Re: Ascension Rebirth – The path to honesty and power is long and treacherous

Chapter XVIII

PART ONE

[Eternum Calendar - Year 990]

Slowly I regained consciousness and opened my eyes. The room was still dark and the red light of the moon indicated that it was still night. A sharp bout of pain crept up all over my body rendering me paralyzed. It was obvious why I was feeling this way; reckless night-time activities inside a death covered dungeon.

Breathing out a sigh I shifted my head out towards the window but what caught my attention was the sight of a silver haired woman nodding off. She had two furry wolf-ears on her head and three fluffy, silver tails that swayed from side to side as she slept dozed off on a chair besides my bed.

[Miko], that was her name, a being from the [Therianthropic] race, were-wolf to be precise. She was a caretaker at the orphanage I was stay in. Right… ‘Orphanage’. It’s been two years since I came here and I’ve gotten used to and adjusted to life here but my heart had yet to settle down. In fact I feel more restless lying down here doing nothing, this anxiety that I’ve been piling up; I constantly feel like I should be doing something instead of wasting away here.

As my pain subsided a little, I tried to get out of my bed but I felt the sensation of a small arm grabbing onto me. I lifted the blankets a little to see who it was. It was a small girl of about tenten, blonde hair, small white arms and fair skin. She grabbed on tightly as she slept in my bed; she was another resident of the orphanage here. We each have our own beds but she’s been crawling into mine for some reason, not that I’m against it.

[Alice]. That was her name, no last name. She was a rather bossy and boisterous girl, playful and confident but she too has a scarred past, if not she wouldn’t even be in this orphanage in the first place. It’s because there are children like her here that I couldn’t wallow in my own sadness, I felt pathetic that I was losing it when these children were suffering from the same thing, but even still the fact that I had to accept reality was painful, thus I tried tune out that feeling when I’m with these children.

I gently pried her hands off me and got out from the bed and peered out from the open window. I had half a mind to return to the dungeon and continue off from where I was but I decided against it. If Miko’s here then she’ll probably get even more upset if I just left, even if I’m acting a little selfish I do sincerely wish to limit the number of problems I’m causing.

“Have you given up for the night?”

A deep voice came from besides me. I turned to see a dark figure, robed in shadows; I wasn’t able to discern who or what he was, his only distinguishable traits were that he was robed in darkness, his deep voice and two glowing lights coming from under his hood as though they were eyes.

This person, most probably a male, was someone I’ve met a few times. Obviously he wasn’t a resident of the orphanage but he was someone I’ve been seeing regularly. I knew not his name but I knew who he was; he was a servant of that being of dread and malice, [Nyarlathotep]. How did I know? Aside from the fact that he spoke of him once, this person is a manifestation of the [Necronomicon] that I had under my possession.

“I guess, but that doesn’t mean I’ll stop. I’ll keep trying and trying until I’ve reached the end and meet face to face with your master.”

“I see… But you are mistaken, while it is true that I serve the Great Old One, my current master is you, the owner of the [Necronomicon]. I have merely been translating his will to you. Then I shall take this opportunity to introduce myself properly. You may refer to me as [Shade], the manifestation of the [Book of Evil].”

“Is that so? Then as your master I have one request, could you perhaps turn into a more comprehensible form? That shadowy persona, you don’t always have to stick by the ‘evil’ theme just because you’re serving him.”

“Hmm, as you wish. Then perhaps this form will be more to your liking.”

The shadows around him twist and turn, surrounding him as a small updraft was form but not noticeable enough for Miko or Alice to wake up. The shadows engulf him for a few seconds and when they dissipate, though not completely; the person that was standing in front of me arose.

Instantly I got a little angry at his new form. I felt the presence of my hand drawing closer to the center of my face as irritation overwhelmed me. This habit really hadn’t died down but it was the best way for me to express myself in a subtle manner.

“Are you mocking me? I’ll kill you. I’ll really do it you know, I’ll burn down the [Necronomicon] right now if suicide was your intent.”

A sleek black suit with a red tie, perfectly chiseled muscular jaws, a wide chest covered up behind the suit yet still noticeable, neat black hair, dark grey eyes hidden behind thin framed glasses. [Aran Callahad], or at least his appearance was that of me anyway. He propped up his glasses with his gloved hands as he casually returned a sarcastic and condescending smile.

“My apologies, I meant no real harm by taking this form; I merely thought that this form would be more to your liking. After all, this form was created by your innermost thoughts, even possessing residual memories and personalities. In essence this form is more true to yourself than your current form.”

He says with a sarcastic smile, whether that was his intention or if that was my natural smug look from back then, I really couldn’t differentiate because both possibilities were probable. For the time being I decided to give him the benefit of the doubt and leave him be, but if he irritates me one more time I’m going to put a crease on every page of the [Necronomicon].

Though looking from an outsider’s point of view, my natural look from my previous life was a little… arrogant, should I say? It’s extremely annoying to look at. It could simply be that it was because it was me that I am saying this; other people may find it majestic or cool but personally I felt like punching him in the face. Maybe I’m just trying to vent out some guilt-free frustration on something that looks like me.

“So? What do you want?”

“What do you think you’re doing?”

As he spoke those words I was taken aback in surprise. There was a sudden shift in personality; it was almost as though I was talking to a different person. Of course deep down inside I had already realized the truth of who I was talking to, it was [Shade] but at the same time it was also my true self, the personality of Aran Callahad.

‘Residue memories and personality’, so he says, but this is way too realistic, even down to the subtle mannerisms and how he was adjusting his glasses with his middle finger. His slightly tilted upwards, arrogant smile, his body posture, his hair, his glare, his aura. All me. The true me. The me of the past. The me that had failed once.

Though I suppose the current me is no different from the past me; we’ve both failed and lost those important to us. Nothing had changed and I’m still struggling along trying to figure things out in this world of nonsense. However it really does give me a sense of perspective when I was put face to face with my previous self, perhaps even a sense of security knowing that I was still the true me even after adopting a new body.

‘What do I think I’m doing?’ Shade your acting is too realistic for me. Well I guess I should answer in kind, I’ll play along. His ploy was obvious, but it was just as well since I needed to blow off some frustration myself.

“As if I’d know that.”

I replied to him in the most half-hearted manner. I had dropped all pretexts of talking to Shade and decided to act as though I was really talking to myself. For some reason, as I did this I felt a load off my shoulders, as though I was being liberated from all the burden of failures. ‘Finally,’ I thought. I had met my equal, though it was myself; I guess it’s true what they say, you truly are your worst critic.

In front of his intense, piercing gaze all the mental defenses I’ve built around myself seemed useless.

“You’re acting like a spoilt brat; causing problems to the people around you, but most importantly you’re trampling all over the trust of all the people who have come to know and support you up til now. How do you justify yourself?”

Certainly that may be the case, but I’m sure he of all people would know the answer to that. After all, I was the kind of person that believed the world revolved around myself. Trust? Support? It was all a given to me, I was that kind of pathetic being in the first place, I was the biggest asshole. My justification for acting like this thus far was my entire existence.

So I answered him.

“I don’t know, why don’t you tell me?”

I wonder why, but his words hurt me; they really pierce deep down into my core. It was his voice, his town and the meaning behind those words that stabbed into my darkened heart.

I knew it all. I knew that I what I was doing was a waste of time, only bringing trouble to the people around me, causing grief and trampling on the feelings of those that helped me. How could I not? I was Morgant Fallon and Aran Callahad you know, as much as I would’ve loved to lose my mind and go insane I simply couldn’t. I still had some semblance of self-awareness to prevent that.

In spite of that, do I still need to answer for my own actions? No, I will not yield, I will accept the consequences of my actions but I will continue on despite that, because to me there were only two paths in this life. To those who have wronged me, to those who have underestimated me, to those who mocked me, I will either destroy them all or die trying.

He pushes up his glasses once more and gives me a disappointed look. It was painful to be given that kind of glare, especially from myself, because I knew how critical I was of others and how critical I was of myself. He shakes his head.

“You haven’t changed a single bit since that day. No, perhaps it would be more apt to say you’ve been much more pathetic, at least back then you didn’t know the consequences, but now in spite of knowing them you still press on like a mad man. You’ve even stolen the lives of people and mocked their spirits yet you don’t feel an inkling of remorse. The two behind you, you’ve caused them the most grief.”

“If there was anything I felt, it would be vanity. I’m that kind of person after all.”

Perhaps he is right, perhaps I was truth pathetic, perhaps I wasn’t really thinking about my own actions and the effects they leave behind, perhaps I couldn’t deal with my own situation and have subconsciously given up, perhaps that’s why I continuously challenge that ridiculous dungeon each night.

But it’s useless to tell me all of this, because if there was one thing I was not, it was indecisive. Even if I know it was only self-satisfaction, even if I know it was simply a pathetic act, I will continue on this path until I die or have succeeded, that’s what I was taught after all, by the life I’ve lead before. Indecisiveness ruins lives; make a decision and follow it through, that was the life of the corporate world.

“Yes, you are that person. I know very well; you’ve made a decision and you will no doubt follow through with it until the bitter end. I won’t tell you to stop or reconsider, but I also know you aren’t the kind of person that would slap away the kindness of those close to you. Even if you are excessively arrogant and cruel to those you don’t know or hate, you are also excessively kind and protective to those you care about. Which is why, even you don’t look back, at least take a look beside you.”

I gave out a small sigh as I turned my gaze towards the red moon, a wry smile creeping out from beneath me.

“I’ll have a think about it.”

As I answered he, Shade, disappeared for the night.

PART TWO

“Wake up, Morgant! It’s morning!”

Accompanying the annoying chirps of the early birds, a certain high-pitched voice had decided to wake me up by violently shaking the bed. Seeing how that didn’t exactly work out the way it was envisioned, the owner of the voice moved onto plan B. They opened the curtains to let in the hated sunlight, burning through my eyelids and preventing me to weigh my options of sleeping through this annoyance of giving in and waking up.

I mean I went to sleep very late last night so I was still a little fatigued. In the end I decided to give into the threat of being further menaced by the high-pitched voice and wake up of my own volition. After sitting upright I decided to ponder about my situation for a while as the owner of the voice continued to shake me, but I tried to temporarily tune out that annoyance.

Still, it was a rather mysterious thing now that I think about it. I mean waking up back at the orphanage. This wasn’t the first time it had happened and it probably wasn’t the last either. My usual late night expeditions into the dungeon are supposed to be a one way thing, however I’ve constantly found myself waking up back in bed after passing out in the dungeon.

I guess I was a little thankful for this rather suspicious phenomenon. I mean I didn’t really want to die either, but it just means I have to continue against tonight from floor 1 all over again. At the very least I kind of wished they would wake me up in the dungeon instead of bed. I do have some ideas as to who it was that was taking me back here but I tried to ignore it as best as I could.

“I thought you woke up! Why did you go back to sleep sitting up?! Wake up Morgant!”

Then there was this little bug. Seeing as I was still sitting still, lost in contemplation, the owner of the voice that reminded me of an alarm clock decided to re-enact plan A and violently shake me.

Turning my gaze to the side I met with the glare of this broke record, I mean ‘innocent’ voice. She was a child no older than ten, long, silky blonde hair and sky blue eyes that shone with both life and hope, a stark contrast to my own. I would describe her as ‘cute’ but I’ve yet to see a tenten year old girl that wasn’t cute.

This girl was Alice.

Well, I guess she was a special kind of ‘cute’, she was just precious, looking up at me with those big blue eyes with hope and intimacy. Anyway in response to those anticipating glare I gave her a smile.

“Sorry, sorry, I’m up right now. Please stop shaking me.”

“Okay… Hmm? What’s this?”

She reaches her hand underneath the blanket and feels around. What she took out was a small dark bone piece. Immediately she dropped it as a reflex. This must’ve been from my expedition into the dungeon.

“What is that?! A bone?!”

She cries out.

“Must’ve been the work of the… uh… bone… fairy. Yeah, you know that fairy that goes around putting bones under the blankets of good little boys and girls.”

“What is that! That’s scary! I don’t want a bone under my blanket!”

As I say, the image of a miniature skeleton with fairy wings comes to mind, fluttering about in the night and throwing bones at children. That would actually be a little creepy now that I visualize it in my head. Half in tears she was shivering in fear. Kids really will believe in everything if you voice it in a serious tone. They’re so dumb it’s cute.

“Sorry, that was a joke. This was just something I carved out of a rock because I was bored. Don’t pay too much attention to it please.”

I tried to calm her down.

“That’s really creepy, you should stop it.”

“Yes, sorry boss. I’ll get it done by Monday.”

I replied, joking around.

“Whatever, anyway breakfast is ready so hurry up and get dressed.”

She dismisses my joke and tells me. ‘Breakfast is ready’ huh? Up until now I was half thinking that I was actually dead and was in purgatory or something. Such a warm scene first thing in the morning was conducive to my darkness filled heart. What is this girl who is trying to put a damper on the tirelessly erected darkness in my heart?

Was she actually the executive of some powerful merger company? Was that it? Was she trying to take over the newly established ‘Morgant’s darkness’ industries?!

…

Well, jokes aside, I guess it’s time I should start explaining how things have progressed in the last two years. If it wasn’t obvious to you already, No, I’m not actually dead after my last battle with [Nodens]. In that regard, I’m not exactly too sure what happened either, all I remember from that day was that there was a large explosion and then everything was covered in snow.

I dragged my body up from the warmth and comfort of the bed and towards the open window that peered out towards the town. As I stare out I am witness to a tranquil city of concrete and stone that is blanketed by a gentle witness. Pleasant pure flakes fall from the skies softly and cover the town; this was the place known as the city of perpetual snow - [Vertloch Snowdown].

Temperatures that dwell well below 0 could easily be experienced every day and the soft fogs blow as I breath out. Even now, it’s still snow, this place will snow forever. When I observe the streets below I see many mixtures of unique races, all hurrying about to their daily businesses. The most interesting part of this city is that it is not predominantly occupied by [humans]. In fact, on the northern continent, [humans] are the rarest race.

Most of the inhabitants of the northern continents are the various types of [demon] races, followed by [Therianthropes] then [spirits] and [fairies]. At times there are also those from the [Titan], [Elves] and [Dwarven] races that come to do trade and business, especially around cities with ports like ours.

Right, this was how the northern continent was, this was [Vertloch].

Incidentally care to guess who the leader of this continent is? Guess it really isn’t much of a quiz if I already told you the answer ages ago, but the hint is that she’s a certain loli demoness with blazing red hair and eyes in skimpy clothing. If you guessed [Astaroth De Signa] you’re correct! If not, then I don’t know what to say. Really… that whimsical little girl is the queen of the entire continent.

Which begs to ask why such an important figurehead was in some backwards town in [Ariadyne]. Maybe she was just taking a walk and got lost somehow… I really don’t know. Or maybe it was just destiny, she could see people’s destiny after all so maybe she came for me specifically. It is a little comforting to think that, being welcomed into the new world by the demon lord herself.

Usually that’s a flag for the bad end route; a sign that this character will eventually turn into the hero’s greatest rival or nemesis at some point in the storyline. Might as well, I’m half way there since I made the god of this world into my enemy. Well, to be fair he picked a fight with me.

Speaking of which I wonder if they actually exist, things like [Heroes] I mean. There’s a [God] and a [Demon Lord] so it is possible. Then again I doubt Astaroth has ever expressed interest in taking over the world, I feel that’s what [Nodens] is doing instead. I don’t even think Astaroth is doing anything in regards to actually governing this land either. From what I’ve experienced during my stay here, most of the cities of this continent are self-determined, including economics, trade and security.

For the most part it seems to be working relatively well; a continent with little government interference. There may be some small fractures in the system from time to time but overall it’s been very peaceful. This place doesn’t have a system of nobility, meaning everything is up for fair game without status to interfere with people’s lives.

Astaroth herself seems to reside in the capital city known as the [Vertloch Skyreach]. Just as this snow filled town is called the city of perpetual snow, that place is also known as the city of perpetual darkness. As you can guess, that place is always night no matter what time of day, how that actually works is beyond me, magic I guess.

In any case, as I’ve said, the place I’m staying at is an orphanage. Every time I say that the reality of my situation comes back to hit me like a truck. There are some 40-odd children living here. Each one of them having lost their families to their own circumstances, I could only smile at how pathetic I’ve been compared to these strong children when I’m wallowing in regret and sadness.

At the very least, I had my own adult mentality to support me, these children have no such thing. They are the ones that are truly strong.

There are two caretakers in this place. I’ve already introduced the first person, which is Miko. I’ve heard that her odd anomaly that gives her three tails instead of the usual one was the cause of her being an outcast from her tribe. She was a nomadic adventurer type before settling down in this orphanage.

Her stats look something like this.

[Miko. Level 54, Monk]

I’m not entirely sure what kind of class a [Monk] is. Miko usually teaches the kids here self defense and from what I’ve seen she uses blunt type weaponry like, staves or hammers. Anyway she’s a silver furred wolf who’s a tad bit too reliant on violence to solve most of her problems, she’s the kind who would charge into a problem head on without much prior planning. In short the type I’m most weak against.

Thus I try to avoid her as best as possible.

The second caretaker is a complete 180 from Miko, who is both violent and easy to read. Her name is [Diana], a fair skinned human woman with long, silky blonde hair and ruby eyes. Her face was the physical manifestation of ‘purity’ and she usually wears a white variant of the nun’s uniform, complete with the hood.

Personality-wise she’s extremely nice and caring, although if I had to say, she’s also a little enigmatic. Even with my top tier cold reading abilities I can never fully interpret her expressions or inner thoughts behind that never faltering smile of hers. Thus I can’t say that I truly trust her as much as I do with Miko.

Even her status looks like this.

[Diana. Level ???, ???]

Her level and class are all unknown; I don’t believe she’s hiding something too dastardly but I was always a cautious person so I’ve tried my best to not let her read too much into myself either. It was a kind of mutual distrust but with the appearance of pure trust on the outside.

She was the person that picked me up when I first found myself on in the northern continent. She brought me to this orphanage and gave me a place to stay. For that at least, I am eternally thankful. At least on the outside she is a really nice person, so someday I’ll definitely repay her kindness.

Other than that, there’s always three specific children hanging around near me. They were all ‘smart’ enough to approach me even though I had a ‘do not approach’ aura plastered all over me.

The first is that girl from just now. Her name is [Alice]. She’s a boisterous and active girl.

The second child is an [Elven] boy named [Ren]. A rather quiet and reserved boy, though he speaks up when he needs to. Because of their personalities, he and Alice come to clash often until the argument is broken up by either one of the caretakers or myself. He likes to tinker with machinery or gadgets which is in odds with his [elven] nature and knack for magic.

The final child is a meek [demon] girl from the [Lamia] race named [Celina]. She’s often seen with either Alice or myself most of the time though she does have a good relationship with Ren as well.

PART THREE

Walking down the stairs to get to the dining room, I’m met by a familiar, angry, expression. Just like most mornings I’m welcomed to this place by her always upside down smiles. It’s Miko’s bright expression.

Seeing her furious face it must’ve been about last night, usually I like to play innocent to avoid questioning.

“Good morning Miko, how was your morning?”

I could see traces of bags forming under her eyes, but other than that she seems perfectly fine. She’s a little sweaty and had a town hanging from her neck. She usually goes outside to train early in the morning, some children have even started joining her, myself not being one of them.

“Ah~?! How was my morning? I don’t know, why don’t you tell me, you little brat!”

She says with a clearly annoyed tone.

“I apologize, whatever do you mean? I’ve only recently got up and-“

“Cut the crap, I know you went out late at night yesterday, against our words again.”

I’m interrupted but I continue on smiling in front of her. Though I wish I could say it was a false smile, in front of her I really can’t, she’s just too much fun teasing around with and when met with that kind of sincerity I give up. She’s really honest towards me, for that I’m glad to have her around because when she is near me, even if it was only for a small moment, albeit temporarily, the gaps in my heart start to be filled in.

“I’m sorry, I’ve really no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Are you taking me for a fool?! I’ll have you know that I-“

“Now, now, Miko. Why don’t you leave it at that? If Morgant left at night I’m sure he must’ve had a good reason to do so.”

From behind us a very feminine voice had intervened and come to my rescue. It was Diana, with her graceful and mysterious appearance. She was the very definition of ‘womanly’. Her soft voice almost warms my heart, just failing short. Even her figure was perfect, not to mention those voluptuous breasts.

Her blonde hair was tied down in braids reaching past her shoulders.

“Diana, but this brat-“

Miko tries to justify herself but Diana softly gestures her to stop with a smile. She then crouches down and meets me on the eye level. She places her hand on my head softly and gently pats me with a pure smile.

“Morgant, we can’t stop you from leaving at night if that’s really what you want to do but please promise me that you won’t do anything too dangerous. We’re all very worried for you, not just us but your friends as well.”

In reply I give her my own variant of untruthful smile. I think she realizes that I know she’s hiding her true personality behind a persona but pleads ignorance. It’s a routine act between two professionals, but it really is baffling me as to why I can’t exactly pinpoint her true nature. I guess if I could realize why I wouldn’t be so lost like this when dealing with her, I just hope it really is my imagination, but someone so perfect… rarely is that really the case.

“Yes of course. I promise.”

“That’s a good boy. Then shall we go have breakfast?”

“Sure.”

PART FOUR

Life in the orphanage isn’t too bad. Most of the children’s age are between 1 ~ 14. In this world 15 is when you’re considered an actual adult so it’s natural that once you’ve reached that age you leave the orphanage. Some of the children who grew up here and left have occasionally sent money to aid in the financial side of this place.

As for me, even though I’m only ‘ten’, I go around the business sectors of this city and make a small sum of money to help and repay my debts to this place. So because of that and my perceived intellect from the caretakers, my role in this place is rather different from the other children and more akin to a 3rd caretaker.

Think of me as an ‘assistant caretaker’.

During the day Diana and Miko teach the children various life skills that they may need once they graduate from this place. Diana teaches important subjects like math and language while Miko teaches self defense. It’s up to the children what they want to learn after age 10 but before then they are under the care of Diana. I help Diana with teaching the children as well.

Most children after graduation take up an apprenticeship from the people around the city such as smiths, miners, craftsmen, politicians. Some decide that staying in the city isn’t enough for them and take up apprenticeship under traveling merchants or become adventurers and soldiers.

Interestingly, Alice wanted to learn under Miko, though she wasn’t allowed to since she was too young but after much begging, she was finally taught the basics of combat and still to this day continues on.

As for Ren, since he prefers to tinker with gadgets and machinery he usually stays behind and helps with the maintenance of this place. He’s also become like a handyman since his so dexterous. On the side he creates tools to mess around with constantly.

Regardless, back to my original thought. After breakfast I was currently helping out with the studies of the other children. Even children who are a few years older than myself were coming to me with problems they couldn’t solve.

“Mmm~ I don’t get it.”

Besides me was a small, struggling voice that hummed quietly and cutely. It was Celina who was doing her utmost to figure out the problems handed by Diana. I was there to help her out but I guess she had her own pride in trying to solve it herself. Or so I thought until she gave up and asked for help.

“Morgant~ I don’t get this question.

She slides the paper across the table so I could see better. It was a math problem, to be honest, education in this world was lacking across the board so even at the age of tenten there are children who aren’t good with simple maths.

I took a look at the question.

“Let’s see… what’s 5 + 8?”

“I don’t know.”

She gets a little dejected from her inability.

“It’s okay, we can get through together. Let’s break it down, 5 + 5 equals?”

“10…?”

“That’s right, then what’s 10 + 3?”

“Mmm… 13?”

“That’s right! That’s a good girl. You see 8 is just 5 + 3, so if we break it down like that the question was really 5 + 5 + 3.”

As though she had found enlightenment she has a face that told me she understood everything now. I stroke her head as a reward and she smiles muttering ‘ehehe~’ under her breath. It seems the [Lamia] race likes physical contact.

In such a manner our afternoon continued on. Watching the scene of children trying their best to learn and experience new things really did touch me. I was genuinely curious as to what kind of people they would grow up to become, but whether I had the luxury to ever find out was a different question all together.

PART FIVE

For once more, night had fallen and I was about to leave for the forest when I was interrupted by a familiar figure. Myself… or rather Shade was taking the form of myself to stop me. Odd, because Shade’s intentions were to meet me with the entity of malice and dread, yet he takes this form that seeks to hinder me from that goal.

Just what is this cognitive dissonance?

He has a smug smile as he pushes up his glasses. I too do the same in irritation.

“Where do you think you’re going?”

“Where do you think, genius?”

“Mmm~”

Due to my voice, Alice who was sleeping in the bed next to me was on the verge of waking up. So we waited for her to fall back into deep slumber to continue this conversation.

“I won’t stop you but, there is no real reason you need to go alone. You know it don’t you? Those who always protect you from the shadows.”

Of course I had already guessed that. I already knew, probably [Arachna] or the [Ghost King] was following my daily ventures into the dark dungeon in the dark forests. They’re there to make sure I didn’t die, while they weren’t hostile I didn’t know their true motives so I couldn’t trust them completely either.

No, perhaps I knew what they wanted but I tried to ignore it as much as possible. After all I wasn’t here to make friends, but kill enemies. Friends will just drag me down, sure they may be powerful now but against Nodens how much help can they really be?

No… argh dammit, I know, okay? The truth is I don’t want to make friends, because it’s scary. I don’t want to lose more people, so I don’t make any bonds deeper than acquaintances. I’ve lost everything twice, at least if I have nothing then I couldn’t possibly regret it when I just into the fray with Nodens, because when that time comes I will have nothing.

I’m quite self-aware thank you. But I’m also extremely stubborn.

“You may not like it but you have already formed bonds with the people of this place. What do you think will happen if you disappear now? They will grieve and you will scar them more than necessary.”

I shake my head.

“No, these people are merely acquaintances. Even after I’m gone I would only be one of many children to the caretakers and to the children I will only have been a brief friend. They are still young, they will get over my disappearance quickly and adapt. I believe in them to do so.”

“Just how long do you intend to continue with this selfish tantrum of yours? I’m getting annoyed just talking to you.”

“And how long do you intend on haunting me, dead man? I’m also past the point of annoyance with you. But I admit it is fun to let loose my frustrations onto someone like you, for that I’m thankful.”

I reply with a malice filled smile. I’m unhappy talking to him but I feel a weight off my shoulders every time I do. Still, I wasn’t going to be held up here any longer and decided to just ignore him and try walk out of the room.

“Hah…”

I breathe a sigh and place my hands to the center of my face again.

“Morgant…?”

I hear a small voice coming from behind me. Alice was standing behind me, rubbing her eyes as she yawned and grabbed onto the hem of my shirt.

“Alice? You should go to sleep, what are you doing getting up now?”

“Mmm… I just thought you were going to… go somewhere far away…”

I could see small drops of tears so I wiped them away as I activated my [enchanting voice]. I gave her a small hug and whispered into her ears.

“Alice, it’s time for sleep.”

“… Okay… Goodnight.”

She walks back to her bed and resumes her rest.

* * *

I found myself at the edge of the forest, just like last night. I stare up at the red moon and take in the harsh cold air of the night. Wryly mocking myself as I do.

I take one small step forward but then I’m interrupted a third time.

“Where do you think you’re going? Up to here I can sort of let it slide but any further than even I can’t say I won’t hurt you to stop you. Morgant.”

I turn back my head to glance at the owner of the voice. Miko.

At night, my personality is a lot darker and sinister than the one I take on during the day. So as I glare at her with sword like stares, Miko unconsciously takes a step back, but grits her teeth and steps forward once more. She senses a change in my personality and she’s clearly scared but doesn’t turn her back.

So I give her a warning of my own.

“Where I go is none of your concern. Little girl.”

END REPORT

[Status Menu]

Morgant Fallon. Level 63

NECROMANCER

DEMON GENERAL

Strength: 233 (220 + 13)

Dexterity: 12 (5 + 7)

Magic: 29 (5 + 24)

Insight: 124 (100 + 24)

Agility: 11 (5 + 6)

[Status Points: 0]

[Skill List]

(PASSIVE) [Life Force Sensory]: Level 50 (MASTERED)

(PASSIVE) [Toxin Resistance]: Level 39

(PASSIVE) [Undead's Tenacity]: Level 50 (MASTERED)

(AUGMENT) [Enchanting Voice]: Level 34

(ACTIVE) [Life Drain]: Level 50 (MASTERED)

(ACTIVE) [Wither]: Level 35

(ACTIVE) [Decay]: Level 40

(ACTIVE) [Summon - Skeleton Knight]: Level 44

(ACTIVE) [Shadow Lance]: Level 49

(ACTIVE) [Shadow Shield]: Level 46

(ACTIVE) [Summon - Terror of the Depths]: Level 1/Required Level: 100

(SUB SKILL) [Anti-Life Gambit]: Level 35

(SUB SKILL) [Intimidating Roar]: Level 35

(SUB SKILL) [Shield Charge): Level 35

(SUB SKILL) [Fortification): Level 35

(TEMPORARY) [Evil Eye]: Level 50 (MASTERED)

[Equipment]

[Shard of Tyrving]

+ 4 [All Stats]

[Sebastian's Pocket Watch]

+ 3 [Strength]

+ 3 [Dexterity]

+ 3 [Insight]

[Father's Sword Hilt]

+ 6 [Strength]

+ 4 [Insight]

+ 2 [Agility]

[Necronomicon]

+[20 Magic]

+[13 Insight]