Sebastian stood in A'malther's expansive laboratory, its dim, crimson glow casting long shadows over the endless shelves of research materials and data banks. Nexus's holographic interface hovered nearby, displaying projections of graphs, formulas, and annotations. The laboratory was eerily quiet, save for the faint hum of machinery and the occasional flicker of arcane light from containment units filled with strange, glowing substances.
Sebastian: "Nexus, let us begin. Pull up all research logs related to soul dynamics, particularly those connected to stabilization and regeneration. We need to find a way to restore A'malther without causing further harm."
Nexus responded immediately, its smooth, monotone voice filling the room.
Nexus: "Accessing A'malther's archives. Compiling data on soul studies, determination force containment, and True Soul analysis. Cross-referencing for methodologies applicable to current circumstances."
The holographic projections expanded, forming an intricate web of information. Charts detailing soul resonance frequencies, energy flow diagrams, and formulas for balancing the interaction between determination and ethereal essences appeared. Among them were sketches and notes written in A'malther's precise hand, annotated with theories and observations from centuries of research.
Sebastian studied the diagrams intently, his mind racing to connect the dots. One entry in particular caught his attention: "The Nature of True Souls." It described a theory that True Souls were not just the core essence of an entity but a unique convergence of purpose, will, and metaphysical resonance. They acted as anchors to reality, capable of shaping existence through sheer resolve.
Sebastian: "A'malther theorized that the power of a True Soul could stabilize volatile forces like determination. Nexus, does he have any experiments where he successfully merged a determination force with a True Soul without destabilization?"
Nexus: "Affirmative. Experiment Log 472-B references a successful trial involving a fragmented determination force fused with a dormant True Soul. The result was a stable core capable of sustaining immense power without succumbing to madness. However, the subject was not A'malther. The trial's conditions were highly controlled and required constant monitoring."
Sebastian: "Show me the results and parameters of that experiment."
A projection appeared, showing a glowing orb—a simulated representation of the fusion between a determination fragment and a True Soul. The energy fields around it were perfectly balanced, oscillating in harmony. Notes described how the process required isolating the determination force to prevent it from overwhelming the soul, then gradually integrating it under controlled conditions.
Sebastian: "If A'malther already has a True Soul, we might be able to apply the same principles. But his case is unique. His True Soul is already bound to... everything. Nexus, run a simulation: If we isolate his determination force and reintegrate it into a stabilized vessel, how likely is it to succeed?"
Nexus: "Calculating... Probability of success: 42.7%. Parameters indicate that A'malther's immense power, combined with the sheer number of souls he has absorbed, increases the risk of fragmentation or rejection. Stabilization will require external support."
Sebastian frowned, his gloved fingers tapping against the table.
Sebastian: "External support... You mean a tether. Something—or someone—who can act as a bridge to balance the process. Nexus, cross-reference all data on entities with strong resonance bonds to A'malther. Who could serve as this tether?"
Nexus paused for a moment before projecting a list of names. At the top were A'habbat, Cain, and Felix.
Nexus: "A'habbat possesses the strongest metaphysical bond with A'malther due to their shared energy and emotional connection. Cain's unique nature as a stabilizing force provides a secondary option. Felix, while weaker in terms of raw power, emits a unique harmonizing effect that could mitigate volatility."
Sebastian: "So, we have options... but none of them guarantee success. And if we fail—"
Nexus interrupted: "Failure risks the complete dissolution of A'malther's essence and the potential destabilization of this domain. Proceeding without full preparation is inadvisable."
Sebastian sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly. He glanced toward a nearby containment unit, where vials of glowing energy swirled within. One vial pulsed faintly with a golden light, labeled "Prototype Determination Serum" in A'malther's handwriting.
Sebastian: "Nexus, highlight all instances where determination serums were successfully stabilized. There must be something in these notes we can use to improve our odds."
As Nexus displayed the relevant data, Sebastian continued his meticulous study, his mind racing against the clock. Time was slipping away, and A'malther's weakened form lay in the balance. Whatever solution they uncovered, it had to be perfect—or they risked losing him forever.
Sebastian immersed himself in the flood of data, cross-referencing A'malther's notes with Nexus's calculations. The deeper he delved, the more he uncovered the complexities of determination as a metaphysical force. A'malther's writings were filled with philosophical musings intertwined with hard science—an unusual but brilliant synthesis of thought.
One passage stood out:
"Determination is not merely a force; it is the manifestation of an absolute will, a defiance of reality's constraints. But to control it, one must be willing to let go of their own will entirely, to become both the wielder and the tether."
Sebastian frowned, his mind turning over the implications of this revelation.
Sebastian: "Nexus, expand the notes on determination's interaction with external entities. Did A'malther ever attempt to let others serve as conduits for his experiments?"
Nexus's voice remained steady. "Affirmative. In Experiment Log 521-F, A'malther utilized a secondary conduit to channel excess determination energy. The conduit was successful in stabilizing the experiment, but the entity suffered permanent alterations, including an irreversible shift in its metaphysical structure."
Sebastian: "Permanent alterations... What kind of alterations?"
Nexus: "Enhanced resilience and power at the cost of individuality. The conduit became irrevocably tied to the energy it stabilized, effectively losing its autonomy. The notes suggest A'malther ceased further experiments out of concern for ethical implications."
Sebastian muttered under his breath. "Ethics... ironic, given everything else he's done. But if we can adapt this concept, we may have a path forward."
Just then, the door to the laboratory opened, and A'habbat entered, her usual grace tinged with tension. She carried Felix in her arms, the small entity glowing faintly, its usual cheer muted.
A'habbat: "Sebastian, how is it going? Have you found anything that can save him?"
Sebastian glanced up, his expression grim but resolute. "I've found something—a potential solution. But it requires a conduit. Someone willing to anchor his determination force, to share the burden of his power. It's a dangerous process, A'habbat. Possibly irreversible."
A'habbat's eyes narrowed as she processed his words.
A'habbat: "And you think I wouldn't be willing? Do you think any of us wouldn't? A'malther is more than just our leader—he is the reason we exist as we do now. If this is what it takes, then we will do it."
Felix chirped softly, nuzzling against A'habbat's hand. Its glow brightened slightly, as though offering its own form of comfort.
Sebastian: "It's not just about willingness. The conduit has to match his resonance. That's why I need Nexus to continue analyzing who among us is the best fit. The wrong choice could doom him—and possibly all of us."
Nexus interjected.
Nexus: "Preliminary analysis suggests A'habbat has the highest probability of successful resonance, followed by Cain and Felix. However, none possess a perfect match. Adjustments to the stabilization process will be required."
A'habbat stepped closer, her voice firm.
A'habbat: "Then make those adjustments, Sebastian. I will do whatever is necessary. Just tell me what to do."
Sebastian hesitated, but her determination was unwavering. He sighed and nodded.
Sebastian: "Very well. Nexus, begin recalibrating the prototype stabilization chamber for A'habbat's energy signature. We'll prepare her as the conduit."
As Nexus whirred to life, activating the equipment around them, Cain entered the laboratory, his expression heavy with guilt and concern.
Cain: "I heard everything. If this is what it takes, then let me take her place. A'habbat's bond with him is too precious to risk. I'm expendable."
A'habbat turned sharply to face him. "No, Cain. You don't understand. It's not just about sacrifice—it's about connection. I'm the only one who can reach him now."
Cain clenched his fists but said nothing, stepping back to let the process continue.
Sebastian: "Enough debating. Every second we waste puts him closer to losing himself entirely. Nexus, status on the recalibration?"
Nexus: "Recalibration is 78% complete. Warning: residual energy from A'malther's laboratory may interfere with the stabilization process. Recommend isolating external anomalies before proceeding."
Sebastian nodded, his gaze fixed on the glowing chamber.
Sebastian: "Then we isolate them. Cain, Felix, help me secure the perimeter. A'habbat, prepare yourself. If this works, we might just save him. If it doesn't… we'll face that together."
As the room filled with the hum of Nexus's machinery, the weight of their mission pressed down on them all. The fate of A'malther—and perhaps more—rested on their ability to execute this plan flawlessly.
Suddenly, while everyone was busy and distracted, inside A'malther, a fade red outline of a heart appeared from an instant, before vanishing. He slowly got up with extreme difficulty, as slowly, he was more and more as a dead corpse, and yet, he continue.
A'malther's expression a dead one, and yet, with clear objective. A'habbat noticed what A'malther was doing, while Sebastian remained with Nexus, both busy and in the process, and Cain observing with worry.
After a short moment, the process is stopped by A'habbat, calling their attention. Cain and Sebastian turn to look, noticing A'habbat supporting A'malther to not fall, while he was trying to do something, but couldn't.
They remained in shock, and yet, unable to know what to do, while A'habbat helped A'malther, placing the red heart back inside him. Then, A'malther got up by himself slowly, and then, started walking through the laboratory until reaching the Divine Refiner. His expression always unable to be seen, as was shadowed.
Once A'malther reached the Divine Refiner, he stood inside, and did set the setting from inside, and after a moment, the right chamber of the Divine Refiner opened, showing A'malther laying down, and with the same serum he did inject himself with before transforming in his True God of Hyper Death's form, but the serum was having a rainbow outline and light from it, also the syringe too, while the red content was the exact same.
Then, while A'habbat and Cain went to help A'malther, and Sebastian was checking him, Nexus started analyzing the Divine Refiner, now telling the exact amount of functions it seems to have, as it wasn't only for upgrade.
After a moment, Sebastian helped A'habbat, both taking him to A'malther and A'habbat's room, while Cain remained in the laboratory, patting Felix to understand everything, but... It was too much for him to hold.
In the way, SCP-035 reminded both, Sebastian and A'habbat, they all really needed A'malther for everything, even for helping him.
SCP-035: "A'malther is fainted, and even in his own death, he did had to use what he could, even if he was dying and unable to do anything, try, and do it for you, or else it would be a disaster."
A'habbat: "... We tried, we wanted to save him-"
SCP-035: "It was not enough. Want something is not the same as going to. Do not try, do it. He wanted you to do it, but as you could not reach there, he saw he was having to fix it, and instead of trying, he went for it, even if he died in the attempt. I recommend you to use the Divine Refiner to the max amount as possible, upgrading yourselves and him as much as can."
After a moment, A'habbat and Cain reached the bedroom, where they let A'malther on the bed. A'habbat did lay down next to A'malther, while Sebastian remained checking A'malther's well-being.