Confirming the Wraith's Information, Meeting with Devin

The elderly librarian recognized Marcus as he entered, offering a polite nod. 

"Back so soon? Found what you needed about spectral entities?"

"Yes, thank you." 

Marcus replied and added:

"Today I'm interested in historical records, specifically, any documentation of abilities similar to modern skills before The Awakening."

The librarian's eyebrows rose slightly. 

"Historical precedents? Interesting area of research. Terminal Twelve has access to the pre-Awakening archives. You'll want the 'Paranormal Phenomena' and 'Unexplained Abilities' categories."

Marcus thanked him and navigated to the indicated terminal. The historical archives were vast, spanning centuries of documented strange occurrences, alleged supernatural abilities, and unexplained phenomena. Much of it was clearly superstition or misunderstood natural events, but genuine cases of early Transcendent abilities might be buried within, precursors to the widespread awakening that had occurred seventeen years ago.

He began with a targeted search: "binding abilities," "soul contracts," "existence manipulation". These are terms that might correlate with his Contract skill. The results were numerous but largely irrelevant. There were mythological references, fictional accounts, religious texts discussing spiritual covenants, and many more.

Refining his search, Marcus focused on documented cases of individuals persecuted for alleged supernatural abilities related to binding or controlling other entities. This yielded more promising results: trial records from various witch hunts and inquisitions throughout history, with specific accusations that might align with Contract-like abilities.

One case particularly caught his attention: Eliza Thorne, tried for witchcraft in Massachusetts in 1692. The surname alone warranted investigation, but the specific accusations were even more intriguing. According to witness testimonies, Eliza could "bind spirits to her will" and "command beasts and objects as if they were extensions of herself." Most tellingly, she was accused of "drawing power from death itself," with witnesses claiming that plants withered and animals perished in her presence, their "life essence visibly flowing into her body."

Marcus's heart raced as he read the trial transcript. The parallels to his own Contract skill were unmistakable. Eliza Thorne had been convicted and executed by hanging, her final words recorded as: "What flows through me flows through all things. You end one vessel, but the current remains."

Further research revealed additional cases throughout history: different names, different cultures, but similar patterns of ability and persecution. A Mesopotamian priestess who "commanded the essence of ending." A medieval European alchemist who "harvested the final breath of dying creatures to power his creations." A 19th-century Japanese woman who could "form pacts with objects, imbuing them with movement and purpose."

The evidence wasn't conclusive, but it strongly suggested that Contract-like abilities had indeed manifested throughout human history, typically in isolated individuals who were often persecuted for their powers. The Wraith's claim about previous Contract-bearers appeared to have merit.

But what about the connection to his own family? The Thorne surname in Eliza's case might be coincidental, or it might indicate a shared lineage, a bloodline carrying the potential for Contract abilities that had culminated in Marcus.

He expanded his search to include genealogical records, tracing the Thorne family line from Massachusetts to modern times. The results were fragmentary but revealing. The Thorne family had indeed continued after Eliza's execution, with subsequent generations displaying a pattern of unusual occurrences and occasional accusations of supernatural involvement.

Most significantly, Marcus found a newspaper article from 1987, twenty years before his birth, describing his grandfather's involvement in a "paranormal research group" that studied "latent human abilities and their potential awakening." The article was vague about the group's findings but mentioned that certain bloodlines showed higher potential for unexplained abilities.

This aligned with the Wraith's claim that Marcus' family had possessed "fragmented knowledge" about his nature, enough to recognize something unusual about him after the accident but not enough to understand it properly. Their rejection hadn't been simple cruelty but fear based on generations of superstition and partial truths.

Marcus sat back from the terminal, processing the implications. Although he wasn't sure about all the history, he was sure about one thing. His Contract skill wasn't random; it was hereditary, a potential that had existed in his bloodline for centuries, perhaps millennia. 

The accident hadn't cursed him, nor had his curse caused the accident. On the contrary, the tragic event had awakened something that was always there, dormant in his DNA. 

The basic skill crystal had merely served as a catalyst to trigger its awakening. Perhaps he hadn't followed through with his suicidal thoughts precisely because of this awakened potential.

That also explains my unique system.

Marcus thought, gaining some clarity about the source of his power. Although there were accounts of others possessing systems, each person's system was unique, tailored to their individual potential.

Marcus realized that the Vitality Wraith might be telling the truth about the source of his power. If the Wraith was right about this, what else might it be right about? The cycles of power? The black crystal beneath the Authority headquarters? The idea that vengeance was blinding him to larger forces?

His research had raised more questions than it answered, but it had confirmed enough to shake his certainty about his path forward. The simple motivation of revenge that had driven him since Mrs. Abernathy's death now seemed incomplete. He needed to reassess his goals and direction. 

Naturally, he still wanted to destroy the Vitality Wraith regardless of what he chose from this moment forward. 

Marcus checked the time: 11:15. He needed to return home before Devin arrived at noon. With his mind still processing everything he had learned, he left the library and headed back to his apartment.

The return journey passed in a blur of contemplation. By the time he reached his building, Marcus had reached a tentative conclusion: he needed more information before making any irreversible decisions. That meant accepting Voss's offer to join the Spectral Response Division, at least temporarily. The Authority's resources and knowledge might provide crucial context for understanding his place in these emerging changes in the world.

As for Devin, that decision required a different kind of consideration. A human contract wasn't merely a tactical advantage; it was a profound connection with ethical and emotional implications. Before proceeding, Marcus needed to be completely honest with Devin about what such a bond would entail without giving away his system and its functions.

He arrived at his apartment with fifteen minutes to spare before Devin's expected arrival. Just enough time to organize his thoughts and prepare for a conversation that would potentially change both their lives.

The doorbell rang precisely at noon. Marcus directed his wheelchair to the entrance, taking a deep breath before opening the door.

Devin stood in the hallway, casual in jeans and a faded t-shirt, a small paper bag in hand. 

"Brought lunch." 

He said with a smile. 

"Figured we might be talking through the meal."

"Thanks." 

Marcus replied, moving back to allow him entry. 

"We have a lot to discuss."

Once they were settled in the living room with sandwiches and drinks, Marcus faced the first challenge: how much to reveal. Complete honesty would mean explaining the Contract system, the EP harvesting method, and the Wraith's revelations. Partial disclosure would be safer but might undermine the trust necessary for a successful contract. 

Maybe I should only reveal the basic effects of my Contract skill, then briefly mention my ability to enhance anything I contract through a unique power that only I possess. I shouldn't mention Existence Points or how to harvest them as a precaution. Explaining how my contract origin skill would affect humans should be enough to demonstrate my sincerity and trust.

Marcus paused briefly to collect his thoughts.

"Before we discuss your offer to help." 

Marcus began carefully and continued:

"There's something you should know about my abilities. They're not... standard."

Devin nodded, unsurprised. 

"I figured as much. The way your wheelchair moves, how quickly you've advanced, it's not typical F-Rank progression as mentioned in the forums."