The Runic Alchemist

"End.. of our world?" Franklin muttered.

"How is that possible? No human weapon can be that great!" asked Aoki Konyo.

Shah Waliullah added, "Is it the same sorcery you use?"

Damian simply raised his hands to quiet them down before saying, "As I said, it's a science of the future, and no, I have nothing to do with it. I have gathered all of you here so you can form an organization that can somehow prevent this and save this planet. Of course, if you agree, you will all sign a mana contract with me. I will provide you with some tools, but for the most part, it is in your hands. You must influence, ascertain, plan, and work together to achieve this monumental task. I am merely giving your world a chance, and you all are that one final chance."

Questions and doubts filled the night, and Damian answered as best as he could. He had observed them for over half a year, gathering as much information as possible. They were, for the most part, exactly as history had described them, with a few exceptions. There were others who hadn't made the cut. In the end, they all understood what was at stake. He told them it would take time—long enough that they themselves likely wouldn't be alive to see the outcome. But the organization had to endure.

They needed to recruit like-minded individuals, planting them in all levels of power, some who knew very little but could be used for simple gains, some who could be trusted with greater responsibilities, and the best among them—their heirs, whom they would groom to replace them at this table one day.

After explaining everything, Damian said, "Now, tell me—who will do this for all of humanity, and who among you wants to go back to living a small and simple life? If any of you refuse to form a contract, this is your time to leave. However, keep in mind the influence I have over your people. Even if you decline, you will still sign a contract ensuring your silence.

If you somehow manage to work around it using whatever methods and reveal the contents of this meeting, whether now or in the future, with the intention of harming this organization or exposing its secrets.. You will face a punishment worse than death. If you do not wish to take part, go on with your lives—no one cares. But if you betray this cause, no one in the world will believe you, and those present in this room will ensure you die the most miserable death possible. And believe me when I say—they will have the power to do so, no matter how far apart in the world you are. Power.. I will give them."

Damian left them for a few hours to decide their path in life. When he returned after having a satisfying lunch, he was met with a mix of questions, refusals, and agreements. Most of those who accepted were likely curious or eager because of his offer of power.

Shah Waliullah, being a deeply religious scholar, saw it as conflicting with his Islamic reformist mission. The Marquis of Pombal, a staunch authoritarian, demanded leadership of the organization, and when Damian told him everyone was equal, he refused to take part. Carl Linnaeus wished to focus on scientific classification rather than politics or grand conspiracies. Baron de Tott, as a military reformer and strategist, deemed the organization too impractical to achieve such a goal. Aoki Konyō hesitated, wary of global interventionism, but in the end, the fear of Damian's power, after witnessing it firsthand, He accepted. Damian sent those who refused elsewhere before continuing.

With the mana contracts in place, it was time for parting gifts. Damian had prepared tools to help them achieve this lofty goal—or at least to preserve some of the population. First, he informed them that he would establish fixed waygates that could be activated with a simple switch. However, only individuals possessing a specific ring could pass through these rooms where the waygates were; all others would die if they attempted. The owner of the ring could be changed, but only if the previous owner and six other ring holders agreed and placed their rings together with full intent (which was a lie—Damian didn't actually know how to do intent spells; merely placing them together would work, but he needed to instill fear in case someone attempted to hoard all the rings).

The waygates were powered by a massive tank of his liquid mana, sufficient for 300-400 activations. He advised them to meet only once a year to conserve power.

Another tool he provided was a box of runic guns that fired laser projectiles, enough to kill simple men even with armor and all. These were linked to the rings, meaning no unauthorized user could activate them. Each gun came with a small magazine-like accessory filled with liquid mana, which could be swapped out once depleted. This was for their protection.

He had allocated a limited supply of liquid mana to each of them, allowing only a few recharges, they could use their waygate powering liquid mana if needed - but the guns themselves could only fire limited rounds before the steel became useless. They had to preserve these resources, or they would run out.

With just these tools and the power of their influence, Damian hoped they could do something about the impending doom of their world. He couldn't grant them deadlier weapons; even this much had required six months of deliberation before he trusted them with it. Now, it was up to them to fulfill their mission or fail.

Damian let them begin their first meeting, allowing them to share information and discuss their plans. Then, he left them to their work. He had done his part to safeguard this world's future. Whether it would work or accelerate its downfall, only time would tell.

Just as Damian landed at the London base, ready to resume fine-tuning his mostly completed golem, he sensed a waygate locking onto him. This time, it was Worldscribe who had come looking for him.