Life or Death

Aboard the Challenger, Hawkins reacted first. The instant the green-haired man landed on the ship, a barrier sprang up. Several Curse Power Swords extended from Hawkins's body, curving down to point at the man's throat.

"Who are you?" Shabi was just as quick to react. Spear in hand, she asked warily.

The green-haired man looked at Hawkins and smiled faintly. "Relax. I've lost most of my interest in fighting and killing. There's no need to be so tense. As for who I am... don't you already know?"

"The True-Self Perfect One?" Hawkins asked gravely.

The True-Self Perfect One nodded. "You're clever, though that's to be expected. Those with Undying Will often have endless time to grow. Even a pig would become a spirit if it lived long enough, let alone a human."

"What do you want?" Hawkins asked, catching Shabi's hand before she could throw her spear.

The True-Self Perfect One glanced at Shabi. A moment later, he tapped the deck lightly with his foot, and everyone except Hawkins collapsed unconscious.

He looked at Hawkins and smiled. "Relax. They'll only sleep for a while, so they won't keep interrupting us."

"Say it. What do you want from me?" With a thought, Hawkins sent invisible hands of Curse Power to carry the unconscious crew into the cabin. He looked at the True-Self Perfect One, his face expressionless.

The True-Self Perfect One smiled. "Don't be impatient. Everyone grows. Ten thousand years ago, I might have killed you outright and taken what I wanted. But people change, don't they?"

"..." Hawkins said nothing. He simply watched him calmly.

The True-Self Perfect One sighed. "All right, I'll be direct. I want your Undying Will. You have one chance to choose: kill me, or play a game with me. You set the rules. As long