Sarah Draketower Negotiation

Arthur nodded with what appeared to be sympathetic understanding. "That sounds... challenging. How are the others handling similar effects?"

Yohan stepped forward, his expression carrying similar dejection. "Same issues across everyone who died. We're significantly weaker than our levels suggest."

"The merge didn't just integrate powers, it integrated death penalties that were previously temporary," another group member added. 

Arthur processed this information with coldness. His early elimination of opposition had created lasting effects that extended beyond simple level differences.

"Have you sought remedies? Healing potions, enhancement items?"

Confirming limitation scope.

John shook his head with obvious frustration. "Nothing works. The penalties seem integrated into our fundamental physiology now."

Irreversible consequences.

Arthur maintained his sympathetic facade while internally calculating.