Lenny was slightly surprised at Acht's question. He knew this boy for a few days only but he was able to have a good idea of how he thought and how he saw things from his own perspective.
So, he was sure that Acht would never be interested in their matters or even pretend to be interested if it didn't have some kind of connection to him. A basic selfish ideology that not many have.
That's why when he heard him ask this question he could only wonder how much he was affected by Nightingale in such a short time without knowing it.
"You want to know my goal?" He began.
He tapped on his cane and said,
"Have you ever thought why this world was called the Lower World? Have you ever thought why this place was stuck with such a shameful name?" He asked.
Acht didn't answer and just listened quietly.
"It's because of how the Descension War ended. This world was at some point the most powerful, the most advanced. You could even call it a Utopia of some sort. Everyone was happy and most importantly was that they were free."
He then made a loud sigh before continuing.
"Then the Descension War came and believe it or not, the other worlds that were inferior in every possible way schemed and joined Ecrasia in their invasion. What ended up happening after that was a 3 VS 1 war. It was a total disaster that ended up destroying this whole planet. And as they say 'History is always written by the winners'. From being the most powerful world, it turned into nothing but a destroyed land with barely any people on it."
Acht could see how Lenny's face frowned harder and harder with each second.
He had never seen the old man so expressive with his emotions since the moment he first met him.
The old man wasn't able to see Acht's expression at that moment as he was still floating in the sea of his mind, telling the story.
"What happened after that was nothing short of humiliation. People got enslaved, killed, and toyed with for the sake of enjoyment of the other worlds. The world's name got changed and everything just went downhill."
He then glared at no one in particular but more because of his next words.
"All the powerhouses in this world. Every single one of them is nothing but the result of those bastards' work. Each one of them is nothing but a dog for the three other worlds."
He then took a deep breath to calm down and added,
"This world is enslaved, Acht. Every person here is living in an invisible cage they will never be able to leave. That's why I and everyone here want to find our way out of this cage toward true freedom. We want to topple down those powers in the shadows for the sake of a better future for us."
"Everyone thinks we are the bad guys, and they are right. But, we were never the only bad ones there. We just chose cruelty as our weapon to fight cruelty. And I am sure everyone will know the truth one day. As for when that day will come, I don't know. But I will keep trying until it happens."
He then stood up and put on his mask before walking away.
Acht kept looking at the old man and his eyes had this weird complicated light to them.
'He wasn't lying.' He thought to himself.
While listening, Acht linked his story to every piece of information he heard about the truth of this world and all the bad things happening in the background where no one could see them.
Somehow, everything fit perfectly as if it was a puzzle.
So, the question that should be asked is, was it all really going in that bad direction? Was everyone including Acht in big trouble?
"This war you are starting is most likely a losing one yet you still try. Why is that?" He asked another question.
Lenny stopped walking and looked back with the mask still on.
"If we don't do it, then who will? Look at our masks, we are Nightingale, the symbol of freedom in this world. We are the ones who desire freedom more than anyone else. Even death will never stop us from seeking our goal."
Weltz looked at Lenny as he said those words and interrupted him with a grumpy voice.
"There is no point in explaining our goal to a bastard like, Boss. We have more important things to do."
Lenny looked at him before responding calmly.
"There is no harm in telling him. Everyone has a chance to put their own fate in their hands after all."
Then, the group went to the door and left the place, leaving Acht alone in the room.
They then walked in the dark and empty streets far from people's eyes toward the transportation portal.
Jack looked back and approached Lenny.
"Do you think he would accept us, boss?"
The old man didn't wait for a second as he answered without hesitation.
"He will. It will just take time. Acht is someone who values freedom as much as we do. Now, we need to focu-"
"Wait." Suddenly, someone called for them.
Everyone looked back and behind them was Acht who surprisingly wore the mask too. His aura was calm but also slightly chaotic at the same time.
Everyone watched him as he approached the group with steady steps and then stood in front of Lenny.
"Don't get me wrong. I still do not accept any of you nor will I do so anytime soon, you are still my enemies. But, if your words are true, which is probably the case, then my life is threatened. And when that happens, ideologies are nothing but a hindrance."
His words were akin to a lightning bolt hitting everyone. They had never believed he could join them just like that.
But, this was also great news for them.
"You will never regret this, Acht. You are saving your own life with this." Lenny said.
"I never regret anything I do, old man." He replied as he started walking away.
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