Amenba remained bipedal in the center of the chamber, his eyes glowing with that mix of malice and sharp intelligence. He leaned slightly against the containment barrier, staring at Trofalls, Duda, and the scientists with an expression that blended confidence and challenge.
— You think you control everything — he said, his voice calm, almost a whisper of warning.
— But I see the future. Not just the future, but all its unfoldings, every chance, every possibility.
Trofalls narrowed his eyes, alert. Amenba continued:
— Because you see… — he gestured toward the small booth where he had been captured — that tiny shelter they trapped me in, stole my time, my movement… But it also gave me an idea.
I can offer you something. Something simple, small, easy, yet valuable.
The scientists exchanged confused glances.
Duda furrowed her brow, trying to understand.
— No, I'm not talking about victory over all chimeras, nor about eliminating them all.
— Amenba smirked ironically. — In the end, I don't want them all destroyed.
That wouldn't make sense.
But I can give something fascinating, something you could never imagine.
He took a deep breath, almost dramatizing each word:
— You give me… human freedom. True, complete freedom.
Regardless of everything I've done, regardless of who I am or what I did to survive. And in exchange…
— Amenba tilted his head slightly, an enigmatic smile — I give you my power. The power to see the future, to modify the reality I perceive, to discern what is chimera, what is disguise, what is true or false power.
Trofalls swallowed hard. This was not just a proposal; it was a negotiation with a being capable of anticipating every move they made.
— You will have six months to give me this freedom — Amenba continued, his voice firm.
— This isn't a contract that depends on what you want or fail to fulfill. It will happen, whether you like it or not. I will remain alive, no matter what you do to me.
Of course, I could die before… but until the contract is fulfilled, no one can stop me from existing.
He leaned even further forward, intensity in his eyes:
— And more: I can give you the powers to solve crimes, punish the profane, uncover secrets… or even both.
All in exchange for human freedom and the certainty of not being constantly hunted.
The chamber fell silent. Each word seemed to weigh like metal in the air.
Trofalls took a deep breath, aware of the magnitude of what Amenba was offering: a pact with a chimera who saw the future, capable of altering the present, but demanding something essential and human in return.
Amenba smiled, relaxing against the barrier:
— It's simple. You give me what any human desires: freedom. And I, in return, remain… grateful.
But remember: in 36 months, after you receive what you desire, you can do whatever you want with me.
Imprison me, torture me, try to kill me… but until then, nothing happens.
He took a step back, leaning against the chamber wall, eyes fixed on each of them:
— So, tell me: do you want the power? Do you want the vision of the future, control over the chimeras, the ability to anticipate every move? Or will you insist on continuing to fight blindly?
And so, in the heavy silence of the chamber, Amenba offered a pact with the very consciousness of the future.
Trofalls crossed his arms, looking at Amenba with a serious, almost suspicious air:
— No, we don't need that — he said firmly.
— I can already see, assess, and control everything necessary. And, honestly, you seem… deceitful.
Amenba let out a low, almost musical laugh that echoed through the chamber:
— Fine. — he said, tilting his head.
— Let's wait then. When it's time… you'll be the one asking me for this power.
He leaned back against the barrier, eyes glinting with malice:
— But know this… — his voice deepened, threatening — I won't warn you. When the time comes, brother… you will die.
Trofalls did not move, nor lose his composure. He knew the risk of dealing with such a powerful chimera, but he also knew the threat was more strategic than immediate. Amenba, on the other hand, seemed to delight in the restrained fear and calculated silence of Trofalls.
The entire laboratory was tense. Every movement of Amenba, every word loaded with threat and challenge, was like a warning:
he could anticipate any step, manipulate any situation, and stay one step ahead, yet for now, he still played the game of patience.
Trofalls finally let out a soft sigh:
— Then let's see who truly controls the future.
— he said firmly. — But know this, Amenba… you don't scare me.
Amenba smiled, eyes glowing with excitement:
— Excellent. That's exactly what I wanted to hear.
Duda raised her hands, eyes fixed on Amenba, and with an almost imperceptible gesture, the chains began to float. They twisted in the air like metallic serpents, lunging forcefully toward the chimera.
— Enough! — Duda ordered, voice firm.
Amenba tried to move, but the chains were fast and relentless. With a brutal tug, he was dragged onto the containment table, his hybrid body pressed against the cold metal.
He screamed in pain, the mix of sharp fangs and tense muscles reflecting the strength he still resisted with.
— Ah, good! — he shouted, his voice hoarse but full of provocation. — I'll remember you all very well like this too!
Even restrained, Amenba maintained a firm, defiant gaze.
Every breath seemed measured, every movement deliberate: he may have been physically trapped, but his mind remained free, planning, evaluating, and anticipating each action of those holding him.
Duda maintained control, breathing deeply. Trofalls watched from the side, attentive, analyzing every expression of Amenba:
— He won't surrender so easily — Trofalls murmured. — Every scream, every challenge… is a test of patience and mental strength.
Amenba, still on the table, raised an arm trying to break free, but the chains were precise, as if they had a will of their own.
— You think you can subdue me — he said, each word a whisper of threat — but every memory, every mark you leave, will be recorded by me. And I… will not forget.
Amenba opened his mouth and let out a guttural, deep, thunderous roar that made the air vibrate in the laboratory.
His body began to grow, muscles expanding, eyes glowing like embers, while an aura of power emanated from every inch of his hybrid form.
— I AM NOT A PET! — he roared, his voice echoing and reverberating off the metallic walls. — YOU WILL NOT STOP ME! I WILL NOT LEAVE HERE WITHOUT MAKING YOU PAY FOR THIS!
The chains holding him exploded, shattering into sparks and metallic fragments that flew in all directions. Amenba was completely free, his massive, threatening form dominating the laboratory. Every human present stepped back, feeling the pure fear radiating from him.
— This… this is… — Trofalls muttered, impressed, trying to remain calm. — He really is not to be trifled with…
And then, suddenly, Beker appeared.
A talking chimera with a terrifying presence, seemingly floating above the ground.
But everything was trash.
In a movement so fast and precise that no one could follow, he sliced Amenba in half as if he were nothing, the blade shining and disappearing as quickly as it appeared.
Amenba screamed, surprised and furious:
— YOU BASTARD!
In an instant, he returned to his normal form, as if nothing had happened, but the rage and presence of power still sparkled in his eyes. He took a deep breath, recovering, his mind already calculating the next move:
— This… doesn't end here — Amenba said, his voice firm but now loaded with restrained anger. — You have no idea who you're dealing with…
Beker, impassive, simply observed, evaluating every reaction. Trofalls and the other humans exchanged tense glances, realizing that the situation had escalated far beyond anything anyone could control.
The laboratory was heavy with silence, broken only by the echo of Amenba's roar, reminding everyone that even restrained, he was a force of nature not easily subdued.