Bab 127: Black Witchcraft
Authors Note-
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Rather than approaching Dr. Morgan directly, Ivan exited the hospital, ordered a cup of coffee at a nearby cafe, and patiently waited.
Time slipped away, and it wasn't until the end of the hospital's workday that Ivan observed Dr. Morgan emerging, accompanied by an elderly woman who appeared to be a nurse. They shared a close bond, evident as they walked out of the hospital together. The woman hesitated to reach for Morgan's arm, eventually allowing him to take the initiative, and the two ambled along.
"Things are getting more interesting," Ivan mused. Despite the woman's age, he recognized her as the nurse from the concentration camp, the one who helped Captain America and Dr. Henry nearly thirty years ago. The relentless passage of time had aged her, a stark contrast to her immortal husband. This was undoubtedly a significant challenge for her.
Ivan discreetly trailed the pair, following them to a restaurant where they began their dinner. He subtly cast a spell, allowing him to walk into the restaurant unnoticed.
After Henry Morgan and his wife finished their meal, he gazed at his silent spouse, feeling a twinge of sadness. This wasn't a new sensation for him. Despite his efforts to age himself and appear older, perceptive individuals could discern the vast difference in their ages. The stares from strangers made his wife feel helpless, and he feared that the societal pressure might weigh her down.
Inwardly, Henry Morgan sighed. While everyone perceived his wife as too old for him, only he knew the truth—his real age exceeded two hundred years. He considered meeting his wife's eyes in this lifetime as his greatest happiness. She provided him with a sense of home and family, even if the child they raised wasn't biologically his.
Lost in his thoughts, Henry Morgan was startled when a young man abruptly pulled up a chair and joined their table.
In a somber mood, Henry Morgan suppressed his annoyance and said, "Apologies, sir, but there's someone already here. Please find another seat."
Unfazed, the newcomer, Ivan, spoke directly to Dr. Morgan, "Dr. Morgan, do you feel the pain? Watching your loved one's age and pass away, unable to intervene. Enduring the agony of seeing your wife grow old while you remain unchanged. Immortality may seem like a blessing to others, but for you, it's a curse. You cannot bear this pain for much longer."
Ivan's tone remained flat, narrating as if discussing a commonplace matter. Yet, these seemingly ordinary words prompted a significant change in the expressions of Dr. Morgan and his wife.
"I don't know what you're talking about" Dr. Morgan instinctively retorted, keeping his voice low while glancing around to ensure their conversation went unnoticed by other diners.
"If you speak a bit louder and show that you're not afraid of being heard, it would be even more perfect," Ivan suggested with a smile.
"What are you trying to achieve? Being so loud will disturb other people," Dr. Morgan questioned.
Ivan waved off the concern, "Don't worry, they won't notice what's happening here, no matter how loudly you speak."
It was only then that Dr. Morgan realized something was amiss. Despite their almost argumentative conversation, the other diners seemed oblivious to their discussion.
"Who are you? What is your purpose?" Dr. Morgan, with over 200 years of life experience, recognized that the individuals before him were not ordinary.
"It doesn't matter who I am. What matters is that I'm interested in the Dark magic spell affecting you, and I can help you address the apparent age gap between you and your wife."
"We don't need you meddling in our affairs, Henry. I'm not leaving" This time, Dr. Morgan's wife spoke up, standing and taking her husband's hand, ready to depart.
Dr. Morgan's wife was astute; she understood that there's no such thing as a free lunch. Despite knowing the person's identity, she feared her husband might agree to unreasonable conditions. Observing her, Ivan deduced her concerns, "I must say, a good woman is hard to find, Dr. Morgan. Congratulations on finding a woman who loves you so deeply. However, judging by your recent behavior, I can assure you that your wife's patience is running thin.
When couples with a significant age difference in appearance interact, many will view it as an older woman with a younger man. She'll constantly face odd looks from others, and those unaware may assume you're mother and son. Eventually, she'll likely take the initiative to leave you, and that time may come sooner than you think."
Dr. Morgan, who had just risen from his seat and hadn't taken a step, halted involuntarily. Ivan's words struck a chord with his vulnerability. He had sensed his wife's intention to leave lately but hadn't taken action.
Pulling his wife back and stopping her, Dr. Morgan spoke with a determined look, "I'm sorry, Abigail. I can't bear to lose you. Please let me be self-willed just this once. I need to figure some things out, and we can't run away from it."
Observing her husband's resolute gaze, Abigail understood that he had made a decision and finally nodded in agreement.
Clap, clap, clap! Ivan applauded, "Truly a touching love story between husband and wife. We should find a quiet place to discuss this in detail; this isn't the right setting."
Ivan gestured with his hands. Morgan and Abigail exchanged glances, nodded simultaneously, placed their hands on Ivan's palm, felt a whirlwind, and disappeared in an instant.
Three conspicuous figures vanishing like that should have caused a commotion, especially in a crowded restaurant. However, the strange thing was that the diners appeared oblivious to the unusual occurrence.
This was the magic of illusions, directly influencing people's cognitive processes, making them unconsciously overlook certain events.
When Henry Morgan and Abigail opened their eyes again, they found themselves in an unfamiliar space, enclosed by smooth walls, with a table and a few chairs in the center.
"We have time; we can discuss things leisurely. Please take a seat," Ivan said as he settled into a chair.
Having arrived, he wasn't about to back down. Dr. Morgan and Abigail pulled up chairs and sat down.
"Tell me about when your immortality ability began. I've conducted some tests, and this resurrection ability is highly abnormal. However, I believe everything has a trade-off. The more you gain, the more you must sacrifice. The more resurrections, the steeper the cost," Ivan remarked.
Henry Morgan sighed and began recounting his story.
"Over two hundred years ago, I was the heir to the Morgan family at that time..."
"Wow! The Morgan family—a legendary name. Even now, it stands as one of the most prominent families in America, reigning at the top of the world... Oops, sorry, shouldn't have interrupted. Please, continue."
Henry Morgan shot a stern look at Ivan before continuing, "My father wanted me to inherit the family's wealth. However, my childhood dream was to become a doctor, which didn't sit well with my father. Our disagreements were frequent. Eventually, to expand the family's assets, he initiated a slave transportation business and assigned me to be an accompanying doctor—a form of punishment, hoping I'd also learn to manage the family business through this experience."
Ivan secretly chuckled in his heart. This was the classic tale of an old-fashioned rebellious young man who resisted having his life dictated by his father and insisted on forging his path.
"During the transportation of the slaves, there were hundreds on board. I always opposed this slave business and wanted to set them free. In one instance, I stole the keys and released them. Seizing the opportunity to escape, my actions were discovered, and I was killed by the escorts on the fleet.
Upon waking up in the water, I found myself inexplicably resurrected, and every time I died, I returned to life.
Upon returning home, I learned that the ship transporting the slaves had met with an accident. The vessel sank, and all the slaves perished. It was all my fault. If I hadn't acted recklessly, they might still be alive" Henry Morgan nearly cried as he finished, carrying the burden of believing he had caused their deaths. Abigail rushed forward, patting her husband's shoulder in consolation.
Observing Henry Morgan and ensuring his sincerity, Ivan couldn't help but sigh. What a genuinely straightforward person, always assuming responsibility for everything, even when it wasn't warranted.
"Alright, I have a rough understanding now. First, let me share some good news: you needn't carry guilt because, if I'm not mistaken, those people didn't perish. They likely staged an uprising, seized control of the ship, and safely established a tribe somewhere. They even erected a temple in your honor as a gesture of gratitude."
"Wait! You mean those people didn't die; they survived and gained freedom?" Henry Morgan stood up with excitement. The hundreds of deaths had been the most profound guilt in his life, and now, unexpectedly, he heard a twist of fate from Ivan.
"Of course. Otherwise, where do you think your resurrection ability comes from? If I'm correct, among the slaves, there was someone well-versed in witchcraft. He resurrected you. However, this resurrection came at a cost—the price of life for life, not to mention keeping you perpetually young.
The black magic spell on you is potent, demanding significant energy. One person alone couldn't bear it. You need more people—believers who genuinely respect and worship you, generating the necessary energy.
Considering the circumstances, only the people you saved would have reason to do this. I must caution you, though: don't die casually, as every resurrection requires a sacrifice of a soul. When you died, out of gratitude to you, they willingly chose to sacrifice their souls. Each time you die, a soul bears the price of death for you."
"So, that's how it is. That's how it is. But I wish I never knew. Can this curse be lifted? It's so unjust to let others bear the cost of my death."
Henry Morgan struggled to find words to express his emotions. He felt gratitude toward the people, yet the debt he owed them seemed insurmountable.
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This is purely AU, as Forever is pretty vague about the backstory.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone