When it was a game, I've watched this bloody battle with ease. I was devoid of emotion for those who died in this battle. But now, the face of the dead made me wonder, what am I?
Traversing the path of countless corpses, the virtual realm always adjusted the realism of the player avoiding mental trauma. However, now, the stench of blood and the scattered flesh made me puke twice.
It's just disgusting.
Stopping In front of the dying Aether, I took out the family heirloom that my late father had left behind. My proud father, he probably didn't know that this was a God-Level accursed relic. Or did he? I wouldn't know.
Nevertheless,
Was this even the right choice?
I know the Bloodhound General was still alive, this Oath will awaken Han Zhou's innate blood manipulation ability. He's strong and powerful just like Aether, however, I just couldn't trust a thief. The game prevented any the controlled units from unjust betrayal or desertion. But the question was still not answered.
Am I really dead? Was this my new reality? Or am I still in the game?
Aether, the White General unlike Han Zhou's dominating abilities, she had a strong utility and sustainable magics that could boost the army that I would create. Magics that would make other players target her first. She was the broken support character.
"Would live for me?"
I asked the dying Aether whose coughing blood. Her cut on her upper body was now visible to my naked eyes. I could see her heart beating faintly within her exposed scarlet flesh.
I waited...
Back in the game, a subtitle below my vision would tell me her thoughts. Without pain, I would perform the Oath in a fashionable way. However, there was no head-up display(HUD) bar at all.
Still, I waited for her reply.
"Ah…"
At that moment, Aether reached out her hands to me trembling and out of breath.
It has been decided.
The Soul Blade was uncovered, I've done this oath ten times, and this was the 2nd time for her.
This was only the beginning of the game.
I could hear the throbbing of my heart beating so loud as I took a deep breath.
I laid the edge of the blade at my other palm, and slowly carved the mark of the life and death goddess!
"AAARRRRRGH!!!!!!!!!!"
As expected, the excruciating pain creeping to my soul proved that it was not the virtual realm anymore.
It was just real.
"HAaaargh!"
I clenched my teeth as I continued the ritual!
My new reality!
I ended the oath down to my wrist and let the blood flow within Aether's mouth. My eyes felt hot as the pain made me unable to hold my tears.
"aaarrrRGHHH!!!!"
It was this moment, the dagger released its light as the fragmented soul of the Life and Death Goddess appeared.
Panting, I could see her veiled upper body as the fragmented soul touched my skin. "The Oath has been Granted."
Those were the echoing words of the Goddess before my consciousness faded into the darkness.
This was only the beginning…