Chapter 12: The Awakening of The Phantom II

Atenzi closed his eyes, feeling the pull of the Phantom's words.

The hunger for power, for control, that he'd been suppressing since arriving in Naaim roared to life. "And what happens to Atenzi if I accept you?"

The Phantom smiled, a gesture both reassuring and terrifying. "Atenzi becomes more.

All that he is, all that he could be, merged into something greater.

No more doubt, no more hesitation.

Only purpose."

"And what is that purpose?" Atenzi asked, even as he felt his resolve weakening.

"To conquer," the Phantom replied, its voice thrumming with anticipation. "To rule.

To reshape Naaim and beyond in our image.

To become a force that even the Harbingers will kneel before.

Even the Gods, The Heavens, will kneel before us."

The garden around them seemed to pulse with energy, reality itself holding its breath as Atenzi stood on the precipice of decision. "Will I... will I still be me?"