. You could share some of Lord Aizen's power with your friends. It will be temporary and will shorten your remaining time, but it might be worth it."

Without a moment's hesitation, Vael responded, "How do I do it? If it can keep them safe, then using up half of my remaining time is worth it."

"Lyria, Elrik, come here for a second and hold out your hands," Vael called out. The two approached him, exchanging curious glances before extending their hands as instructed.

Vael gently grasped their hands, and almost immediately, they felt an unfamiliar yet strangely comforting power coursing through them. It was an experience unlike any they had known before.

As this happened, a message materialized in Vael's mind: "Congratulations, you've passed on power to another Elysian. Would you like to form a contract with them?"

Luminara's voice, tinged with astonishment, echoed inside Vael's head. "How is this possible? You can hand out contracts? This must be the power of the Prisma Stone."

"What does this mean?" Vael asked, his mind racing with questions.

Luminara explained, "As Gods, we can grant contracts that allow others to use our powers. In return, they must complete tasks that strengthen us, which, in turn, enhances their own abilities. However, most Gods offer skewed contracts to exploit more benefits while controlling the beings' potential growth."

Luminara, perplexed, continued, "But you're not a God. You shouldn't be able to offer contracts, even with majority ownership over me."

Ignoring the confusion, Vael turned to Lyria and Elrik. "I'm going to offer you a contract," he announced. "This contract will grant you the Prisma element permanently."

"Are you serious?" Lyria asked, her voice a mix of shock and awe.

"How do we sign it?" Elrik interjected, eagerness clear in his tone.

Almost instantly, a contract materialized in their minds, visible only to them. Without a moment's hesitation, they both accepted the offer.

Vael then received a new message: "Congratulations, you've added two new contracts. Lyria, no tier. Elrik, no tier. Would you like to start their Seedling trial?" He quickly dismissed the message, deciding to focus on it later.

As the contracts were accepted, both Lyria and Elrik collapsed to the ground, writhing in pain while clutching their chests. They stifled their screams, trying to remain as silent as possible.

Vael remembered experiencing a similar agony when the Prisma Stone first fused with his body. Luminara's voice rang out in excitement, "It seems the Prisma Stone is duplicating inside their bodies. This is incredible! With this ability, we can restore the power of Prisma to all Elysian people."

Vael acknowledged Luminara's insights, but he knew they had little time to dwell on them. Lyria and Elrik were now regaining their composure, ready to learn how to harness their new powers. Vael quickly began instructing them on the fundamentals of the 'Absorb' ability and how to strengthen themselves using essence.

"Hmm, so typically, element users can only absorb essence that matches their own element," Lyria mused, "but the Prisma element allows us to absorb any elemental essence, right?"

"Correct," Vael confirmed. "Now, I want you both to try absorbing this acid element. It won't be a permanent addition to your abilities, but it will be crucial for the upcoming fight. Remember to absorb more acid element from the Sable Serpents during the battle to maintain its effectiveness."

"Here, hold out your hand and concentrate on creating a suction feeling in your palm," he guided them.

Lyria and Elrik extended their hands, focusing intently. They were quick learners, and soon, they began to feel the new power flowing into them, a sensation both strange and exhilarating.

After a few minutes of practice, Elrik had become adept at forming acid orbs of varying sizes. It was a testament to their newfound abilities and their readiness for the impending battle.

Realizing it was time to act, the three friends shared a poignant embrace. "We will see each other again," Vael assured them with a determined yet somber tone.

Lyria and Elrik then headed towards the town square, their mission to create as much chaos as possible and draw the attention of the Sable Serpent guards. This diversion would give Vael the opening he needed to face Lord Zephyrian alone.

As they positioned themselves, the town center was suddenly rocked by a loud explosion. The noise echoed through the streets, a clear signal that their plan was in motion.

In two different locations, Vael and Lord Zephyrian, upon hearing the explosion, uttered the same phrase in unison: "It begins."