The old man's body trembled, his mind reeling with the shock of the shadow's revelation. He struggled to find the words, his voice barely above a whisper as he spoke. "I… I don't know what to say. This is… unexpected."
The shadow's form seemed to grow larger, its presence more oppressive as it loomed over the old man. "Do you agree to my terms? If you do not, I will leave, and the ritual will fail."
The old man's body trembled, his breath coming in ragged gasps as he struggled to maintain his composure. "I… I will give anything," he stammered, his voice filled with a mix of fear and desperation. "Please, great one, I beg of you. Grant me this power, and I will ensure that you are well compensated."
