V2-02

**Hey, Yall, sorry about my absence the past few days. I have been in Florida for my Brother's Bachelor Party. I will also be gone from July 5th to 11th because he's GETTING MARRIED; THE CRAZY BASTARD IS ACTUALLY GETTING MARRIED. Anyway, I will try to build up enough chapters to get some out for both series during that time, but I make no promises.**

"I know you have many questions, and although I can't promise to answer them all, I will respond to what I am allowed within the constraints of my present selves abilities." The sagely old man stated after double patting my shoulder and taking a step back.

'What…the fuck,' I thought as I observed the seemingly harmless old man, who, unlike me, appeared to be standing on solid ground in outer space instead of floating helplessly.

"I…don't even know where to start…I guess with that," Pointing below to the chaotic state of Earth, I raised my left eyebrow and asked.

"Hm, interesting but not unexpected, but we should start with introductions first. This old man has gone by many names, but the present one I have adapted is Marpin Jessup Hurst; what is your name, young one?"

"I apologize for being rude, Mr.Hurst; I am Dean Fairaday." Bowing my head slightly and feeling ashamed that I was too forward, I quickly introduced myself.

"Young men should be willful; I take no offense, anyway; as you know, the being known as Niklaus Fastay has triggered a mass biological attack on what was once known as Earth."

"But what he has achieved is much more than a simple attack. He has triggered the biological evolution of the vast majority of the Planet's inhabitants, from the smallest microorganism, every plant, and animal, to exactly 50% of the human race; they have been introduced to a mystical energy force named Imperium."

'FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK!' Hearing that it wasn't just humans changing, but also every animal and plant, all I could do was scream f-bombs in repeat in my mind.

"With the introduction of Imperium to living beings, they will undergo a radical and swift evolution process, but this only covers one half of the equation."

"For you see, with every living organism suddenly growing in size, strength, and capability, the Planet also needed to be adapted, and thus…." Mr. Hurst's voice trailed off momentarily as he motioned below to Earth.

"Niklaus has forcefully made the planet evolve by introducing copious amounts of Imperium to the Atmosphere triggering the changes you are witnessing." After saying his part, Mr. Hurst fell silent to allow me time to understand his explanation.

"This…Imperium, you called it?" Attempting to reel in my rapidly wandering mind and gulping down a mouthful of saliva, my eyes darted from Earth to Mr. Hurst and back before I began talking again.

"Yes, Imperium." He said with a gentle nod and soothing voice.

"Yeah, this Imperium, if I used fantasy terms, is it like Mana or the source of Magic?" Hearing my question, Mr. Hurst broke into a small chuckle before smiling and looking me in the eyes.

"Indeed, as you said, it is similar to Mana from your Earthling novels, but simultaneously, it is vastly different. In those stories, Mana is a nontangible fantasy power source that Mages or Wizards use to manipulate the world and elements, bending them to their Will; however, Imperium is different."

"It is free, unrestrained, and most importantly, vastly unstable at times. Many worlds have fallen due to the misuse of Imperium, and if used recklessly, the effects it has on mortal bodies are devastating."

"In some respects, it is very similar to Nuclear energy; at its weakest, it can be harmless enough to power lightbulbs, while at its most devastating, it can raze entire cities instantly."

"However, since your race is newly introduced to Imperium, you don't have to worry about such doomsday prophecies." Waving his hand dismissively, Mr. Hurst fell silent and waited for my next question.

'Fuck…well, I guess that explains why that bastard kept going on about how the world was changing, still, giving half of the Human Race access to such a dangerous thing….' My thoughts trailed off as I remembered something strange Mr. Hurst had just said.

"Um, Mr. Hurst, you referenced me as an Earthling, are you…."

"You are correct, I am not from Earth, and although I once was like you, Human, I have long since been changed by the same incident you are experiencing; however, that was a very long time ago, and I have since left life, and ascended into another plane of existence."

"So you're dead?" Tilting my head to the side in confusion, I tried to be as polite as possible, but I couldn't stop the words from leaving my lips.

"Indeed, what you see is a fragment of my consciousness; as a former Wielder of Imperium, I am tasked with introducing you to Imperium by the Will of said Energy."

"Huh?" His words practically smacked me in the back of the head as a new slew of questions flooded my brain; however, Mr. Hurst quickly answered without me asking.

"Imperium can be considered a living entity, and at its highest and most potent form, it develops a consciousness of its own, called a Will."

"Generally, Imperium Will won't act on life and instead is more of a guiding hand and protector of Balance. As such, whenever it is introduced, those of us who reached a certain level of control and died become part of the Will, strengthening it." Seeing that I was utterly lost, Mr. Hurst elaborated slightly.

"I believe the terms ashes to ashes and dust to dust fits your understanding. It gives us strength and power, so when we die, it takes that power back and assimilates it with some of our memories and consciousness."

"Think of it in the same way that you eat the flesh of other animals; the transfer of energy is never ending, and the same can be said about when we die. Although our Soul or spirit leaves the body, and no one truly knows where it goes, what is left is a biological husk, which will fall into the energy Cycle."

"This is also the primary way to grow stronger in the future, as when you take the life of another Imperium-fueled being, you need to draw in part of their power, making it your own, while the rest goes to the Will."

'Fuck me, doesn't this mean life just became like a videogame, where we kill things and gain XP to level up…what the hell.' I thought while my mouth said something completely different.

"I…think I understand, so is it safe to assume you will give me the methods necessary to do this? Also, you mentioned you were a Wielder; what is that? Am I one of those now too?" As I spoke, Mr. Hurst nodded approvingly and, with a smile, began answering.

"The fact that I have appeared before you is a sign that you are one of the First Generation Earthling Imperium Wielders, so you don't have to worry about that, and yes, I will be teaching you the most basic way to draw in Imperium to your body."

"But first, I need to explain what identifies you as an Imperium Wielder, as it is the difference between being a basic human and something…more."

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