It was late in the morning. The sound of hooves clopping could be heard as a brown hooded individual whipped her horse forward while traversing a paved path across a vast grassland.

Emilia had already traveled for three days and rented inns for a brief respite for herself and her steed, but as soon as she would wake-up, she headed off.

How long has it been since Emilia had traveled without guards? Before she didn’t need to worry about being targeted. But now that she was a Queen of a nation, it became a requirement. She herself knew that she was a high profile target compared to other Queens since the Twilight Kingdom was known for its military might.

That fact however, was only a small portion of Emilia’s worry. Even the fact that she might get chastised for suddenly leaving was something she worried little about. Right now, she wanted to clear the muddling sensation in her chest, and to do that, she wanted to see Lazarus.

Reisha was fine since Emilia directed her maid to give Falon the letter and asked him to tell Veyron to protect Reisha in her steed. There shouldn’t be any major events coming up since Reisha’s party went without much problems.

“Haa-...” Emilia sighed. Even when she’d arrive at Erelune, what then? She knew she couldn’t just enter without caution as she could get infected with Lazarus’ disease, but at the same time she had to see him and hug him to let him know she loved him deeply.

-’ But if I infect everyone else for doing that then-...’-

The consequence would be dire.

Emilia shook her head and focused her eyes on the path. She’d rather think about what she wanted to do after she gets there.

Would he still be displeased with her?

Would he be happy?

Thinking about these questions filled Emilia’s heart with anxiety. She couldn’t stomach a hateful look from Lazarus. But at the same time, she’d understand if he did.

After being locked away for two years in the farthest corner of the castle, he was then thrown into an unknown place far from the Kingdom. As a mother, she knew she already failed him.

-’Do I really deserve to see him after all I’ve done?’-

Emilia’s grip on the lead loosened. She felt a pit in her stomach and she just stared idly at the path.

Emilia shook her head once more. She’d already traveled this far…she couldn’t turn back now.

But still, she couldn’t help but think back to the days leading up to Lazarus' exile…

—-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A few days before Lazarus’ exile–

Emilia stared at the stack of papers. Her chin rested in the heel of her palm as the soft beam of sunlight revealed the dust particles floating peacefully in the air. Glancing at the sentence on the paper, the words, ‘as regretful I am of this, I must resign to–’ came to view. Emilia sighed.

“What do I do..?”

Resignation was the least of her worries. At the very least, the paper didn’t stack up as much as it did a few years ago.

Still–

The King and Queen of the Azure Kingdom, King Lionel II Vel Dracus and Queen Aurelia Vel Dracus are both coming here to celebrate Reisha’s victory in the grand magic tournament as well as her 8th birthday. Veyron and Emilia herself had tried over the years to invite them and yet they declined because they feared Lazarus’ disease.

They were once close allies and relations had been strained since then. Veyron saw the decline of their invitation as a sleight to him and the kingdom so he too rejected several invitations from them saying ‘To keep them safe from the manaless virus I will refrain from setting foot in their kingdom.’ Of course King Lionel saw through this as Veyron was wielding his arcane magic freely.

Then a few merchants were ordered not to enter the Twilight Kingdom as coming back might mean bringing in the disease. The Twilight Kingdom in turn, cut off the supply of soldiers stating that these soldiers were in contact with the King who was close to Lazarus.

A small tit for tat between the two and now the trade between the Kingdoms and support became very strained.

Emilia had been wanting an opportunity to stop this and it did come.

Reisha paved a path to communications when she showed immense potential. The Azure Kingdom wanted a powerful ally, and the Twilight Kingdom sought better trade opportunities as food supply had been thinning due to the bad soil. The only thing the Twilight Kingdom was known for was its military strength and they dispatched several guards and powerful mages to assist allied kingdoms.

“Haaa-....” Emilia clutched her face. Now Reisha, the catalyst of the meeting, was sick… They couldn’t tell the Azure Kingdom what happened as it will possibly strain the relationship so much it will be irreparable.

At best, they could hope Reisha would recover before they arrived as Emilia had already received news that they were already heading over and are due to arrive in a week.

What now? The problem was with Lazarus. No way were they going to be able to suppress the rumors about him infecting the Crown princess who just won the Grand magic tournament. They had failed years ago, so how would it be any different? The only saving grace was that most of the people recovered completely from the illness– but those that didn’t…

Emilia sighed.

There were a few who had permanently damaged their mana reserves and only had half of what they initially had.

Then there was Reisha…

Just thinking about her made Emilia feel choked. Reisha always did as she was told and on the surface was calm and restrained. She never asked for much.

Yet, the truth was that she was always lonely and a bit selfish at times.

Her beloved daughter won at the grand magic tournament. Every noble now knows her and her prowess. She had limitless potential and yet… it might all be robbed from her.

What if she doesn’t recover?

Emilia shook her head. What should she do about the upcoming party? No-.. that didn’t matter. Reisha was-...

Emilia stood up. Staying cramped up in the room was not doing her any good. And having her thoughts all over the place would do more harm than good.

She left the room with one destination in mind.

After walking for a while, Emilia arrived at the palace gardens. The gust of wind blew on her lustrous black hair and she was forced to hold down her skirt, but it soon calmed.

Emilia took in the minty fresh air and the scent of morning due filled her lungs. She exhaled then took one more deep breath and let her senses be filled with whatever nature would offer her.

It calmed her down to a degree and unraveled the tight knot she felt was tied around her head.

Upon opening her eyes, green filled her vision and she glanced at the small marble table in the middle.

…

It was as if it was yesterday…

She could see the visage of herself seated on the chair and on her lap was the child with her black hair and ice blue eyes. She had not seen him in two years. Emilia’s heart tightened.

Every time she’d read his letters, a wave of guilt would assault her coupled by a sense of longing.

When was the last time she held him in her arms? When had she last heard of his voice?

“Lazarus…” Emilia muttered softly and put a hand to her chest to try and ease the ache. And yet, she felt the pain dig deeper.

“Lady Emilia.” A voice called out but Emilia was too deep in thought.

The grass crunched and Emilia felt the presence behind and turned to face the man with purple hair, squared framed glasses and blue vest who was giving her a deep bow.

“Falon?”

“His highness calls for you.”

Emilia went numb.

“Is something the matter?” Falon asked, as he raised his head. “You seem as if you’ve seen a ghost.”

Dread filled Emilia’s heart. She had wanted to think about this some more-... it was too soon.

“H-he’s already arrived?” She asked, despite knowing full well the answer to her question.

Falon stared at her for a moment, studying her, before saying curtly, “Yes.”

“Is he…aware?”

“Yes.”

Emilia gulped.

—---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The large wooden table, the many porcelain vases to the side and the unique furniture in the room seemed so worthless. Then again, this was the meeting room and everything in here was to show their status. Still, Emilia refused to look at the man seated across her on the other far end of the table.

“Dear…” The man across from her muttered in a deep and regretful voice. She had not heard him say those words with so much emotion for several years now.

The last time Emilia heard him speak to her so gently was when Emilia herself was bloodied. She vaguely remembers being held by him and behind him, where many corpses of soldiers riddled the ground. Was he crying back then? Emilia couldn’t tell as it was raining heavily.

Yet, one thing she was sure of was the ever so gentle voice that her rigid husband spoke with… Emilia could never forget that. And he had the same tone now.

Emilia had no choice but to look at him. The man with blond hair and bright green eyes. Veyron Valheart, the love of her life and her dearest husband.

“We must decide what to do with-... Lazarus.”

!

Emilia’s eyes became glassy. When was the last time this man said that child’s name?

“Wha-what d-do you mean..?” Emilia replied in a shaky voice. She placed a hand on her mouth upon awareness and looked away.

“We cannot let this go on forever…” Veyron said, his voice low and hands clenched to a fist. “You know what I mean…”

Emilia knew that Veyron was hurting… Not for Lazarus. But for Emilia herself…

The door to the room clicked open and closed. Falon entered. He gave a deep bow to Veyron first, and then turned to face Emilia gave her a deep bow as well. The two didn’t spare him a glance.

It didn’t bother the man and he simply turned to the King and asked,

“Have you told her of my suggestion yet?”

“No.” The King answered curtly. And as if expecting this turn of events, Falon looked at Emilia who was now looking at him with brows furrowed.

“What suggestion?”

The King and Falon shared a glance. The King nodded and having been given permission, Falon nodded his head and said,

“To exile the young prince.”

!?

“””NO!”””” Emilia shouted, slamming the table and standing up quite abruptly that her chair was thrown back violently.

“My love…” Veyron said softly, not meeting Emilia’s accusing gaze and merely looking at the table. “Have you seen Reisha..?”

“No-..But what does that hav-”

“This is not a decision I have made because I loathe Lazarus. No. Neither is it a decision I’ve made as a King looking to protect his Kingdom…It is a decision I am inclined to make after I have seen our daughter-...”

Emilia’s eyes widened in disbelief. “You went to see her?? Isn’t that dangerous!? What would you have done had you been infected too!?”

“As a father, I had to. And that-.. That was the only time I chose to be a father first before a King…”

Silence filled the room and Emilia felt her heart crumbling just imagining the scene of Veyron looking at a very sick Reisha.

Despite the sorrow she felt, to hear him say that–It made her happy. Never had she seen Veyron so vulnerable and it was all for their daughter. It might be because Reisha was a prodigy that far surpassed him but still… Emilia knew Veyron’s past and knew for a very long time he did not view family as she did and she accepted that… but now? He had done something so uncharacteristic of him and went to see Reisha…

For him to finally see from her perspective. It really made her happy.

But still– it was dangerous. What would he have done had he lost his mana?

He would surely be broken as his power meant so much to him. Emilia never wanted to see that and it made her seethe. It felt like a torrent of emotions were whirling inside of her and nothing made sense anymore…

Falon stepped forth and said,

“There were a couple of maids who had lost their mana as well, however they were not bedridden. We purposely stationed the maids with very little mana pool and seemed to have minimal effects on them other than the loss of some strength… They–”

“Did you allow him to go there??”

Falon’s eyes widened. He didn’t expect to be given such a hateful gaze from the Queen.

“I ask again. As the royal advisor, you let the King of the Twilight Kingdom risk himself for no reason at all?” Emilia said in a cold and even tone.

Falon adjusted himself and explained,

“I’ve made countermeasures to make sure the young Princess won’t affect anyone and made sure that his highness was well protected. To be precise, I put a barrier on her door.”

Veyron cleared his throat, prompting Emilia to look at him with furrowed brows, “Indeed…We’ve made sure it was safe for me to visit…”

“I see.” Muttered Emilia with a sigh.

“In any case…” Said Veyron, downcasting his gaze. “Fact of the matter is… Reisha is not doing too well… I had to see for myself. The barrier Falon put up should make it safe for you.”

The Queen's gaze seemed to soften as she asked, “When you saw her… How-.. I mean, can you describe her for me..?”

“Reisha was sweating non-stop and seems to be in a lot of pain…”

“To add to that. From what I’ve gathered from the maids who were sick before, it seems like the pain and weakness one experiences is proportional to the mana pool size of the person. The maids with little mana pool just felt slightly weakened and dizzy, while those that had average sized mana pool were crying and moaning in pain whilst having very strong fevers… I suspect their bodies are used to relying more on their mana and so the damage is most felt by those who rely on them the most. In contrast to that, the ones who barely had any mana don’t rely as much so their bodies don’t suffer as much as well.”

Emilia’s eyes only grew wider as Falon explained. Reisha’s mana pool was even bigger compared to that of an average adult whilst still being a child.

So that means…

Veyron looked down. “You must see her for yourself.”

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

There she was….

Behind a thin transparent blue film of light that surrounded half of the room, was Reisha on the bed and a couple of maids that tended to her.

Even from where she stood, Emilia could see the tears on Reisha’s cheeks, her heavy breathing and the sweat that dripped profusely from her forehead that a maid kept wiping away.

!

“Kuh-! N-no..!” Reisha’s body jerked up. She winced and clutched her chest.

“W-what's happening!?” Emilia shouted and the maids just stood there. One of the maids walked up to her from beyond the barrier and said,

“The princess has been suffering like this. She would jerk from the pain and it seems to be getting worse everyday…”

Hearing her voice, Reisha looked to Emilia, tears streaming down from her cheeks.

“M-mommy! I-it’s not big brother’s fault-.. I– Hurk!!” Reisha curled to a ball and sobbed.

Emilia could feel her world falling apart as she muttered. “Reisha…”

“No matter what we try… it just keeps getting worse…” Said the maid.

Adrenaline shot through Emilia’s veins when she saw Reisha’s arm suddenly dangle lifelessly. She screamed, “What happened!? Reisha is..!”

“Your majesty, she merely fainted from the pain. We will try our best to ease her pain… The King has already sent a messenger to ask for The last of the white fox clan to be brought here as well as sending a messenger to negotiate for an Azalea–”

“I don’t care! Just-.. Just… Reisha-...” Emilia pushed the barrier and placed a hand on where she could see Reisha’s face. She stayed for a good while and Reisha finally regained consciousness.

Reisha coughed a couple of times and looked weakly to Emilia with half-opened eyes,

“M-mommy?” her voice was soft, almost a whisper. She truly was so weakened that Emilia could hardly believe this was the feisty child who refused to give up in the grand magic tournament.

“Reisha my love-...” Muttered Emilia, “Mommy is here for you. So please-.. Get some rest.”

“I-I’ll try…” Reisha replied weakly, then she looked back to Emilia and asked, “How is big brother?”

Emilia held a hand to her mouth as a torrent of emotions assaulted her. Her beloved daughter still seemed concerned for her big brother despite being in so much pain.

Reisha blinked a few times and then fell asleep once more before Emilia could give her reply.

Emilia left the room and went back to the meeting room.

“How long has she been like this?”

“A couple of days ago.” Said Falon.

“What can we do for her?”

Falon reiterated that they already sent someone to get the last of the white fox clan, as well as sent some people to negotiate with the Elves for an Azalea flower. And-

“Another solution that we have is, as I’ve said before… is to Exile the young prince.”

Emilia frowned “How will that help?”

“The young Princess’ condition has been getting worse. At the very least, we can remove the source of the disease from here, to prevent this from ever happening again and maybe-.. Just maybe ease the Princess’ suffering.”

He was right. Emilia knew that if Lazarus remained here, it was only a matter of time before someone else was infected. She knew it and yet… she couldn’t bring herself to do that to him.

But at the same time, just remembering Reisha thrashing in pain…

“I plan to exile the young prince to a remote location where he will be safe…To Everlune. Just so no one else will be infected. And at the same time, provide him with some necessities from time to time. Much like what we have done for Reisha before.”

Emilia looked at him. “So he will be safe?”

“Yes.”

Emilia loved Lazarus. She loved him with all of her heart… but at the same time, she loved Reisha just as much. He had been in isolation for two years and yet now he was being exiled?

Emilia shook her head. It was to protect Reisha… and not only Reisha but her husband, Anastasia and Clovis as well and even the people of the Twilight Kingdom. And he will be safe right?

“Do not worry your highness. I will be visiting the young prince from the location from time to time, I’ll make sure of it.”

This was for Reisha’s sake. As long as Lazarus is safe… But won’t he be lonely?

Emilia felt her hands trembling. Why did she have to choose between them?

But the fact remained.

Reisha was a prodigy, Lazarus was-...just manaless.

Looking at it like that, it was clear who was more valuable to society. But as a mother, she loved them both equally. She loved how Lazarus was kind and thoughtful and in contrast to that, she also adored Reisha for being headstrong and level headed, despite being a bit spoiled in truth.

“Haa-...” Emilia sighed, and downcast her gaze. If she loved them both equally, then shouldn’t she consider other factors?

Reisha was someone who would one day lead the Kingdom, she would inherit the crown. She was also a genius whom many of the other royalties envied, and it was a sense of pride for Emilia. Meanwhile, Lazarus was someone who would be pushed to the sides.

With those things in mind, it was clear who was more important.

And it wasn’t like she was just choosing Reisha no, it was to protect everyone in her family. Lazarus would be safe so it was fine.

Lazarus…

Reisha…

If she really had to choose….

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was already night time and Emilia was in a small wooden room she rented from a nearby inn in a village she entered.

“I should arrive at Erelune tomorrow.” She muttered to herself as she took off the cloak and placed it on a small table. She sat herself on the bed and looked outside the window to see the vast grasslands veiled in the shade of the night.

Did she deserve to see her beloved child?

The dreadful question popped-up once more.

Smiling bitterly to herself she muttered softly, “Of course I don’t… I chose Reisha over him. I have no right…”

Emilia covered her face with her hands and sobbed softly.

Still… she wanted to see the boy she loved so much.

She hoped he would forgive her.

Lazarus doesn’t know this yet, but she promised she would tell him in the future. This was her punishment.

Emilia sobbed quietly and covered herself in the blanket to try and ease her guilt.

—---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The next day Emilia arrived at an area with abandoned houses and fences. She whipped her horse forward and it continued inside an entrance to a forest.

After traveling for a few minutes, she arrived at a clearing. In the middle of the clearing was a wall of tall wooden fences several meters tall. As Emilia approached the walls, she frowned.

“Why..?”

She was supposed to sense some sort of mana barrier in place but there wasn’t.

Emilia stopped her horse and jumped down. After heading close to the gate’s entrance, her eyes widened as she felt her stomach drop to her knees.

“I-..it can’t be…”

The gate was destroyed…

The door to the cabin was blown off, and there were scorch marks all over the cabin and every single window was broken.

Emilia ran inside. “Lazarus!! Where are you!?”

There was no response.

Emilia ran up the stairs and went into every room. “Lazarus!!”

Nothing.

“N-no… this can’t be… No…please… don’t do this to me..” She pleaded and tried opening the cabinets. Nothing.

Tears welled-up in the corner of her eyes as she ran back to every corner of the cabin and shouted the name of her beloved child. The image of his smile, flashing in every corner she looked.

“Lazaruss!!” She screamed at the top of her lungs.

Was this her punishment?

Emilia shook her head and clenched her fist, “Erismu, tiasu!” several golden runes appeared in each of her limbs and she jumped down from the window on the second floor.

“Lazarus! Where are you?? Mommy is here!” She tried futilely.

Having heard no response, Emilia crouched down and shot through the air, jumping up to a branch of a tree several meters tall.

“Lazarus! Please, answer me! Please!!” Emilia shouted and shouted as she jumped from branch to branch, but to no avail.

Dark clouds were starting to converge, slowly covering the sky. Yet, Emilia continued her search.

No matter what. She was determined to find Lazarus.

—---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was loud, and bustling with people. Screams could be heard coupled with jumpy music.

“That was fun!!” Lazarus looked at Rex who was hunched down and staring at a puddle of brown gooey substance on the pavement.

“J-just a second I-..Bruwarggh!!”

“Eww.. Why are you barfing that much..?”

Rex gave Lazarus the stink eye. “Even if it's virtual reality, I still get nauseous.. The-..wait-..Bruwaarrrhhh!”

After a couple more barfs. Rex finally calmed down enough.

“Haa-...Ha-... I-..I’m done. No more roller coasters please…”

“O-okay… can I try that?” Lazarus pointed to the Ferris wheel. Rex eyed it for a moment and shook his head.

“Please let me rest. It’s been two hundred years since I last went to an amusement park.”

“Alright…” Muttered Lazarus with a sag of his shoulders.

“Haa-..” Rex sighed, wiping his mouth and adjusting his glasses. “I can’t believe you're the same depressed child just several weeks ago.”

“But everything’s new…”

“Yeah, so much stuff to try right? This amusement park was made in the 20th century. You’ve yet to try the new ones.” Rex smiled ruefully. ”But if you could, how about riding them by yourself next time?”

“But I want you there…” Lazarus started kicking the ground making Rex sigh in defeat.

“Alright alright… sheesh. Oh right, I forgot to mention. Your body has almost completely recovered so you’d need to log-out from time to time. I already showed you how.”

“When do I need to do that?” Lazarus casually pointed to the ferris wheel which made Rex seize-up, then sighing with a nod.

The two then walked to the direction as Rex said,

“A week from now. I’d bet you’d be in for a surprise!”

“How come?”

“Well, your body is stronger now. I’ve added a few gimmicks here and there and-...” He leaned in closer to Lazarus who’s eyes shined as he leaned-in to hear. “It’s a secret.”

“What!? Come-on! Just tell me!” He clutched Rex’ shirt. But the man merely shook his head. “Nope! You’ll have to find out for yourself. Still, how long has it been already?”

“Hmm… almost a year?” Lazarus tilted his head to which Rex shook his head.

“No, I think it’s only been three weeks.”

“Huh..?”

“You see, time here in VR passes by faster. Ten years here is one year outside. So, it might seem that several months have passed already but in truth, only three weeks have passed.”

“Woahhh….” Lazarus just stared in amazement at Rex before turning his gaze everywhere else.

The two stopped in-front of an employee who let them in. Lazarus and Rex took seats across from each other and the employee closed the door and they started their ascent.

“You see. I plan to teach you all about the things you need to learn. But before that, I wanted you to have a normal school life here. You’ll be starting your elementary school years soon.”

“Oh okay. Woah!! Look! We’re getting higher and higher!” Lazarus pointed to the buildings beneath them. Rex chuckled.

“I’ll spare you the details later, for now, just enjoy yourself.”

It was then that Lazarus looked to Rex, then he looked to the floor before steeling himself and looking back to the scientist.

“Thank you-.. for saving me… I-”

Rex raised a palm. “It was more of a selfish whim on my part, don’t fret over it.”

Lazarus smiled and continued to look outside.

And as Rex gazed gently at Lazarus with a smile, he thought,

-’It was you who saved me. Not the other way around.’-

“Huehuehuehue…”

“You’re doing it again.” Lazarus pointed out.

“D-doing what? I did nothing!”

“That creepy smile and strange laughter!”

“Hey leave me alone! You don’t know what isolation can do to a man who’s lived for so long!”

“But do you have to hunch down and move your entire body as you laugh creepily?”

“I did it as a joke and before I knew it, it became a hobby. Don’t judge me!”

Lazarus looked at him weirdly.

Rex scowled.

They both laughed.

“Still, I wonder if anyone is looking for you right now?”

Lazarus' smile turned flat, then he looked down as he smiled bitterly. “I don’t think so... Nobody would probably even remember me.”

The image of his mother flashed across his mind, making him smile sarcastically.

She agreed to his exile. So whatever happens to him is none of her concern any longer. And as he was told, he already died. To Lazarus, that day was the very same day that Lazarus Valheart died.

Today, he is only Lazarus. For some reason, he felt a muddling sensation in his chest at this thought. Still, he didn’t care. It was the truth, a truth that Lazarus would keep in his heart. And that truth was that he was exiled. He was alone now.

A shadow loomed over the eyes of the young boy but he kept smiling.

“Are you sure?” Rex asked incredulously.

Lazarus thought for a moment. And then he muttered. “Maybe-... Reisha.”

It was then that the image of the clingy younger sister who went out of her way for those two years popped into his head. Just remembering her bright smile somehow made him feel some comfort.

“Who’s she?”

“My younger sister.”

“In any case, I can’t wait for next week.” Said Rex.

Lazarus just gave him a look that silently asked ‘Why’

Rex smiled. “You’ll find out soon enough when you log out.”

A week passed after their trip at the amusement park and Lazarus was told to log-out by Rex. At that moment, the child felt his body become afloat and everything turned pitch black.

Lazarus opened his eyes, and pushed the black helmet that was put on his head. A motion he’d already practiced, and while it was weird, he had used a virtual reality helmet in VR itself just to get familiar with the functionalities and how it worked. He still didn’t fully understand it, but he knew enough of how it generally worked.

After taking the helmet off, Lazarus blinked a couple of times and looked around.

The place was dark, lights were blinking in and out.

Lazarus continued to dart his eyes from left to right, then he stopped. There were torn limbs. But upon closer inspection, they were metal limbs.

Lazarus frowned. How could he see so clearly? How could his body feel so light? He pushed himself up from the surgical table and moved his limbs. He looked at his hands and it was there. He inspected his body and everything was fine, other than his tattered and torn clothes.

-=“How do you feel?”=- A voice said in Lazarus’ mind. It was clear and just the right volume. It was the voice of his father, Rex.

“I feel…light and refreshed.” The boy muttered. Then he continued to look around, there were glowing green liquid substances around the floor. Not only that, there were pieces of machinery scattered around and wires on the rooftop were sparking. There were scratch marks everywhere as if a wild animal had been in here and tore at every corner of the steel floor and ceiling.

From the looks of things, the damage seemed recent.

It was as if a giant went on a rampage in this room.

“What happened here?”

-= “Oh-... the pieces on the floor are the parts of the security bot. And as for what happened here… well, you did this.” =-

“I-..what..?”

That was impossible. Lazarus had no such strength to do such things. He glanced at the steel wall that was ripped open and bent in a semicircle state.

“Believe it or not, you really did this. And–”

*Bzzzt*

Lazarus jolted and looked at his hands.

*Bzzzt* *Crackle* Electricity coursed through his arms and it made him jump and scream, “Uwaah! What the heck!?”

A screen appeared in Lazarus' vision with the words.

[Weapon selection]

His eyes widened.

-= “Sorry, I kinda messed with your body a bit. Anyway, that’s not what I wanted you to see. Take a look at this” =-

Another screen popped over the weapon’s list display. It then began playing a video. As it continued to play, Lazarus' eyes continued to grow wider and wider. The moment it was done, another screen popped-up, displaying a man with keen black hair and wore a lab coat.

He smiled.

-= “See? I told you that you did this!” =-

Then all the screens closed, and Lazarus gazed back to the damaged room.

The flickering lights suddenly stopped, and then it stabilized, revealing a large steel object with a shape that resembled a bedford truck. It was dented and battered and-...

The hulking steel security bot was mangled beyond repair.