As I pondered over how to deal with the problems which had just cropped up in my masterful plan, I slowly unsheathed my rapier. I focused on the two now ‘cured villagers’ and began to walk towards them. They were currently fast asleep on some mats laid down on the ground, purification magic does tend to take a toll on the young and the old. Serenity said they’d be better off dead, so why not? I’m a good guy after all. As I drew closer, Gant and Mary took notice of my actions. Before I could get close enough to deal with the soon-to-be shadows, Gant barred my way, taking a defensive stance with that big lump of metal he calls a sword levelled towards me. I couldn’t help but sigh at his misguided actions. By defending them he was just making their lives more miserable, and he was also getting in my way.

“Cyne, stand down!” ordered Gant.

I could feel my eye twitch. He had quite some nerve giving me orders, we were technical on equal standing during this trip as comrades. I was starting to feel rather irritated. Shouldn’t he know that I wouldn’t do something without good cause… or a big enough sum of cash?! Well, we’ve only been together for a short time I suppose, and it’s obvious a holy knight would have problems with the act of slaughtering innocent villagers, especially an elderly person and child. Wait… this could be a good opportunity! If he attacks first it’ll be legitimate self-defence and the church will probably let me off, although I don’t think those belonging to the holy knight faction would be all too pleased, Gant’s one of the first geniuses they’ve had in quite a few decades. As long as I make some excuse involving heretics, I’m sure everything will be fine.

“Umm… Cyne, what are you doing?” asked a meek Mary.

I realised that I’d just been standing there for quite a while, smiling at Gant with my weapon unsheathed. I really should stop letting my mind wander while interacting with others. Now… how to provoke an attack?

“It’s really quite simple Mary. Gant you should listen well too. On my recent trip to the nearby pagan ruins, I found something rather interesting. It was an old tome. After flicking through the dusty thing, I came across some information in regards to shadows you see.” I began.

After hearing that the situation was related to shadows the two seemed to lower their guards slightly and began to listen more attentively. Hehehe, this is good. If I spin this tale well enough, I’ll become the hero who informed the kingdom of the upcoming shadow uprising, almost guaranteeing my spot on the heroes’ party. I licked my lips before continuing, looking at both the young and innocent face of Mary and dim face of Gant. They both seem to be paying attention, good! I’ll continue my tale now.

“The book held details on how shadows come into being. Apparently it’s due to corruption by natural magical energy, which this area is rather dense in, at least according to what was written. It also held details on who was the most susceptible to this corruption, and how to identify it.”

Hehehe… I don’t really know how to go on from here… Serenity, a little help please?

Why would you proceed with deception if you had no idea how to go about it?

Don’t be so cold! Help a friend out, I did save your life after all.

…Fine. Lucky for you, there are some physical symptoms on both these villagers, although they rarely appear in the majority of cases. Look at the slight blackening of their nails. It’s not dirt, but instead a manifestation of the natural energy that’s invade their bodies. The elderly one also has strands of black hair amidst the majority of white, yet another sign.

You’re the best Serenity! Next time you need anything, and I mean anything, I’ll be at your service. Luck is on my side yet again! I proceeded to explain the symptoms to both Mary and Gant.

“Can we see this tome?” asked Gant.

“My sincerest apologies comrade, but I burned it after I’d finished reading. It was short sighted of me I know, but it was still scripture of an old pagan god. As an inspector, I can’t let such heretical texts continue to exist. It would be an affront to Sol!” I explained.

That should do it! I feel like I really captured my devotion to Sol there, in which case he can’t really reprimand me. Not that he has the authority to. A large frown spread across his face as he started to display a pondering look. Is he trying to use his brain? I wonder if I should tell him to take it easy. Oh, he’s stopped… and now he’s looking at Mary.

“What do you think Mary?” asked Gant.

Really Gant? You’re leaving the decision making to a child? You’re not a very responsible person you know.

“I… I don’t think Cyne is lying… but I don’t think we should kill them either. They did nothing wrong!” replied Mary.

Alright, now that it’s clearly established that we’re in opposition I guess a conflict can now break out. Joyous days! With this opportunity I can kill Gant, and maybe even Mary. Now to continue the act.

“I’m sorry you two, but I’ll do what I think is right. Leaving them alive will just bring harm to the village in the future and prolong their suffering. Killing them now would be sparing them of a fate far worse than death. Would either of you want to become such wretched, twisted beings? Instead of living a life in the light of Sol, they’ll spend it wallowing in the darkness of despair, hunger and insanity. Even if I have to kill you both to spare them of such a fate, I will do so with a clear conscience and an open heart.”

Now that it’s established that they’re in the wrong, let the fight begin. Wait… why are they standing down? Both Mary and Gant seemed to be moved to tears by my speech. They had ashamed looks on their faces and shared a glance before nodding.

“You’re truly a strong and righteous man, Cyne. I misjudged you. Please do what you can for these two poor souls. I do not have the heart to strike them down myself” said Gant, tears trickling down his face as he looked to the two sleeping villagers.

Mary grabbed his shirt and led him out of the building, with her face also clearly contorted with sadness… She looked back just before they’d exited the door way.

“Cyne… *sniff* I-I thought you were a bad person before… I’m sorry. But I can see that you’re actually really kind an caring now!... That’s why you can do so many difficult things but still feel content with the result. After you finish, let’s go back to the city.”

…I felt like punching a wall. Why didn’t they try to stop me?! Shouldn’t they doubt me a little more? They did hear about what happened at the inn right? They’re supposed to think that I’m a bad guy. They were supposed to suspect that my intentions were sinister! Dammit! I strode over toward the peacefully sleeping villagers, furious but still keeping that pleasant smile. I thrust my blade through both of their hearts, sealing their fates. I knelt down and burned their bodies to ash as they stared at me wide eyed, their gazes full of confusion, fear and pain. Guess that little jab woke them up.

Cleaning my blade till not even a speck of blood remained, I left the building, walking over to my comrades who were still weeping. Mary looked up at me here eyes red.

“Did they feel any pain?” she asked in a trembling voice.

Well… yeah. I mean I finished them off by burning them before they were properly dead. You can’t blame me, I was angry that my scheme had failed.

“No, they passed away peacefully while still asleep.” I comforted her.

It seems that statement did Gant a good deal of good as well. He finally manned up and stopped crying. Turning his head in my direction, he gave a grateful nod. Yeah, yeah, you’re welcome you big idiot.

“Something troubles me still Cyne.” Said Gant.

Did he realise something? Will there still be a chance to kill off the competition. I had to suppress my feeling, holding back an expression full of glee.

“What is it Gant” I responded.

“Those people were turning into shadows… doesn’t that only happen when a shadow uprising is about to occur.” said Gant.

Well he hit the nail on the head, but didn’t go in the direction I wanted him to. This whole situation has just been one disappointment after another. In response to Gant’s question I nodded. Both he and Mary paled.

“We have to return and inform the kingdom as soon as possible!” exclaimed Gant.

Mary began to vigorously nod her head in agreement. Looks like we’ll be heading back with due haste. No more opportunities to get rid of these two… I’ll just have to make a good impression on the heroes. While I’m at it, I can sabotage everyone else, because… why not? In the case of Gant and Mary, it’ll help my cause and in the case of the rest… well it might make me look a bit better if everyone else makes a fool of themselves.

“I agree Gant, let’s return immediately”

With that all three of us headed to the carriage, bidding the village chief farewell as we passed his house. He seemed a bit relieved to see us go, Gant and Mary must not have made a very good impression on him. I stifled a sigh as I thought about the journey ahead. We’d all agreed that to reduce the travelling time we’d make no stops, so the next few days would all be spent in that carriage. It’ going to be dull.

Serenity, do you know any good games to play on the road?

No.

Ok… do you want to learn some games that we can play on the road?

Not especially. The amount of time I can spend interacting with you is limited at the moment. I’m still getting used to living in your body and need to spend most of my time awake gathering natural magical energy to strengthen my consciousness.

This trip was going to be veeeeeeerrrrrryyyyy boring. Suddenly my head flared up with pain as images, diagrams and texts flashed before my eyes. I could feel as they burned their way into my mind, and halted for a moment before continuing on when Gant and Mary gave me questioning gazes. What in Sol’s name was that?!

It looks like you’ll have time on your journey. Utilise it to practice the spell I just showed you. Currently it’s the only one you can learn from me and is by far the weakest that I know, although you can utilise it in quite a few ways.

Thanks. But give me some bloody warning next time! It hurt! A lot! And why are you only teaching me your weakest spell?

Duly noted, and in answer to your question, currently your control over magical energy only allows you to cast tier 5 spells. A spirit’s spells aren’t ranked, but the one I just gave you is the equivalent to that of a tier 5.

Fantastic! Another tier 5 spell to add to the arsenal. Maybe today wasn’t too bad. At least I’ll have something to do on the way back to Sol city.