Chapter 38: Between Honor and Ruin

In the inside of a big chamber, yet empty by nature, stood three people, all resting on their own chairs.

A proud Knight, with a will of gold and honor of iron. His silver hair looked to be carved by the gods, and his sharp eyes, so emotionless, but at the same time so misleading. For some, they were a beacon of hope, of conviction, but others could see the truth behind them.

A cunning Witch, outcast by her people only because of her title. Her crimson eyes seemed to be rubies stolen from a mine, and her violet hair was like a rare violet, from one of the most dangerous corners of the world, yet untouched.

And the last was a Fool. Someone unknown to most, like he didn’t exist, had the power to make things that shouldn’t exist happen. How ironic. His blonde hair looked like rays of sun, and beneath them was a grand sea, one that at this time was calm, but something was hiding deep within it.

But what could these three different personalities all do in one place, and what was happening exactly? Who was going to break the silence?

Aether’s eyes twitched, which wasn’t uncommon, since it was it tic from ever since he was a child; he still didn’t know what caused it, it happened at random times, but if he had to blame it on something right now, it would be because he was feeling really anxious.

Their discovery of Abyssal creatures being used as fuel was big, but one knew what to feel about it.

“At least we dont have to kill humans, I think we should try.”

Avrie was the first to talk, telling her idea of continuing the research for the greater good, but also because she was very interested in the researchers and their ways. Her hand movement matched her tone, both trying to convince them to accept.

“Avrie, you’re young, so I won’t scold you. But we cant do that, even if we used Abyssal creatures, it won’t be enough to save the whole world, and then there’s the problem of keeping it intact.”

Elpis crossed his arms, denying any of Avrie’s negotiations with his authority.

But the Witch wasn’t going to go down so easily.

She raised her hands and spread her fingers, trying to defend herself and find a way to escape his attack.

“You’re right, but that doesn’t mean we cant find a way to create something to fuel it ourselves. The Queen did, why cant we?”

Elpis scoffed, which surprised Avrie.

“The queen is a breaker, and the Abyss’s vessel, and we were just a bunch of readers. These researchers, who had failed before us, were the now Knights of the Queen. Do you really think we can beat them? Your delusional Avrie.”

The Witch had let her arms fall, speechless by his words.

Someone else who was also speechless was The Fool, but not for the same reason.

’Knights?’

The same knights who ruled over their own zones inside the second ring. Those knights, who had previously been the Children of Praise… just like him.

J. is one of them, he, well, not him, but the previous owner of the role he took over, knew the reserchers, like they were buddies, when you combine that with the God of Praise helping him all of the sudden, it all made sense.

He was a Vessel of Praise, having to go against the Vessel of the Abyss. How ironic.

Of course, all of the Children of Praise were her vessels, so that didn’t mean he was special; he could have been the weakest out of all. But he had to say, Praise was better than the Forgotten, in the sense that it had already helped him twice, and the Abyss had done the complete opposite. And when you bring the time periods, Praise was a better host.

’Maybe I shouldn’t leave this world.’

Sadly, even if he had said that as a joke, something like that isn’t possible. The world will enter the last Chapter, and if nothing is changed, it will have the same ending.

And really, it’s better to die than let that happen; those who have had this happen are now wandering the void with their souls.

A story doesn’t continue after its ending, but without changing the ending, you cant leave. So you’re trapped in the void, since the world is no more.

They are called The Fractured, as they were once whole, people, stories, souls, now broken and fated to wander a dark place for their eternity.

But enough, as he needed to focus, it was time for him to speak, and since the others had already spoken their ideals, this meant he was going to be the one to decide.

If he answered, no matter what it was, it would anger one party. So he didn’t.

The Fool rested his head on his hand, his eyes expressed a deep boredom growing inside his foolish heart.

He sighed, pressing the fingertips of his hand together.

“I must ask, until the day comes when we create our own creatures, or if we dont. How would we keep defeating those monsters?”

He let his hands fall, crossing his legs.

“And while I’m not saying, Elpis, that you cant defeat a lowly Abyssal creature, do you think you can beat one of the seeker rank? Bearer even? We are only readers; we should keep that in mind.”

Elpis was in complete shock after hearing his statement, and after being frozen for a good second, all he could do was nod in agreement.

Avrie, of course, who was still trying to salvage any crumbs that could help her win, was crushed, bringing her hands to her head.

After coming back to his senses, Elpis lay back on his chair, resting, happy with the way the conversation was going.

“As much as I hate to say, that Fool is right. If we ever came across someone like Chaos, we wouldn’t survive, and so I think we hav-”

But as he was about to finish, Aether cut him off, surprising Elpis.

“But doing nothing wouldn’t be safer either. I’m sure you know this better than I do, but the world is changing, monsters are walking our lands, and we have forests growing cores by devouring humans. The world will fall.”

His fingernails danced on the arm of the chair, showing a clear sign of his nervousness, but no one noticed; they were too focused on what he was saying.

“So in the end, we’re just prolonging how much we have to live. And I’m not sure about you guys, but I haven’t been enjoying my life here so far.

Avrie jumped from her chair in happiness, pointing to Aether with gleaming eyes while looking at Elpis with a cocky grin.

“See? He gets it, we have to continue the research!”

But Elpis didn’t react; I doubt he had even noticed her. His eyes were locked on Aether’s; the tension from before had not dimmed one bit, but now, Elpis’ eyes showed a hint of respect, or at least, approval.

“So what are you trying to say, Aether, that we should continue killing innocent people. That we should risk our lives on a small light to guide us?”

Aether bit his lip; he was nervous, hardly able to control himself. But he was close, he could see it, he was one step away.

“Why do we have to do anything? The reserchers are still alive, yes, they aren’t themselves, but they are Children of Praise. If there were anyone who could escape her grasp to help us, it would be them. We just have to figure that out, and I put my pride on the line, if we dont, I’ll accept whatever crazy idea that girl has.”

He pointed at Avrie, who was caught a bit off guard.

Elpis didn’t respond; he stared at him emotionlessly. His eyes stared into him. He was very nervous to hear his response, and felt as if the silence was everlasting, like the world was frozen… well, it is just not in this place specifically.

In the end, Elpis’s smile curved up gently, and Aether felt his heart jump out of him as he saw it.

“I think your plan is crazier than hers. Very well, I shall put my honor on the line to, If I am not able to help us in this journey, I too will follow Avrie’s plan.”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep