'They're all scared... of me?'
Kuzon was so confused because he had ensured he concealed his power before approaching them.
He had also not done anything worthy of such treatment. After considering their reactions and his current predicament, he could only conclude one thing.
'The Midas Race?'
Did these people fear the Midas Race? If that was the case, then did his people exist in this world?
'That's perfect. I'd find better information there!' If only he were that naive.
The fact that these people were so terrified of him showed there was a problem with the Midas Race.
'Before I see the Midas, I better know what I'm dealing with—thoroughly.'
With that, he took another step forward, causing the audience to squeak.
'Its weird that they're acting this way, but I can just take advantage of this. This way, at the vet least, I'll be getting honest answers fron them.'
"You may all raise your heads." Kuzon spoke gently. "I am only interested in asking a couple of questions. Once I'm done, I'll leave."
He could see twinkles of relief in their eyes, but most of them had immense shades of doubt.
'Tough crowd..." Still, it didn't matter to him.
So long as they would answer his questions... that was all that mattered.
*
*
*
"Where is this place? What are you people doing here?" He began by asking.
He understood the question he asked.might have seemed foolish, especially to residents of this world already.
'Thankfully, they'll answer it anyway.'
"We're mere vagrants. This is a 'Shelter'. We don't have anywhere else to go, so we decided to camp here—in the wastelands." The one who seemed like the leader decided to answer.
He was elderly and frail, and he looked so sickly that he could die at any given time.
'Did he volunteer himself because he knows he doesn't have long to live? If he offends me, or answers incorrectly, and I kill him, it wouldn't really be that deep a blow. Is that what they think?'
Kuzon was once again confused about the line of thought these people had.
"Why have have you all become displaced? What happened to your homes? What happened to this place?" He asked.
At this point, the people shivered more, showing hesitation that had never displayed before.
The fear had reached a new height.
"Don't worry. Answer my questions honestly, and I won't harm you. I give you my word."
Their eyes widened at his gentle tone and understanding face, and he nodded calmly. If he could gain their trust, Kuzon figured he'd be able to get more accurate information.
"W-we're like this because of the 'Cleansing' that happened a few centuries ago. The M-M-Midas Race... purged the world of t-the filth, and... they brought a new world order. Those who did not fit into the new world... we're labeled vagrants. We've been living like this—we and our families—in the wastelands ever since. A-as long as we do not cause any trouble, we won't be eradicated... we hope."
Hearing all of this, Kuzon's eyes widened instantly. His lips quivered, and there was only one word he could say.
"What?!"
>DUM!<
Instantly, an overwhelming pressure enveloped the area, causing all the kneeling residents in the area to nearly fall flat on their faces.
It suddenly became very difficult to breathe, and they felt like they were going to die if the condition lasted for a little while longer.
"A-ah, I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to do that!" Kuzon snapped out of his daze, realizing the harm he was causing.
Guilt and anxiety spread across his face. A pricky feeling coursed through his heart, and he felt pangs of pain that he couldn't possibly decipher.
Seeing the powerless and helpless shiver before him, watching in horror as he stood before them.
"W-we are fine, almighty Midas. We are grateful you spared us..."
Even though they said that, Kuzon could sense the hollow nature of their voices.
It was almost like they were automatons who were taught how to respond when confronted with certain situations.
It hurt him to no end.
'The Midas Race did this... here?'
"Tell me more about this world's history. Why do you all live like this? Certainly with Magic, you could live much better lives and improve your civilization." Kuzon said.
He had sensed Mana dancing in the air, and he knew these people had Mana Cores. So, they weren't Inepts.
'Is it that Magic in this world isn't very advanced, or...?' He looked at them, and the denizens appeared very confused with Kuzon's inquisition.
What did he say that was out of place? As he killed over this, the elderly man finally decided to answer.
"W-we can't use Magic, almighty Midas..."
'What? But they can. They have Mana Cores, so they should be able to. Not one of these people is Inept. In fact...'
"The use of Magic by anyone other than a Midas is forbidden. Forgive me for thinking this is some form of test the Midas Empire is performing on us, but none of us have been practiced Magic. I can guarantee that, my Lord."
Kuzon couldn't believe his ears, but he couldn't stop now. He needed to hear more.
"What happens if you use Magic?"
"The almighty Midas Race, in all their glory and magnificence, have created a Magic Device that allows them to detect the use of Magic all over the world. If one is detected, the Inquisitors are dispatched, and that person is purged. Depending on the intensity of the Spell, or the resistance met, the Inquisition also has the authority to purge the entire settlement."
Kuzon was beyond horrified. This tyranny had taken him to a realm of disbelief, yet the words of the man didn't seem false.
He had no reason to lie.
'Is this place real? From all I've been sensing, that seems to be the case.'
In this real, but different world, his own Race had done something so horrific?
But... why?
"Why did they do this?" He asked, the question burning deep within his heart.
"Before the 'Cleansing', the nations warred against each other in what seemed like an endless conflict. Magic was used as a critical element of that conflict. After the 3rd Celestial War, the Midas Empire decided to intervene, thus putting an end to the violence and bloodshed. They banned the use of Magic because of how much it corrupts, and also to protect us from ourselves." The man said, his head still bowed.
'Bullshit!' Kuzon wanted to say, but he swallowed his rage.
The Midas Race probably didn't want any opposition, so they made a system as oppressive as this.
'He said this has been for a few centuries now. That is so...'
This man was probably someone who didn't experience all the calamities himself, so he must have heard everything from a third account, most likely.
'Based on his response, and even the response of all these people, they've been conditioned never to question the Midas Empire. They've become nothing but lowly subjects, and the Midas people are recognized as gods.'
Once Kuzon discovered this ugly truth, he couldn't control his disgust.
'This is clearly wrong!'
*
*
*
[A/N]
I need a very big favor from you all.
I just started a new book. Yes, I know, this is like the millionth book.
But please just give it a try, will you? Or at least just add it to your library.
Title: Only I Can See The End
Thank you all for your help and support.
I hope you enjoyed the chapter. Please support the book.
Thanks.