Another Alternative

Yassmin watched Ethan with eyes full of determination, but there was something more: a profound need to find a solution to her problem. She took a deep breath before starting to speak.

"Ethan, I will tell you my story, and I hope you can help me after you understand why I need Apophis so much," she said, her voice firm but tinged with vulnerability.

Ethan nodded, willing to listen. The tension in the air eased a bit as Yassmin began her tale.

"Since my childhood, I have been trained for a grand purpose: to be the reincarnation of one of the most powerful and enigmatic figures of Egypt, the god Ra. Alongside three other chosen ones, I was selected by the elders of my family and a secret religious order that ensures the existence of the gods. This order has followed this tradition since the times of Cleopatra, but until now, without success."

She paused, her eyes lost in the memories of her past.

"When the method to access other worlds was discovered a few years ago, I saw an opportunity to break my destiny. I specialized in shadow magic and Therianthropy, acquiring a serpent form to be as compatible as possible with Apophis, Ra's natural enemy. I did this because I discovered that the key to breaking the link with the reincarnation ritual was Apophis, but I still lack something, his life essence."

Ethan watched her intently, trying to grasp the magnitude of her situation.

"The problem," Yassmin continued, "is that we need the true essence of Apophis, not just an empty body. Yassir captured a false, soulless version of the demon, which was useless. I need to absorb the life essence of the true Apophis to remove Ra's mark from my soul."

There was a moment of silence as Ethan processed the story. Finally, he looked inward, speaking directly to the demon.

"Apophis, is there a way to remove that mark without killing you?"

Apophis remained silent for a moment, considering the question. Finally, his voice resonated in Ethan's mind.

"Yes, there is a way. She needs the life essence of an Apophis, and there is a way to obtain it without killing me. But this requires a deeper fusion between us, Ethan."

"How would that be possible?" Ethan asked, with a touch of suspicion.

"By having sex with her," Apophis replied with an unusual coldness. "She can absorb my life essence from my offspring. But for this, I need to merge with you, Ethan. Normally, I wouldn't have a physical body of my own, but if we merge, then it should be possible."

"That fusion you're talking about, what does it entail? And spare me any attempts to deceive me, because regardless of what you say, I will investigate it later."

"Our souls are already linked; this happened because it was my only alternative to hide at that time. But even if they are, they remain two separate souls, you being only you, and I being me. However, if we merge our souls, then we will both become a single being."

Ethan hesitated, understanding the risks. He could be possessed by the demon and lose control even of his own body. He explained this to Yassmin, who immediately understood his fears.

"It's a viable plan, and as for your concern, it should be like that. In any case, neither you, Ethan, nor Apophis would be the ones in control; it would be a new being. The problem is that no one knows how that new person will turn out, but since Apophis is weakened and only survives thanks to you, I would say that the larger part of the fusion will still be you," Yassmin remarked.

Ethan reflected on this for a moment and then said:

"I haven't decided yet, but if I agree, what are you willing to pay? It's clear that it's quite risky for me; maybe I'd even have better luck fighting you."

"Although it's true that I was the first to retreat in our combat, don't be mistaken, even if my brother might die in the fight, I would still achieve victory, I have no doubt," she said with a certain fierceness in her eyes, but continued, "However, that doesn't mean I won't reward you. To start, I'll offer you 50,000 gold coins, as well as help you expand your business to Egypt. If there's something else you want, it can also be negotiated."

"Information, I want all the information you have. As you know, I've been practicing magic for a little over a month now. I need more information because even if you offer me 50,000 gold coins, which for me would mean 50 million dollars, I don't know if it's really a significant number within your standards. And the same goes for everything surrounding magic, so I need all the information you have available."

Hearing Ethan, both siblings were stunned; they thought he was a fairly strong necromancer and had been practicing since humanity discovered magic five years ago.

"Wait, does that mean you only learned magic after our encounter? Impossible, how could you gain that strength if you're practicing necromancy? Unless you're a lich, it doesn't make sense," Yassir claimed, a bit angry.

"But I'm not lying; until that experience with you, I never knew about the existence of magic."

"Forgive my brother, but understand that to control skeletons the way you do, you need either years of practice or a mind that doesn't feel fatigue or overload like that of a lich."

"I won't say anything about that, but I have my methods."

Ethan didn't want to reveal his secrets. But Yassmin wasn't angry or distrustful; she understood perfectly. Besides, her thoughts were elsewhere. Whatever method he used, it was a truth that in just one month he had reached a much more advanced necromancer. She had to find a way to make that talent hers.