Defiance of the Fall

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 .