Chapter 141: 141: Unraveling Mysteries +last+

"Your innate power brought you to the past by leveraging our shared connection. That's the essence of the Dark One's power—to assimilate or interact with anything or anyone that holds a deep, intrinsic link to them," the Pope elucidated to Valerius.

Upon hearing the Pope's words, Valerius's brows drew together as his eyes squinted. Seemingly, he was thoroughly confused. 

"What connection could we possibly have? Valerius uttered, "Before I was ripped from my timeline and thrown into yours, I wasn't even aware of your existence." 

"Our connection is deeper than any relation." The Pope pointed first to Valerius and then to himself as he unveiled a staggering truth. "You are me, and I… I am you." 

At that exact moment, as the pope's shocking words filled the space, Valerius's eyebrows shot up, nearly merging with his hairline in sheer astonishment 

"What do you mean by that?"