Gabby stood frozen before the four glowing symbols, her heart pounding in her chest. The weight of the decision pressed down on her, each power more tempting than the last.
But before she could reach out to make her choice, she hesitated. Something didn't sit right.
"Wait," she said, her voice breaking the silence of the void. "Can I ask questions about the powers?"
The light shifted, as if acknowledging her request. The voice boomed again, its echo reverberating around her.
"Ask what you wish, Gabriella."
Gabby took a deep breath, her eyes flicking from one symbol to the next.
"How long does it take for Thought Manipulation to fully change someone's thoughts? I mean, to make them believe something completely different?"
The light flickered, and the voice responded, steady and patient.
"It depends on the strength of the person's mentality. The stronger their will, the longer it will take. It could take anywhere from three years to twenty to fully reshape someone's mind."
Gabby frowned, her mind racing. "Twenty years?"
"Yes," the voice replied, undeterred. "Power is not given freely. Some minds are more resistant than others. But patience is key. The reward comes with time."
She absorbed that, nodding slowly. "And… for the second power, the 1 for 1. What would I need to do to gain a certain wish? Like, how do I know what I have to do to make someone give me what I want?"
The figure seemed to pause, the light pulsing before it responded.
"The wish is tied to the act of submission. The more significant the act, the greater the reward. To gain something truly powerful, you must offer something of equal value in return. The more intimate or difficult the obedience, the greater the power you receive in exchange. But beware—what is given cannot always be taken back."
Gabby felt a chill run down her spine, her mind racing. "Intimate... obedience?"
The voice was unflinching. "The more you give, the more you can take. But remember: power always comes with a price."
Gabby bit her lip, thinking hard. Each of these powers had its own cost, its own dark appeal. She glanced at the glowing symbols again, her hand twitching toward them. But she wasn't ready to decide yet.
"And the other two?" she asked, her voice quieter now.
The figure remained silent for a moment, waiting for her to complete her thoughts.
"No more questions. Choose now," the voice commanded, though the tone was not unkind.
Gabby felt the pressure return, the weight of her decision heavier than before.
The symbols hovered before her, gleaming with possibilities.
And finally, she reached out—unsure, but certain that her life would never be the same again.