After a moment of obtaining the First Flame, in A'malther's voidful domain, in his laboratory, he was along Sebastian, and Nexus (SCP-079). Slowly, SCP-035 was not only still evolving, but also fusing to form part of A'malther, becoming part of him, and an extension of him.
A'malther: "And so, Nexus. Any extra information you may obtain from scanning the core of the First Flame?"
Nexus, connected to the vast resources and tools within A'malther's laboratory, whirred softly as its systems analyzed the core of the First Flame. Its glowing interface flickered rapidly, processing the ancient energy emanating from the artifact.
Nexus: "Analysis of the First Flame core reveals an anomaly that defies known laws of thermodynamics and quantum mechanics. The core radiates a form of energy that exists in simultaneous states of creation and destruction. This energy is not bound by linear time—it resonates across dimensions and timelines, suggesting it has the potential to rewrite fundamental aspects of existence."
The digital display lit up with holographic projections, showing the intricate structure of the core.
Nexus: "At its peak, the First Flame appears capable of reigniting dying worlds, restoring ecosystems, or accelerating entropy to erase all life within its reach. However, its current state is dormant, requiring either a catalyst or synchronization with a suitable host to unleash its full capabilities. Preliminary scans suggest you, A'malther, are uniquely attuned to its frequency. With proper integration, the flame may augment your existing abilities exponentially, though such integration carries unpredictable risks."
Sebastian, standing nearby, observed the glowing core with a mix of awe and caution. His voice carried an undertone of concern:
Sebastian: "This flame… it is both a blessing and a curse. A tool of immense potential, yes, but one that demands absolute mastery. Be cautious, A'malther. Such power rarely comes without a hidden cost."
Nexus: "Recommendation: Proceed with controlled experimentation. Attempt gradual synchronization to prevent instability. My systems are prepared to monitor and mitigate any unforeseen reactions during integration."
As Nexus completed its analysis, SCP-035's influence subtly merged further into A'malther, its evolving form resonating faintly with the flame. The laboratory was charged with energy, as if the First Flame was eager to respond to its new environment—and its new master.
A'malther: "Do not worry, my dear doctor, Sebastian. I do know and am well aware, as if anything reaches to happen, you will do assist me inmediately. Let us start, I am sure I can handle it."
Sebastian gave a slight bow, his tone measured but carrying the weight of his unwavering loyalty:
Sebastian: "As you command, my lord. I shall remain vigilant and prepared to act at the first sign of distress. Your well-being is paramount."
Nexus's interface shimmered with readiness, and its voice remained steady and precise:
Nexus: "Initiating synchronization protocols. Energy thresholds stabilized. Beginning gradual integration of the First Flame core into your essence. Monitoring for fluctuations in reality and biological anomalies. Standby…"
The laboratory's atmosphere grew dense with cosmic energy, the First Flame core glowing with an intensity that seemed to hum in harmony with A'malther. The intricate instruments around the lab began feeding data streams directly to Nexus, mapping every shift in energy and matter.
As A'malther extended his hands toward the core, the First Flame responded, tendrils of radiant energy spiraling outward and slowly coiling around his form. The room pulsed with a deep, resonating vibration that seemed to echo across dimensions, signaling the beginning of a profound transformation.
Sebastian remained at A'malther's side, his gloved hands steady on his medical tools, ready to intervene if necessary, while Nexus announced:
Nexus: "Phase one integration underway. Energy synchronization at 20%. No anomalies detected yet. Proceeding with caution…"
As the tendrils of the First Flame coiled tighter around A'malther, their radiance began merging with his aura, creating an ethereal glow that shimmered with a blend of cosmic and divine energy. The laboratory quaked lightly under the sheer magnitude of the energy being absorbed, its advanced stabilization systems working overtime to prevent any collateral effects on A'malther's voidful domain.
Nexus: "Synchronization at 40%. Energy signatures remain within tolerable ranges. Core stability holding. Proceeding with phase two integration… Monitoring all fluctuations."
A'malther felt a surge of warmth coursing through him, not just physically, but on a spiritual and existential level. The First Flame was not merely a source of power—it carried the echoes of creation itself, the raw essence of life and destruction intertwined. He clenched his hands, steadying himself, and his skeletal gauntlets glowed brighter as they absorbed the radiance.
Sebastian: "Your body remains resilient, my lord. But should you feel even the slightest imbalance, speak, and I will intervene. The First Flame carries within it the weight of beginnings and ends—it does not take kindly to weakness, even of the divine."
A'malther: "Do not fret, Sebastian. I can feel its weight, its challenge, yet I also feel its acknowledgment. It bends to my will, as it should."
The First Flame's tendrils began to pulse with a rhythm, as though testing A'malther's resolve. The glow around him intensified, and Nexus's voice became more urgent.
Nexus: "Synchronization at 60%. Anomalous energy spikes detected. The First Flame appears to be testing your internal thresholds, evaluating your capacity to bear its essence. Dimensional barriers in proximity to this laboratory are beginning to distort."
Sebastian moved closer, his voice calm but firm:
Sebastian: "This is the point where entities lesser than yourself faltered and were consumed, my lord. Prove your resolve, for the Flame recognizes nothing less than absolute dominion."
A'malther's skeletal armor flared, its dark surface reflecting the golden energy of the Flame as his eyes burned with a piercing glow. He steadied his breathing and stretched his arms wider, commanding the tendrils to bend further.
A'malther: "I am dominion. This Flame does not own me. It becomes part of me, an extension of my will!"
The tendrils seemed to hesitate for a moment, their writhing motions slowing. The lab trembled violently as the energy around the First Flame core reached its peak. Sebastian tightened his grip on his tools, prepared for the worst, while Nexus's interface flickered under the strain of processing the massive surge of data.
Nexus: "Synchronization at 80%. Energy harmonics stabilizing… Core resistance diminishing. You are imposing your dominance upon the Flame. Sustaining this level is critical for full integration."
A'malther gritted his teeth as he felt the First Flame's final test—an overwhelming wave of raw energy pressing against his very soul, as though attempting to strip him of his will. His gauntlets surged, and the glow from SCP-035, partially fused to his body, intensified as if amplifying his power.
A'malther: "You are but energy... a fragment of existence. I am creation and destruction! I will not bend to you—you will BECOME me!"
With a deafening roar of cosmic energy, the tendrils of the First Flame fully collapsed into A'malther's body, disappearing within him. The core pulsed once, dimmed, and then vanished, its essence now part of A'malther. The lab's trembling ceased, leaving an eerie calm.
Nexus: "Synchronization complete. Core successfully integrated. Energy thresholds stabilized at 100%. Reality distortions have subsided. Subject is now harmonized with the First Flame."
Sebastian stepped back, lowering his tools and observing A'malther with reverence. His aura had transformed, radiating a refined brilliance that seemed to ripple with the essence of the First Flame. His skeletal armor now bore faint golden veins, pulsing softly as if alive, and his gauntlets glimmered with sparks of the Flame's energy.
Sebastian: "You have done it, my lord. You have transcended even further than before. This power… it reshapes you as much as you command it."
A'malther stood in silence for a moment, his body still as he fully absorbed the Flame's presence within him. Then he clenched his fists, and his aura surged outward briefly before calming again.
A'malther: "This... is only the beginning. Prepare the laboratory for further research. I will ensure that this Flame is not wasted but used to create what even gods could never dream of."
Sebastian nodded with a faint smile, while Nexus's interface displayed streams of data reflecting A'malther's newfound energy.
Nexus: "Laboratory systems are recalibrating to accommodate the new energy output. Further research possibilities include dimensional manipulation, enhanced creation frameworks, and multiversal energy harmonics. Awaiting your next command."
The First Flame was now his, but its true potential had yet to be fully realized. A'malther stood at the precipice of a new chapter in his dominion, the laboratory humming with anticipation of what would come next.
A'malther: "Alright, now, we do need to continue with the current research in pause. We need to continue the studies of the souls, the special ones, and the True Souls. I am sure we can reach further understanding of not only a better healing knowledge in something deeper than physical, but also a further developed arsenal in emergency situations."
A'malther then placed a red serum of determination in his version of SCP-914.
A'malther: "Nexus, do please set Divinity Refiner in the parameters for DT."
The Divinity Refiner began to hum softly as its intricate mechanisms activated, glowing faintly with a blend of celestial hues. Nexus responded with precision, his voice resonating through the lab with a synthesized calm.
Nexus: "Parameters for Determination Transmutation (DT) have been set. Processing will commence upon your confirmation, A'malther."
Sebastian stepped closer, observing the serum with an analytical eye, his calm demeanor betraying a flicker of intrigue.
Sebastian: "A serum of this nature carries weight, A'malther. If its essence is refined improperly, it could risk destabilizing the composition of determination itself. Shall I prepare containment measures in case the process produces... unforeseen results?"
The Divinity Refiner's hum grew louder, signaling its readiness. The serum shimmered in its chamber, radiating a pulsing red light that seemed to echo the beat of a heart, an embodiment of pure determination waiting to be transformed.
A'tellif entered quietly, her transparent form shimmering faintly, and leaned against the far wall, observing the scene with interest.
A'tellif: "And so the refinement begins… What do you expect it to become, my god? Something beyond mortal understanding, I assume."
The room seemed to hold its breath, awaiting A'malther's final command.
Nexus: "Processing requires your direct confirmation, A'malther. Shall I proceed?"
A'malther: "... My dear A'tellif, I did not expect you to observe, but as so you are already here... I do expect the serum to transform further. I do expect it to become more filled and full of what it means and is... Nexus, do proceed the process."
Nexus's internal mechanisms immediately sprang to life, the Divinity Refiner vibrating subtly as its intricate systems began to process the red serum of determination. The chamber bathed the room in a brilliant red glow, its pulsations syncing with the hum of the machine. Gears, rods, and conduits moved with divine precision, their movements producing a sound akin to an orchestra of creation.
Nexus: "Process initiated. Transmutation sequence at 5%. Stabilizing the essence of determination... Monitoring for irregularities."
Sebastian took a step back, his black-gloved hands resting behind him as he observed with keen interest.
Sebastian: "Fascinating. Its energy signature is already intensifying. If this succeeds, A'malther, you may very well hold something not only more potent but perhaps something entirely new in its essence."
A'tellif tilted her head, her glass-like form refracting the red light in mesmerizing patterns.
A'tellif: "It stirs something in the air. Even I can feel its weight. You aim to refine determination itself into something… purer. But what, I wonder, does purity look like when it is forged in such a crucible?"
The serum within the Divinity Refiner began to shift visibly, its red hue deepening into something richer, more profound. Its light no longer simply illuminated—it seemed to pierce through everything in the room, casting long, dramatic shadows.
Nexus: "Transmutation sequence at 45%. Core stabilization holding steady. Detecting traces of emerging anomalies within the serum's structure. Projected outcome remains indeterminate—awaiting final integration."
As the light grew even more intense, the Divinity Refiner released faint bursts of energy, resonating across the room. The very air seemed alive, charged with a profound presence.
A'tellif: "The closer it gets to completion, the more I sense something... resonating with it. It feels alive, almost like it's… aware."
Sebastian: "Perhaps it is. After all, determination is not merely a concept—it is a force tied to life, to purpose, to will. Whatever emerges, A'malther, I suspect it will test even you."
Nexus: "Transmutation at 85%. Preparing for final stabilization phase. Stand by."
A'malther: "... Determination in it's more purer state, is not only any endless flame in your soul, or any fuel, or will of be... Is a complete force, an entity in it's way, possessing any soul as vessel if is a determination soul, or becomes as one. I did have such force inside me, pushing decisions to happen... The more purer, the stronger this force will be. It can possess any soul, using the vessel's voice at own will, and take forcefully the decisions... I did reach what I thought is True Determination, but yet... There is only one way to find out my mastery in determination... And if indeed... I do own True Determination..."
As A'malther spoke, the Divinity Refiner emitted a deep, resonating hum that seemed to reverberate within the soul itself. The serum within the chamber began to crystallize, forming a luminous core that pulsed with an almost sentient energy. The light it cast no longer flickered—it was steady, unyielding, as though mirroring the concept of determination itself.
Nexus: "Final stabilization phase complete. Anomaly detected within the refined essence. The serum has transcended its initial state and now exhibits properties of self-sustaining energy. Classification: 'Core of Determination.' Its molecular structure resists further analysis... but its potential for autonomous influence is undeniable."
Sebastian stepped closer, the glint of fascination in his eyes contrasting with his otherwise composed demeanor.
Sebastian: "So… the force you describe, this 'entity' of determination—it is no longer theoretical. The Core is alive, in a sense, waiting for something… or someone to channel its purpose. But be warned, A'malther—forces like this do not merely serve. They also test. Are you prepared to prove your mastery, or will it challenge you to justify your claim to True Determination?"
A'tellif took a step forward, her glass-like body refracting the Core's crimson light into dazzling patterns across the laboratory walls.
A'tellif: "My god, if this force seeks a vessel, then you may be the only one who can tame it. But… should it decide to judge you unworthy, what then? Do you risk everything for the proof of mastery?"
The Core's glow intensified, radiating an almost palpable pressure that filled the room. A faint, otherworldly whisper seemed to emanate from it—a voice not of words, but of intent. It hung in the air, daring A'malther to claim it or be consumed by it.
Nexus: "Core activation at 100%. Status: dormant but reactive. Awaiting external input for integration or binding. Warning: Anomalous interference detected within subject proximity. Immediate interaction will determine compatibility or resistance."
The challenge was clear. The Core of Determination was ready to test its potential wielder.
A'malther grabbed the serum, and then took a seat on a chair in the laboratory, in front the monitors who are now Nexus (SCP-079).
A'malther: "... I do know what determination no only capable to do with monsters in other realm of reality... But also what is really capable of doing in possession of any vessel... I did confront this... I can still remember how it was... And yet... I also still feel that flame in my chest... In my soul... When I died... But still... Is never enough... For what I did learn by how determination really works... If you can do something, you have to do it... Despite the consequences, or even if perhaps you receive something, or not, or even if is more a loss than a benefit... I do not know what will happen to me after using this, but one thing is clear... I most probably not be myself until a time later... Monsters are affected with insanity, and a complete loss of self control and understatement... Determination will be capable of exploring the abilities and everything inside the vessel, and so... It will be capable of using my magic, and abilities... And so, for now... I am indeed doubting of if using it now, or in an emergency..."
The room fell silent as A'malther's words hung in the air, the Core of Determination pulsing in rhythm with his voice as if acknowledging his internal conflict. Its energy seemed to grow heavier, as though anticipating his decision, amplifying the weight of his words.
Nexus: "Your hesitation is rational. The potential consequences of merging with the Core at this moment are incalculable. Emergency deployment would allow you to assess its impact under dire circumstances, while immediate use would provide insight into the Core's potential at the cost of personal stability. The decision remains yours, but your actions now will dictate the path ahead."
Sebastian folded his hands, his eyes scrutinizing A'malther's expression.
Sebastian: "It is a double-edged blade, my lord. Determination does not simply grant strength—it amplifies everything: your will, your flaws, and the burdens you carry. It tests the soul to its very limits, pushing until it either breaks or ascends. Should you falter even slightly in your resolve… it could be catastrophic, not just for you, but for all that rely on you."
A'tellif's voice interjected, calm but resolute.
A'tellif: "My god, your path is yours alone, but remember: the flame of determination is not one that burns softly. Should you choose to wield it now, we will stand ready to shield and guide you through whatever challenges arise. But if you doubt its timing, perhaps it is not the right moment to embrace it."
The Core pulsed brighter for a moment, as if reacting to their words. Its energy seemed alive, almost challenging A'malther, daring him to prove his worth now or leave it dormant for the time being. The decision loomed over him—whether to test his limits now or save the Core for a moment when its power might be the only salvation.
A'malther: "A'tellif... Do you remember that battle I did confront in fight myself against you and the other generals, and the entire army of Scarlet King?"
A'tellif: "I do remember, my god. It was the battle that marked the beginning of your rise, where you overcame us and shattered Scarlet King's dominion."
A'malther: "... And you do remember my appearance and fighting style?"
A'tellif: "I do, my god. Your form was unlike any we had faced, and your fighting style was relentless, a perfect balance of overwhelming force and precise strategy."
A'malther: "... I was not in any strategy of fighting combat style, or any other sort... I did use a serum of determination I did create myself, like this one, but less... Improved... Less purer and less potent... For say mention at some way..."
A'tellif: "That explains much, my god. Your actions in that battle were far beyond anything comprehensible—unyielding, unpredictable, as though guided by something greater than mere intent. The determination within you must have driven every strike, every move, with purpose unfathomable to us."
A'malther then got up and saved the serum in the laboratory.
A'malther: "I will do save it for now... I do desire to save it for when is needed, and so... Face what may happen when there is a chance to use it for a better future... For now... A'tellif, did you obtain the blood sample of that specie? Xytherians? If I do remember well... As for how you did tell me... They are an advanced and enigmatic species from a distant planet, known for their bioluminescent, crystalline exoskeletons that shift in color based on emotional states. Their society revolves around harmony with nature, and they communicate through a mix of melodic tones and telepathic imagery."
A'tellif: "Yes, my god. I do have plenty of those blood samples as you did order me in request."
A'malther: "... Good... Now, my dear doctor, Sebastian. It is time for us to continue researching. Perhaps we do improve our medical knowledge in the way."