Chapter 12: Return to New York

After the climb from the bottom of the trench, John finally makes his way back to New York. The journey took nearly four months, during which he discovered that the artifact had changed his body significantly. He now possessed extraordinary strength and endurance, feeling as if he had endless energy, akin to Superman. Despite his curiosity, every time John asked the artifact why it insisted on such intense training and learning his new powers, it would respond cryptically, "It's not time to know yet."

Returning to his home in Queens, John is eager to reconnect with his old life. However, he finds his apartment in disarray and a stack of unopened mail by the door. The sight is unsettling, but nothing prepares him for what he discovers next.

John heads to his office, an IT company specializing in software development, only to be met with shocked and anxious faces. His longtime assistant, Marie, rushes to him. "John, thank God you're back! We thought you were dead!"

"What's going on, Marie? What happened while I was gone?" John asks, sensing something seriously wrong.

Marie takes a deep breath. "Your best friend, Mark, declared you dead. He fired all your trusted employees and took over the company. He's been trying to gain complete control, but since many of our clients have direct ties to you, he hasn't succeeded yet."

John feels a surge of anger and betrayal. Mark, whom he had trusted implicitly, had not only taken over his business but had also declared him dead. "Where is he now?" John demands.

"He's in your office," Marie says.

John strides to his office, bursting through the door to find Mark sitting at his desk, looking smug and self-assured. The sight of John standing there, alive and well, wipes the smirk off Mark's face.

"John?! You're supposed to be dead!" Mark stammers, his face turning pale.

"Sorry to disappoint you, Mark," John replies coldly. "But I'm very much alive. Now get out of my office."

Mark stands, trying to regain his composure. "You can't just walk back in here and take over. I've been running this company."

"You mean ruining it," John retorts. "This is my company, and I won't let you destroy what I've built."

As Mark reluctantly leaves, John sinks into his chair, the artifact glowing faintly beneath his shirt. He knows reclaiming his company won't be easy, but he feels a renewed sense of purpose and strength.

Over the next few days, John works tirelessly to undo the damage Mark has done. He reaches out to his former employees, explaining the situation and asking for their help in rebuilding the company. Many of them, loyal to John, agree to return.

Meanwhile, the artifact continues to guide him, urging patience and caution. Though John wants answers about his new abilities and the artifact's ultimate purpose, he understands that there are greater things at stake.

One evening, as John sits in his office, the artifact speaks again. "Your journey is only beginning, John. You must be prepared for the challenges ahead."

John looks at the glowing pendant and nods. "I understand. Whatever comes next, I'm ready."

And so, John begins the process of rebuilding his company, strengthening his newfound powers, and preparing for the unknown challenges that lie ahead.