Chapter 101: Soul Contract For starters, judging by the positioning of the island that was smack-dab behind the Stagnant sea, and linking it to the man’s words about his race being enslaved, Finn could already tell he was going to be expected to free them. Or maybe even provide a way for them to return to their world? He ran a hand across his face and looked at the man, who had just said something that he didn’t hear at all. The man stopped and didn’t repeat himself, staring Finn dead in the eye with a look that said: Here’s where the real stuff starts. He leaned forward and placed both elbows on his knees, crossing his hands. "I know you have a fragment inside of you," he started. "One that allowed you to cross that calamitous sea wall that has trapped fragment holders much, much stronger than I am — fragment holders who ventured into it thinking they can wade through with their own might." "I don’t know what exactly it is, but I am certain you hold a fragment that controls a core aspect of reality... or one that can easily bend reality to its will." "I won’t bother trying to guess. All that concerns me is my freedom and that of my race. I don’t even really care that you’re the proclaimed Pioneer," his haughty condescending air returned again. He let it show evidently, as if trying to convey to Finn that he truly wasn’t worth anything in his eyes besides the potential he held. Finn watched stoically, observing every micro-movement and every shift of tone in the man’s body and voice as he spoke. Finn rather preferred the man’s bluntness. He would rather both parties knew exactly where they stood without false pretenses. A purely transactional agreement where they both got what they wanted. It was why he kept trying to gauge if the man’s words were true to the best of his capabilities. His enhanced Ferropteryx senses were strained to the max, trying to note every little change in the man as he spoke. Finn knew that in the face of someone experienced, what he was doing was futile. But it wasn’t like he had a lie detector he could use to tell otherwise. So he worked with what he had. "...all I care about is making you proficient enough with your fragment that you aid our freedom. I don’t care about any epoch changing divergence you might cause afterwards," the man finished and waited for Finn to speak. But Finn remained silent in contemplation. The man continued, as if in urging. "There is nothing to think about really. We will enter into a Soul Contract. If you’ve ever been in a Soul Contract with another Ossuarist, then you’d know it’s the most fool-proof agreement there can ever be," he said. "The terms in a Soul Contract cannot be forced. And an agreement can never be reached until both parties equally decide to enforce each binding soul clause," he explained. "What that means is that you would know every detail, down to the last interpretation of a clause, before you choose whether or not to agree to it." Finn still remained stoic, but then after a few moments, finally asked: "What would the contract entail?" The man’s expression shifted slightly, as if pleased that Finn was at least asking the right questions. "Simply put, the contract would bind us both to specific obligations and protections," he began, ticking off points as he spoke. "First, I would be obligated to train you in the use of your fragment — whatever it may be — to a level of proficiency that allows you to survive and thrive in this place. That includes teaching you about the nature of fragments, their limitations, their potential, and how to push beyond what you currently think possible." He held up a second finger. "Second, I would be bound to provide you protection while you remain in my territory. No harm would come to you from me or anyone under my influence. You would have free access to our resources, our knowledge, our history... everything that could aid in your development." He raised a third finger. "Third, I would be prohibited from manipulating or coercing you beyond the explicit terms of the contract. There will be no hidden clauses, or mental manipulation, or any attempt to control and influence your decisions outside of what we mutually agree upon." The man paused, then continued. "In exchange, you would be obligated to assist in securing our freedom from this prison. The specifics of how would be detailed in the contract itself — whether that means finding a way to breach the Stagnant Sea permanently, or some other method we discover together. The contract would specify that you make a genuine, sustained effort using your abilities to their fullest extent." He leaned back slightly. "Additionally, you would be bound not to act against our interests or sabotage our goals. You wouldn’t be required to stay permanently or become our eternal servant. Once your task is completed, the contract dissolves and you’re free to go wherever you wish." The man’s pale gray eyes studied Finn carefully. "The contract would also include provisions for what happens if either party dies, if circumstances change drastically, or if the task proves genuinely impossible despite best efforts. Soul Contracts are very thorough... way more thorough than you may imagine. Every contingency, every loophole, every interpretation you’ll see in it will be inherently understood before you agree." He spread his hands. "So. What do you think?" Finn was quiet for a long moment, with an unreadable expression on his face. Then he met the man’s gaze directly. "I don’t trust you." He deadpanned. "And I’m not going to make a decision like this based off a story you told me, whether it’s true or not. I need to see for myself. I need to explore this island, observe your people, understand what’s really happening here." The man’s expression tightened fractionally, but he didn’t interrupt. "You’ve given me information," Finn continued. "But information isn’t the same as truth. And even if everything you said is accurate, I don’t know you. I don’t know your motivations beyond what you’ve told me. I don’t know if freeing your people is truly your goal, or if there’s something else you’re after." Finn leaned forward slightly, matching the man’s earlier posture. "So I’m going to wait. I’m going to watch. I’m going to make my own observations and come to my own conclusions. And then I’ll decide whether this contract is something I’m willing to enter into." A lull of silence stretched between them, tense and charged. Then, unexpectedly, the man’s lips curved into something that might have been respect. "Good," he said simply. "I would have been disappointed if you’d agreed immediately." "How long do you want to wait?" he asked with a tone now businesslike. "I don’t know yet," Finn replied honestly. "I need something concrete," the man pressed. "A week? Two week? A month?" "However long it takes," Finn said firmly. "I’m not putting a deadline on something this important. I’ll make my observations, and when I’m satisfied, one way or another, I’ll give you my answer." The man was quiet for a long moment, staring with eyes unfocused in contemplation. Then he sighed. "Very well," he conceded. "But understand this, kid. You don’t have as much time as you think you do..."