Chapter 481: A Silence Louder Than Words
Albeit brief, the Lords had begun to rely on Ember over time.
Ever since she stalked the illusions that they were powering up at the outer ring, only to ambush them, slay them, absorb their power, and team up with the cultivators to kill the Guardian Serpent, she had been by their side.
Without a doubt, the flame-born illusion had formed the strongest bond with Michael. She had helped him kill his own mimic and later served as a mount after they entered the core ring of the Light Kingdom.
After peeking into his mind, she had learned their tongue. Later, they had traded knowledge, both parties benefiting from each other immensely.
Truly, if not for their alliance, they might never have reached this far.
A real shame.
Ember had to die now.
Michael took a deep breath, closing the interface of the system.
Honestly, the Iskra Titan had surprised him. He hadn’t expected to be pitted against the fox.
’It doesn’t matter, really. She is just a subject of a Titan... An illusion. All aliens, whatever their forms, are destined to die sooner or later.’ He repeated the thought in his mind.
Strange... he felt a sense of reluctance.
’Have I grown too soft?’ A frown twisted onto his face.
Indeed, he had. Relying on an existence that was not part of humanity had been a grave mistake... Things had been bound to worsen eventually.
Although humans were capable of betrayal, that wasn’t always the case. Aliens, however, always searched for a way to deceive.
’No, that’s not true, is it?’ Angel, embracing his body in her armor form, spoke.
’Ember has yet to hurt us even once. She is merely a subject of a greater existence that is forcing her to act. Would it be fair for an outsider to judge humankind solely by looking at the Emperor at the top? Isn’t now the most important time of all to show kindness and compassion?’
Angel didn’t have access to the system to perceive his quest. Yet, considering the squad’s formation, Michael’s rigid silence, and the fire igniting in Ember’s eyes, the soul weapon quickly put two and two together.
Michael hated that Angel had a point. Introducing doubt and hesitation before a battle to the death spelled disaster.
’Okay, she doesn’t have a choice.’ Michael answered telepathically. ’But neither do we. On a battlefield, the enemy soldier standing before you might be a good person, a man with morals who wishes to do no wrong... Yet if he is about to kill you, does that matter? You can only cast aside hesitation and strike first.’
Naturally, aliens had to die for humanity to thrive.
’OH! Are we talking about principles?! Then I’m the one who should be asked!’ Devil laughed, his ragged voice echoing in Michael’s head.
’Remember well, Brat! Morals, laws, and virtue be damned! Do whatever you want. Take everything your heart desires. Plunder what belongs to others and disregard the opinions of everyone! Though I admit, that leaves a bitter taste in my mouth... A mere trial from a Titan, ordering me what to do? HAHAHA! Even the gods cannot command me! I alone am the master of my destiny and the author of my fate! The universe is all for me to take!’
’Now is not the time for jokes!’ Angel snapped, her voice fiercer than before. ’We haven’t made a move yet, and neither has Ember! Before things can escalate any further, we need to find a solution to our current predicament!’
’So I can’t laugh?’ Devil replied, his tone dripping with mockery. ’Would it be more appropriate to cry instead? The fox hasn’t struck yet, true... but what about later? If we move forward and kill the Titan, won’t Ember simply take its place and turn on us afterward? Be more vigilant and deal with the problem before it becomes one.’
’That is not how one should behave!’ Angel’s voice grew enraged. ’If you suspect everyone around you, you’ll end up isolated and utterly alone. My Master doesn’t deserve such a pitiful existence!’
’So your brilliant plan is to trust an alien?’ Devil chuckled in amusement. ’Why not go a step further and ask them nicely to stop invading the solar system and leave us alone?’
’That is not what I meant!’ Angel’s armor shimmered with a protective light. ’All I ask is that Master treats her by the same standards we would anyone else. Judge her not by her origin, but by her character!’
’Which is merely another form of self-betrayal.’ Devil remarked, his blade catching the light. ’If he makes an exception now, his principles cease to be principles at all. Sparing one alien would shatter the consistency of his beliefs and undermine everything he has stood for, both in this life and the one before it.’
Neither of the soul weapons was willing to back down, their stubborn stances resonating within Michael’s mind, only worsening the headache he was experiencing.
’Enough.’
With a single word, Michael silenced the debate.
Stillness settled into his mind.
"How much longer are we supposed to wait for the next challenge to appear?" Persephone was the first to speak verbally. "Not that I am complaining about darkness, but it seems a weird choice for a trial."
Nicole’s eyes sharpened as she looked around. "Don’t grow careless. We can be attacked from any angle if our guard isn’t constantly up."
The other Lords mirrored her caution.
"No need for that. Our trial is in front of us." Michael’s words brought him to the forefront of the attention.
Extending a finger forward, he continued.
"To advance further, we need to put an end to the illusion that has traveled with us. MSAP-8 wants us to kill Ember."
"!!!"
Instantly, the Lords’ gazes fixed on the marvelous fox.
As usual, Ember remained composed, her flames flickering against the abyss. Her unwavering gaze and lack of any attempt to refute Michael’s claim made it clear to everyone that he was telling the truth.
Subtly, the Lords exchanged discreet glances, the same question forming in their minds.
’What now?’
