Zarketh: The World of Chaos

SUCCESSION

Not a day goes by that I ask myself if it’s all worth it. I have faced many challenges in my life, but none were enough to break me. All that I’ve ever learned was how to fight and kill. My enemies always underestimated me because of my age and disability. Sadly, no one ever realized that for each creature I killed, it left a permanent mark on my soul. Every day, I have to question myself if what I do is really worth it, because after ending over hundreds of millions of lives, I start to feel like I’m doing more harm than good.

My name is Dmitri Sergei Sion, the one that many called the Patriarch of War. I slay my enemies swiftly and without mercy but I bare much remorse for my actions. Sadly, I know that it’s my purpose to fight and kill. The blood that stained my weapon reminds me of what I am and what I chose to be. Without the curse of greed to influence me, I was free while everyone else remained in chains. I was able to see the One-World for what it truly was… a nightmare.

I stand six feet, four inches tall with a muscular body. The dark grey, spiked hair that fell down to my neck only matched my stubble and goatee. My face was aged, having wrinkles on the sides of my dark brown eyes. I sported a black trench coat with a white shirt under it. Over my right shoulder was a cloth strap that connected to the left side of my waist. This strap was used as a harness to keep my two weapons on my back. I also wore slightly ripped, black worn pants and boots. Around my waist was a black belt with its straps on the front falling down a bit further than my knees.

I used four weapons, each one with their own function. My main weapon was none other than the massive Freedom, the legendary Immortal-Slayer. Those who’ve encountered it remember its grey, scythed edge and its brown bandaged hilt. This sword was very simple, but had many uses. Its size and weight allowed me to crush my opponents and also use it as a shield against blast attacks. It was my symbol and my pride; unable to be shattered.

My second weapon was the powerful Sirueh, a sniper rifle that’s nearly the same size as Freedom. Unlike many other guns though, this weapon used energy to fuel its rounds instead of bullets. Also, its power was so intense that when fired, the shot releases a rippling shockwave that destroys anything within its vicinity. I kept this large, black and dark red beast on my back, facing downwards with its long barrel. It wasn’t smart to use Sirueh in many situations, but this weapon had proved its worth and more for a long time.

The two Whips of Light were my third weapon. They weren’t as powerful as Sirueh or Freedom, but they allowed me to attack at a longer range. I used their glowing light to often latch onto my target then either pull it to me or pull myself to it. However, when I wasn’t trying to bring myself closer to them, I used these whips to quickly dispatch multiple enemies.

Finally, the fourth and most dangerous weapon in my arsenal was Crystal, the short, elemental sword. This blade held no physical form, but possessed the pure elements of the One-World. In order to create a blade, I had to focus my energy into its golden hilt. If I took it even further, I could create devastating spells that could wipe out my foes. However, I didn’t often use this sword, because it drained too much energy each time. Sadly though, to get the job done, it was my best and sometimes only choice.

Each day, I would think and feel remorse for the actions that I had committed in my life while worrying about what the future had in-store for me. I always tried to ready myself for anything that would come my way, but there were many things that I couldn’t plan for. The world was changing and I was losing what intimidation I had over it. Though I was happy that there were soon to be those who could succeed over me, I was also concerned that some would have evil intentions.

MY OTHER SON

It’s quiet tonight… Someone said in a young, calm voice.

I opened my eyes and examined the area around me. I found myself in a small cave with another person nearby. Within the cave was a circular room that we both sat in. In the middle of the circle was a blazing campfire, giving us both light and warmth. Though I preferred the cold, this heat was comforting.

It is quiet tonight…

A lot of things had happened to me within these past few months. I tried my best to comprehend them all, but each one was more difficult than the last. Thankfully though, I was able to leave that chaos and focus on a task that I hadn’t completed for over seven years.

Sion…

The Demi-God’s trail was still at large. With no real clues to his ultimate plan, I’ve been forced to take other actions. How I ended up here was based off of my partner’s information. I didn’t know what I was going to find nor did I believe that we were going to find anything. The last part of the trail ended with no clues to the next, so I was walking completely blind here.

You’re not much of a talker are you, Dmitri? Someone asked and looked at me.

I eyed the man sitting across from me. For an odd reason, he reminded me of a younger version of myself. He was arrogant, but full of courage. However, he was inexperienced and reckless in his decisions, which could very well get him killed one day. That’s why I was here… to protect him.

The man sitting across from me was known as Yion Terogol, the Son of Sion. He was a young man who didn’t know a lot about the One-World. However, he’s a spirited fighter, but lacks focus and skill. He did train by himself while growing up because Sion abandoned him and his mother was missing at the time. What was worse, he harboured a strange vengeance against me, because I was the one who murdered his father. Thankfully though, we worked out an agreement to find his mother and the end of Sion’s trail.

Yion stood five feet, eleven inches tall and is also slightly smaller in size compared to me. His eyes are a lighter brown and his lashes matched his short, white spiked hair. He has a young, clean shaven face and bright peach skin. He sported a dark blue suit that covered his entire body. Over that suit were white plated pads along with a white plated breastplate and leg guards. Along the left side of his waist was a sheath, containing his weapon. I didn’t know what this suit was made out of or even if it was enchanted. However, if this was what the Son of Sion wore, then I should trust that there was a good reason as to why.

While eying Yion, I remembered why he brought me here. I was told that this place was holding the next clue to Sion’s trail. While I didn’t think much of it at first, everything changed when I arrived here. Strangely, it had nothing to do with our quest.

A haven…

Unlike the majority of the One-World, this place held life. Forests spanned out for miles and both spirits and wildlife lingered about. Knowing that gave me enough reason to protect this haven, but I was mostly concerned as to why this place supposedly held the next clue.

I prefer to keep an easy silence. I said.

Yion hummed lightly.

Do you even know what this place is though? He asked.

I paused for a moment, thinking.

No. I started then shifted my eyes to him.

Do you?

He shook his head.

All I know is that the clues I had gotten led here. I don’t know what this place is. However, the aura that shrouds it is giving me an uncomfortable feeling. Yion stated.

I fell silent again.

It’s giving me a bad feeling as well.

I agreed with him that the aura of this place was quite odd. I hadn’t felt something like this in a while. However, I was just glad that there was still life that brewed within the One-World. I only knew a few havens that existed within the wastelands and thankfully I could add this one to the list. Sadly though, until I knew for sure, this whole zone was in danger.

It’s strange that Sion would choose this area for his next clue. I started then looked back at the fire.

Do you have any idea on where we need to go?

Yion shook his head again.

Sadly not. The clue stated that it was in an enchanted forest outside of the cataclysm. This aura fits the description quite well and I wasn’t able to find any other living areas within the outer rim of the war. Yion explained.

I turned my head to him for a few seconds then faced the fire.

I see… Then we’ll begin our investigation upon sunrise. We have a lot of ground to cover.

Although I didn’t like searching for something that may or may not exist, this was my quest. I could’ve been helping my friends fight in their war, but I chose to leave in pursuit of my own path. My time was devoted to just this journey, so I could spend as much as I wanted on it.

As a few minutes passed, Yion bowed his head to the fire, seemingly lost in thought. I gazed upon it as well, wondering what I would find in this forest. There were doubts in my mind that I would meet a real challenge here, but I always had to keep my guard up just in case. It was what I was trained for and it hadn’t steered me wrong yet.

It’s funny… Yion said softly.

I looked at him, confused. He gazed upon me as if he wasn’t happy with what he saw.

I don’t know how my father could’ve lost to you. You have no magic. He stated then pointed towards the sheathed weapon on my waist.

Your only defense is that Crystal of yours.

I kept silent, unsure of what to say to the Son of Sion.

Sion didn’t lose to me. I replied then looked back at the fire.

His clone though is another story.

But was it not you that dealt the fatal blow?

Perhaps, but it wasn’t me who finished him off. You know that.

Yion turned back to the fire and took in a deep breath. After he exhaled it out, he nodded slowly.

True I guess.

I paused for a moment, thinking about Sion.

You’re still young, Yion. You have yet to understand what Sion and I had planned for this world. We were going to save it from the flame. However, plans change over time and I was eventually left to do the job alone. I explained.

Then maybe you shouldn’t have used the crystal on him. Yion said as he lifted himself off of the rocky wall.

The flames started dimming, which made me realize that I should re-light it. I grabbed another piece of wood then tossed it into the campfire. Sparks scattered everywhere once the log collided with the others. Once it subsided, the fire started blazing again, renewed.

It was necessary. Sion went too far too quick. If I hadn’t done what I did, the world would’ve been a much different place.

I looked at Freedom and Sirueh as they were leaning against the wall.

Was it really the right choice though?

I thought about what Yion said about the crystal and how it defeated Sion. My memory of that day was hazy, because I was so close to death that I couldn’t even focus. All I knew was that my plan had succeeded and Sion was sundered. That act gave the opening my friends needed to finish him off.

Well, whatever you and father had planned, this is what we got. The clues I found lead here, but why? Yion asked then turned his head to the entrance of the cave.

I fell silent, pondering at what the next clue would be. However, I didn’t want to think too hard on it right now. Instead, I leaned my back against the wall and closed my eyes, attempting to rest.

Perhaps he’s coming back and he’s using the ominous aura of this place to cover it… or perhaps there’s just another clue here. Who knows? I said slowly and softly.

Yion shrugged slightly then lied down on the ground. I was hoping that this would be the end of the conversation and that I could take a small rest before we continued with our search.

Perhaps…

Hopefully this will lead to mother. I hope she’s ok. Whoever is torturing her will be sorry. Yion said and closed his eyes.

I opened my eyes and looked at him, thinking.

Sarithia…

After a few seconds, I turned my head to the entrance of the cave. I could feel the strange aura coming from the entire area, as if it was enchanted. It was a comforting sensation, but it concerned me. If this was what hid Sion’s next clue, then I had to find a way to break it.

We’ll find your mother and bring those responsible for kidnapping her to justice. I said then paused for a moment.

Sarithia was the Wife of Sion and also a Black Witch, a powerful creature bent towards the dark arts. The Black Witches were rare to find and even rarer to fight. They often hid in the shadows, enchanting men and women alike with the sense of anger and violence. They fed off of each soldier’s hatred for their enemies. Sarithia was the only one that I knew existed, but I was certain that there were others, lingering within the darkness.

What’s to stop you from simply abandoning me like my father did?

I paused, knowing why he would think that. However, he had forgotten one thing.

Unlike him, I keep my promises. Also…

I fell silent for a brief moment, feeling weird. I didn’t know why I thought like this, but I almost wanted to find Sarithia on my own terms.

Although she is the wife of my other half, she is… family to me.

Yion opened his eyes and looked at me, confused.

What do you mean family? He asked.

I shifted my head back to the fire, thinking again. It was a strange feeling, but I felt like despite not knowing anything about the Terogol family, they were closer to me than anyone else.

Well, Sion and I as you know were once the same person, now split in two. Since Sarithia is his wife, she is family to me too, and so are you. I started then looked at Yion.

It’s an odd feeling.

Yion still looked confused but then closed his eyes again.

Well in some odd way, it feels like you’re my father too, despite your actions against my real father. It’s weird, I can’t explain it.

Neither can I, Yion, but we’re all family here. Regardless of our differences, we look after one another.

Yion fell silent as I hoped that he got the message. I never wanted to kill Sion, but using the crystal against him was my only choice. It was either him or me, and while I chose him, my allies chose me.

As the flames continued blazing, I began wondering about Kaylen, the Parasite Queen. The last time I saw her, she tried to kill me with a giant Parasite Colossus. It was a difficult challenge, but with the help of my new ally, I was able to overcome it. Since then, she had been pretty quiet. I hadn’t fought a parasite or was spotted by one for quite some time now.

I wanted to know where Kaylen was but sadly, she was no longer my concern. Despite my desire to find a cure for her corruption, I faced the facts and decided to leave it to the hands of my best friend and his allies. She was once the woman I loved, but she turned everything that we worked for against me. Now, she was just a shadow of her former being.

Hey, Dmitri, mind if I ask you something? Yion asked.

I looked up at him and saw that he was concerned. There were many questions in my mind as to what he could be discomforted about, but I knew that it was best if I just asked him.

Shoot.

He pointed to the woman that was standing near the entrance of the cave.

That woman… she creeps me out. How can you even think to bring her along?

I paused for a moment, thinking about his words. I was certain that the woman outside heard what we were talking about, but I doubted that she even cared. She was void of emotions and lacked the ability to actually change the expression on her face. Her eyes would always remain pale, and her face would always have that monotone, confused look, as if she didn’t know what was going on. I felt sorry for this woman, because she was after all… a slave.

The woman was known as Soria. During my four year break, she was created by the Imperial Bastion with the use of my blood. Her body is unlike anything I have ever seen before. Even my best friend and genius, Ryhn Prueh, couldn’t understand her anatomy. Unlike every other clone that I had encountered in my life, Soria is required to have a master, someone who she has to obey without question. If she doesn’t have a master, her body will physically rot away. That was why she injected me with a device that designated me as her master months ago.

Soria is slightly shorter than I and retained a youthful, petite look. Her long brown hair fell down to the middle of her back. She wore a tight black leather suit that went all the way up to her neck. In the middle was a white zipper that extended all the way down to her waist. Over that was a dark red leather coat that she kept unzipped. Across the upper sleeves and the sides of her suit were patches of red hardened leather that glimmered when light bounced off of it. She wore black leather shoes that were connected to her suit, showing no parts of her leg. Across her waist was a brown belt with a large, circular grey buckle. Hanging off the back of her belt were two red metallic capes that extended down to her feet, nearly touching the ground. These two straps were separated by a small gap down the middle but they both covered the backside of her legs almost completely. She had two holsters at the sides of her waist, each containing a pistol. It was needless to say that she looked both attractive and deadly.

I was worried at first too, but Soria is a rare creature that needs my guidance and protection. She’s my clone after all. I said.

I would invite her inside, but Soria wanted to protect me so I told her to keep watch. She didn’t require sleep or rest in any form. Her energy could never deplete thus she was capable of fighting at her best all the time. However, she was still able to be damaged so she wasn’t immune to disables.

Is it because she implanted that device in you? Yion asked as he leaned back against the wall.

I shifted my eyes to him for a brief moment before turning my head.

It was because of that at first, but Soria has grown on me. I started then turned my head back to her.

I mean look at her.

Yion turned his head to her.

She was created in a lab and was commanded by those who hated and violated her. When I freed her from their grasp, she wanted me to be her new master, so she did just that. At first, I didn’t want to command her, because I didn’t want to end up like Sion. However, I learned that she’s never actually tasted freedom and she told me herself that if the link between us is shattered, she will die. I explained.

But that doesn’t make sense. How does a device inside of you keep her alive? Yion asked then looked at me.

I continued staring at the large crescent-edged sword sheathed on Soria’s back while thinking about her past.

To be honest, I still don’t know how it fully works, but Ryhn seemed to understand it clearly and explained it to me. I trust his word enough to realize that this was meant to be. I started.

I turned to Yion and grinned, slightly happy.

Soria is my clone and I’m her master. Because of this, it’s my responsibility to protect and guide her. She may have to listen to my commands without question, but it seems like she wants just that. It’s weird.

I turned back to the fire then chuckled lightly, remembering one thing that Soria did say to me. It was when we began our journey together to find Yion. I asked her a question just to start a conversation and her answer was actually quite enlightening.

She did say that I was her kindest master yet.

Yion laughed for a brief moment then sighed.

Probably because you ordered her to say that.

I chuckled at his sarcastic remark but then lowered my smile.

She’ll help us, Yion. She has to do whatever I ask of her, not because of the fear of the link being shattered, but because she wants to make that her purpose. While I’m still sceptical about the whole thing, I’ve convinced myself that this was her destiny. I shouldn’t stand in her way if she desires to do this. I explained.

Yion fell silent for a moment then lied down on the ground. He sighed slightly and looked straight up, appearing concerned.

Well hopefully you’re right. While I do trust you with my quest, it’s the other one that gives me the chills. Her pale look and emotionless expressions make me cringe. Yion started then shook his head.

I don’t know how you can stay calm to that, but then again, I’m not you.

I froze, thinking about the long conversation that Soria and I had months ago. It was a tragic history on her part, but she seemed happy now with me, even though she couldn’t show it.

Believe me, I feel the same way as you do, but like I said, I’m convinced that she’s only here to serve me. I understand your worry, but give it time. You’ll get used to her. I replied.

Yion turned himself over, facing away from me. I could tell that he was tired while I was still too focused and awake. Thinking about Soria re-surfaced a lot of questions that I hadn’t gotten an answer to yet. I wanted to know so much more about her. She was so unique and so different from everyone else that it made me aware that a whole new generation could be at hand. Humans were creating artificial life, yet she was as organic as I. If she was the present, then I wonder what the future had in-store.

I stared at the fire as it started dimming again. I didn’t bother to throw another log in but instead continued gazing upon it for hours until finally, the fire died. I still stared at the same spot, thinking heavily. There were so many things on my mind, but I was trying my best to ignore them. One of my main problems was Kaylen and the cure to her infection. I still cared for her, despite what she did and what everyone told me about her. I knew that I could save her if I was given time, but I had to understand that as long as I waited, many more innocent lives would be lost.

After a few more minutes, I decided that it was best if I rested now since it wasn’t likely that I would have another chance anytime soon. I closed my eyes and rested my head against the wall. Surprisingly, I fell asleep within minutes. I didn’t realize that my body was that tired. I was too anxious to find the end of Sion’s trail and bring his ultimate plan to ruin. However, I guess it would have to wait until the next day.

A NEW ADVENTURE

After a bit of time, I woke up, finding myself back in the cave. As I looked up at the ceiling, I felt a sense of refreshment wave through my mind. Suddenly, a gentle current of air blew passed my neck. Curious, I turned my head to the right. To my surprise, I saw Soria’s face right in front of mine, as if she was about to kiss me. I jerked my head back, seeing that she was really close and was sitting down on her knees.

Jeez… I said softly, startled.

I turned away from Soria and placed my hand on my forehead. As I closed my eyes, I attempted to calm myself down. However, after a few seconds, I turned my head back to her and gazed upon her beautiful face.

When will I get used to you?

I noticed Soria’s beautiful, lime green eyes almost right away. She had changed their colour within the few months of our time together. She believed that it was my preference and I had to say, she wasn’t wrong. I also managed to command her to keep her mouth closed all the time so that she looked less like a doll.

Good evening, master. Did you have a nice dream? Soria asked.

I looked away for a moment then paused, trying to gather my thoughts together.

It was alright. I said then froze.

I stared at the ashes of where the fire used to be, still trying to calm myself. After a few seconds though, I turned back to Soria.

Why do you sit so close to me, Soria?

She didn’t respond but instead bowed her head. I had noticed that she had her two hands together near her waist, as if she was trying to appear polite.

I have to make sure you are safe, master. She said then raised her head.

She gazed upon me while I stared back at her, soon understanding her reason.

I can sit farther away if you would prefer, master.

I grunted then started getting back on my feet. Soria watched me but didn’t budge.

No, it’s alright. I started as I stood up straight.

I turned my head to her.

If it makes you feel safe, I’ll get used to it.

It does make me feel safe, master. Knowing that you are protected gives me a reason to live. Soria replied as she stood up as well.

She kept her two hands together near her waist while I nodded.

Good.

After nodding, I turned to Yion who was still fast asleep. After glancing at him, I shook my head then faced the entrance of the cave. The area was still dark so I imagined that the sun hadn’t risen just yet, but I wanted to make sure.

Without hesitation, I began walking forward. I passed by Soria quickly as she shifted so that she was still watching me. When I arrived at the entrance, I stopped and looked up, noticing that it was still night time. I soon crossed my arms, knowing that I had to wait. Sadly, I felt wide awake and was ready to continue. However, I remained patient.

I continued staring at the night sky, viewing the moon and the stars with their beautiful light. It was a sight to behold, but I preferred the sun. The night was never my cup of tea, but I appreciated it as much as most wonders of nature. Its light illuminated the darkened sky, giving it a bluish glow. Sometimes, I would even see one of the stars fly across my sight. It often made me wonder if there was another planet out there with life of its own.

While outside, I surprisingly thought about something that I had hoped to never worry about again. It was something that had lingered within my mind ever since we first arrived here. I didn’t worry about it at first, but the more I thought about it, the more I realized the possibilities. Sadly, it wasn’t a thought that I liked.

The Ark of Nightmares.

This ancient, evil weapon could devour the souls of whomever it slayed. Long ago, it was defeated by Sion and myself. However, we couldn’t destroy it, so we decided to seal it. No one but us knew of its location. Coincidently though, the forest that we were in was deadly close to the Ark’s position. There was a strong possibility that it had something to do with Sion’s trail. However, I didn’t want to come to that conclusion just yet.

Eventually, Soria came to my side and turned her head to me. I felt the channel of her breath on my neck, but I didn’t bother to turn to her. It felt calm and gentle, as if a small gust of wind was passing by my skin. It was comforting to know that she would always be there for me. Sadly though, every time that I thought about her, I wondered if there was any way to make it so that she was free.

After a few seconds, I turned my head around and gazed upon Yion who was still lying on the ground. I saw that he was sound asleep, looking almost like a baby. It was amazing to see that this was the child of the man who almost conquered the One-World. I could finish him off right now and end the Terogol legacy, but Yion and I had forged a pact and I wasn’t one to turn on my friends. Whether I could trust him or not was still up for debate.

I sense that you are disturbed, master. May I be of assistance? Soria suddenly asked.

I turned my head to her, seeing that she was gazing upon me with her beautiful eyes. They seemed to be glinting in the moonlight, making them appear even more enchanting. With her smooth pink lips and young face, it was hard to resist being attracted to her.

I’m alright, Soria. I replied.

Soria tilted her head slightly then straightened it a second later. We both continued staring at each other as I wondered what was on her mind. After a few seconds though, I turned my head back to the forest ahead of us.

You seem troubled, master. Was it something I did?

I grunted, forgetting that about Soria. She could scan through my mind but couldn’t fully read it, so she would know if I was upset but wouldn’t know what I was upset about. I didn’t want to talk to her about the Ark of Nightmares though. It was something that the world needed to forget so that it would never be unsealed.

No, Soria. You didn’t do anything wrong.

Soria bowed her head for a moment then put her two hands together near her waist. After a few seconds, she raised her head to look at me.

Do you wish to talk about it, master?

I turned myself back to her, seeing her gaze upon me again.

You’re persistent.

Even though I could easily say no and she would accept it, I almost did want to talk to Soria. She was like the perfect puppet, but she was everything that I stood against. Her gaze and innocent look made me feel sorry enough that I felt like I should include her on my troubles. Sadly though, I had to leave it alone so that no more questions would be raised about it.

Not really. Right now, I rather just focus on the trail.

Soria nodded.

Yes, master. Are there any other commands you wish for me to do while we wait?

I paused for a moment then looked back ahead.

What did you have in mind?

I have discovered ways to pass the time, master.

I glanced at her and raised my eyebrows, curious.

Like what?

Soria separated her two hands then pointed to the dirt below us.

I can draw in the dirt for example, master. It is a menial task but if you wish for me to do it, I will be satisfied to follow your command.

I paused for a moment then looked back ahead.

Very well. You may draw in the dirt.

Yes, master.

Without hesitation, Soria crouched down. She placed her finger in the dirt then began dragging it around. As she was doing that, I began thinking about the forest that we were in. Sadly, nothing was coming into mind that I didn’t already think about.

As I continued pondering about Sion’s trail, I started remembering the times when he and I would speak. We both would argue on who had the better plan for this world. He believed that control and domination would secure the One-World’s safety while I was still certain that all of creation should have free will. Both of our ideas had extremes that we each proudly stood by. The weird part was that I could see Sion’s plan actually working. If he had won against me, he could’ve saved this world through his soul conversion. However, because of my friends, I was successful in taking him down. Sometimes though, I questioned if my victory was the right path to take.

After nearly a minute, I turned my head to Soria. I saw that she was still drawing in the dirt, making an image of some sort. Interested, I scanned what she was drawing. From what I could gather right away, they appeared to be musical notes, as if she was writing a song. There weren’t many symbols in there and I didn’t understand what any of them meant, but seeing this gave me some questions about her.

Hey, Soria. Mind if I ask you something? I asked.

Soria immediately stopped drawing one of the symbols then turned her head to me.

No, master. Please ask me anything and I will answer. She replied.

I grunted, forgetting for a brief moment that she didn’t have any will to betray me.

What are you drawing?

Musical notes for a song, master.

Figured as much.

Confused, I decided to leave it alone as I turned my head back forward.

I see… I said softly.

Soria paused for a moment then stood up. She tilted her head slightly while gazing upon me.

If you do not like them, I will stop, master.

I turned back to her then shook my head.

It’s alright, Soria. I’m just curious, that’s all. You can keep drawing.

Understood, master.

She turned back to the dirt then crouched down. Without hesitation, she began drawing again while I watched her, curious.

Why are you drawing this specifically though?

I do not know, master. These symbols are familiar to me but since I am unable to think, I want to draw them to visually scan their traits.

What?

I raised one eyebrow, confused. While I wanted to know why those symbols were familiar to her, something else had concerned my mind more.

What do you mean you can’t think?

Soria stopped what she was drawing then turned her head to me again.

I am incapable of thinking, master. My mind was purged of that ability. I am only able to respond and obey my master’s command.

How is that possible?

I was convinced that Soria would forever obey me, but I was certain that she could think on her own. Without any thought, she was truly just a puppet.

Explain this.

Soria nodded.

When my body was completed, my creator purged my mind of all thought, master. It was his belief that the only way I would be able to follow my master’s commands without question or disobedience was if I was not able to think for myself. My brain still functions like a normal human, but it is empty. The only time when I feel thought is when you give me an order, but the only thing that goes through my head is fulfilling that command and nothing else. Soria explained.

I paused for a moment, digesting the information. After a few seconds, I found a question that I wanted an answer to.

So if I were to tell you to keep drawing, your mind would be filled with nothing but that thought?

Soria nodded.

But you wouldn’t know why?

Soria nodded again.

But if I told you why, you would then know, right?

Soria nodded one more time.

Right…

It seemed that I had figured it out quite easily. Soria in a short term was the extreme of slavery that I had always feared. She was still a person; she still had a soul of her own. Yet, she was completely obedient to my command and couldn’t ever think for herself, even if she wanted to.

So do you have any free will of your own?

That would depend on the extent of your commands, master.

I raised one eyebrow, confused.

Explain.

Soria turned her head back to the dirt then began drawing again.

You commanded me to draw in the dirt, but did not specify what you wanted, so I started drawing something, master.

I nodded, understanding what she was saying.

But if for example, I were to ask you to kill someone silently with just your sword and through their back, you would… I started.

Soria turned her head to me.

I would kill someone silently with just my sword and through their back, master.

I put my hand on my chin then nodded again.

Well I would like to give you as much free will as possible, despite being my slave and all.

It is my desire to serve your every need, master. I will perform any command that you give me, no matter how specific or free it is.

I fell silent for a brief moment, wanting to ask a question. However, I felt like I knew the answer already.

So if I told you to live a free life like everyone else, would you do that?

Soria shook her head.

I am incapable of that command, master. I need a target and an action.

Makes sense…

Soria’s free will only came from me. If we were to fight an enemy, as long as I told her to just simply kill it, Soria would do it in any way that she believed was right. I guess that was