I don’t care . You people are way too suspicious . Why me? I know I’m not anyone special . I’m weaker than everyone here , - Thea said , glaring at her sparring partner . - The only thing I can come up with is my background . My home planet , my— -
Thea stopped in her tracks . She couldn’t call him her partner anymore . Over a decade had passed , and he thought she was dead .
My loved ones , - Thea continued . - I’m not stepping onto this goddamned thing again until I get some answers! -
Benefactor’s train of thought has merit , - an unfamiliar voice echoed through the halls . - But it is but a part of the tapestry . -
You! - Thea said , her eyes wide with shock at the new arrival .
This poor monk didn’t expect fate to bring him back to this region so soon , - Abbot Everlasting Peace smiled .
Well , it’s safe to return now that Zac ran himself ragged to deal with the mess you left behind , - Thea glared .
The abbot gave no rebuttal and only turned to the youthful monk sitting at the central position . His name was Crystallized Enlightenment , and the de-facto leader of his group as far as Thea could tell . She didn’t know much about him , though . He never joined the debates or made any move to converse with her . His aura felt as vast as an ocean , bottomless and unfathomable . Just the thought of fighting him filled Thea with despair .
This is not what we agreed upon , - Sacred Insight said , his voice seemingly coming from both the future and the past .
A small frown of displeasure appeared on his usually impassive face , and she felt a weak pull like reality was being twisted . Dread attempted to consume her when a calming wind swept away the sensation of doom . It had only lasted a moment , but Thea’s back was already slick with sweat .
You said you wouldn’t impede the search . -
This poor monk believes he is aiding it . Forcing fate will only steer us toward a sea of regret , - Everlasting Peace said .
Your attachment to your past life is an anchor , - Sacred Insight said . - Karma binds you , clouds your judgement . The Dharma will forever elude you unless you free yourself . -
If this poor monk had severed Karma , he wouldn’t be standing here , - Everlasting Peace smiled . - That is not my path . Whatever Karma I create , be it good or evil , I shall bear to the end . -
Eh , why not just tell her? - Amanthi added from behind , his calm voice cutting through the tension . - Might even improve the outcome . -
Sacred Insight said nothing , staring at Thea before closing his eyes . Thea’s heart beat in excitement . It felt like acquiescence .
Benefactor , follow me , - Everlasting Peace smiled .
What’s going on? - Thea asked after they entered a side chamber . - You’re back? Why? -
This poor monk was truly supposed to cut ties with Zecia . But great events are taking place , and fate brought me back , - Abbot Everlasting Peace said . - Our mission is one piece of the puzzle . -
That doesn’t explain anything . -
The monk smiled and formed a mudra . A golden sigil appeared before him , and Thea gasped as hundreds of threads sprung from her body . Some were thick , others were so thin they were barely visible . A few filled her with dread and hatred , others warmth and longing . The latter mostly pointed in the same direction , stretching impossibly far .
It didn’t take long to figure out they were her Karmic Threads , the intangible links to those who’d crossed her path over the years .
Just as benefactor guessed , this all relates to that young man , - Abbot Everlasting Peace nodded . - The Super Brother Man . Zachary Atwood , the ruler of the Atwood Empire . -
Atwood Empire? - Thea muttered with disbelief , a small smile spreading across her lips .
She could almost picture Zac’s reluctant and anxious expression as he was pushed higher and higher on the multiversal hierarchy . Was he still grumbling about all the missives that kept appearing on his doorsteps? Did he still sneak into the wilderness just to swing his axe around for a few days?
How is he doing? - Thea asked . - Is he okay? -
That man is a shining beacon of providence , - Abbott Everlasting Peace said . - He has advanced by leaps and bounds , surviving great tribulations . He’s ushered in an era of prosperity for Earth while steadily advancing on his path . -
Thea took a steadying breath . He was okay . Her thoughts were a confused mess . Earth had seemed so distant since she stepped foot on the Goldblade Continent . Now , it all came crashing back , and she found herself overwhelmed by longing .
That young man triggered the whole chain of events that made the Dharma stir , - Abbott Everlasting Peace continued , shaking his head like he still couldn’t believe it . - That’s what brought us to you . -
Just like she thought .
So those monks appearing before me on the Goldblade Continent wasn’t a coincidence , huh? - Thea said , her voice dripping with sarcasm .
Few things are coincidence . Fate and Karma binds us all , - Everlasting Peace smiled . - In fact , my master had met benefactor Atwood shortly before meeting yourself . -
Your master? - Thea said , remembering Zac’s description of Lord 84th . - I don’t think I’ve met him? -
This poor monk is referring to His Eminence Three Virtues , - the monk explained .
Thea’s heart shuddered at the name . The scene of that chubby little monk dominating the Hallowed Mother still lived on in her mind . He could have squashed her like a bug if he’d wanted to . Yet , her most vivid memory was Three Virtues’ shifty expression as he stole her treasures , all while talking about Fate bringing them together . So that weirdo was Everlasting Peace’s new master .
Benefactor Atwood is like a stone dropped in a tranquil pond , - the abbot continued . - His actions have created ripples of fate . For most , they are just that . Ripples . But with the right tools , with the right people , they can become a map . -
A map to what? - Thea asked .
It is a long story . -
I have nothing but time . -
The abbot smiled and began unraveling the truth of the meandering journey she’d been on for years . These monks weren’t so free as to simply gallivant around in space for fun , but the truth far exceeded her wildest dreams . Eight pillars of the System and Eternal Heritages from previous realities .
The Left Imperial Palace , nine outer courts . A trial for the younger generation , where the winner would be able to help their faction seize the main prize .
And Zac triggered all that? - Thea asked with disbelief .
His fate is like a mighty river , - Abbot Everlasting Peace nodded .
And how do I fit into all that? -
You have an immensely powerful Karmic Link to him , - Everlasting Peace said . - And there’s Karmic debt . -
He doesn’t owe me anything , - Thea said . - What happened between us was out of his hands . -
He doesn’t feel that way , - the abbot said . - Karma is a tricky thing . Perception can greatly affect its nature . He believes he is responsible for your fate , and thus Karma is sown . -
Thea sighed . She could guess the thoughts running through his mind . Seeing his mother do something like that . . . It had to mess with your head . To carry that on your shoulders for years . . . She still couldn’t believe Leandra Atwood could be so callous . Poor Kenzie , being stuck with that lunatic .
The Boundless Sea Array allows you to use that link to harmonize with his fate . Benefactor Atwood is the originator of the event . Thus , he has some fate with every seal released into the cosmos . We use that fact to pick up some pieces before they’re dragged toward Zecia . -
So you’re using my Karmic Link to steal Zac’s opportunities? - Thea frowned .
Not at all , - Abbot Everlasting Peace rejected . - Hundreds of seals have been released , and our young friend is only fated for a fraction . Any more would do more harm than good . How many from our old home can withstand an event like this? -