"How do I possess a World Origin?" Eryndor asked, curiosity getting the better of him.
The old man's expression turned uncertain. "That, I don't know. Maybe someone extracted one from a fledgling world and implanted it inside you." He shrugged, his lack of knowledge evident.
Eryndor's mind reeled with questions. "So, there are other worlds?"
The old man's gaze refocused. "Yes, but that's something you'll learn more about later. For now, focus on the task at hand."
"What's next?" Eryndor asked, his eyes drifting to the circular opening filled with liquid.
"You jump in there," the old man said, pointing to the opening.
"Why?" Eryndor hesitated.
"That's the essence he left behind after he passed away, tainted by his own madness," the old man explained.
Eryndor's face contorted in distaste. "And you expect me to jump into that?"
The old man's expression turned reassuring. "Don't worry, it won't harm you. Trust me."
"Why do I have to do this? I don't want to be perfect," Eryndor said, a hint of resistance in his voice.
The old man's eyes sparkled with insight. "Nothing is perfect; that was his misconception. But this will make you stronger, helping you attain power you never imagined."
The old man's words hung in the air as Eryndor hesitated. "You talk about wanting to be free and doing what you want, but the truth is, without strength, you have no freedom. How many times have I told you this?"
Eryndor's face set in determination. "I will do it."
The old man's expression was firm. "Take off your clothes and jump in."
Eryndor complied, shedding his garments before walking toward the liquid-filled opening. Taking a deep breath, he plunged in.
At first, the liquid felt cool and soothing, but soon it turned mildly itchy, then warm. The warmth quickly escalated into an unbearable heat, scalding every inch of Eryndor's body from head to toe. He felt like he was being torn apart from the inside out, his entire being disintegrating and rebuilding itself at a molecular level.
Eryndor endured the agony, biting back screams as a soothing energy periodically healed him, only to be ripped apart again by the scalding force. The old man watched intently, taking a step forward as he muttered, "Endure, boy."
With a swift motion, the old man threw something into the pool, causing the energy to riot wildly. Eryndor's body broke apart, literally disintegrating as it cracked and melted. For a moment, only a heart-shaped crystal remained visible, absorbing the chaotic energy as it formed a cocoon around itself.
The old man stood impassive, watching as time seemed to stretch on forever. Then, a sudden surge of mana concentrated on the cocoon, causing it to crackle and crack. The tension built until the cocoon finally exploded.