(Author's Note: Hey, if you guys skip to the comment section below, I left a link to a YouTube video called "Evil." It's a song, which belongs to a musical duo called 8 Graves. If you wish, please check it out.)
After my excessive failures from the Mind Game, I took a break. My rage was boiling forth, and I felt like killing something. When battles came, I would pretend that the boys I shot would die, and I would finally be alone. Still, I was always being watched.
[Constellation "Abyssal Black Flame Dragon" wants bloodshed.]
[Many Constellations are watching your scenario!]
I didn't know the exact amount of Constellations that were watching me, but I could feel their gazes. I couldn't explain it, but it was a chilling feeling, as if you're being watched. As if someone is behind you, peeking over your shoulder.
(Well, that is literally happening... I just wished it wouldn't.)
***
Over the course of a few days, I received a letter from Valentine. I thought it was from her, since that is what the message said.
(In the novel, Ender received a letter from his sister. It helped him find the next step in the Mind Game.)
[Dear Ethan,
The Constellations can't see this right now because it's censored, but you really need to find a new angle.]
(What the hell is this?)
The minute I saw my name, I knew that this wasn't a part of the simulation. I continued to read the letter.
[Dear Ethan,
The Constellations can't see this right now because it's censored, but you really need to find a new angle. Stop focusing on the Red-Blader. Why are you so obsessed? You can't kill them alone. Anyways, once you end this simulation, you can receive additional rewards. These rewards will help you guide your journey in the real-world.
Also, George is fine. He's finished his simulation. Make sure not to write back. The Constellations think you are looking at a blank-white screen. May the blessing of the story be with you.
From: EG9]
I read this letter. I stared at the sender's signature.
(EG9?)
Where have I've seen that name before? I combed through my memory, and then remembered: the dreams I had with Herald. When my consciousness was severed, I was able to spy on the dokkaebi.
(The creator of this simulation... his name was EG9.)
I stared at the letter. It was the writer of TWSA. I read the letter. I read it dozens of times. I smiled a rictus grin.
(I know how to beat the Red-Blader. Sadly, I will have to do one of the things I hate most: teamwork.)
***
This was only a hypothesis. No matter how many times I killed the snake, it would always respawn. The thing is, I would always spawn with my lightsaber. That meant that I wouldn't have to kill it for Meikal. I've been killing it out of reflex whenever I encountered it.
(What makes the snake any different than the wolf-children I murdered?)
When I killed the wolf-children in the Mind Game, they never came back, no matter how many times I died and respawned. I also killed a few other creatures, and they vanished completely.
(The snake though... it always comes back.)
I didn't know what the writer wanted for me. I wasn't a master-programmer, and I wasn't Neo from the Matrix. I had to understand the game, and what it wanted from me. I had to understand it's rules, and it's symbolism.
(The snake means something.)
I was in the tower. I saw the rug morph into the snake, but I didn't kill it.
(I was a fool. There are several types of monsters in video games: peaceful, neutral and hostile.)
If I spoke to it, could the snake understand? Could I tame the snake, and make it a companion?
"I do not wish to fight you anymore," I said.
The snake stared blankly.
(Do I have to apologize? To a snake?)
I would look silly, but I had to try everything. If I could tame this snake, it could become my ally. Then we could kill the Red-Blader together.
"I'm... sorry. For viciously murdering you 67 times."
I thought about how I challenged the Red-Blader, and how I killed this snake 67 times. After I said this, I saw system messages. The first I've seen in years.
[You are entering the Mind Game!]
[Mental synchronization with the Mind Game will occur!]
[Brace yourself!]
(For the love of Go-!!)
***
I was in the Mind Game. It happened in an instant - I had a sudden feeling of vertigo from this seamless transportation. I was lying in my bed in Rat Army barracks, but now I was standing. I was standing in a room that was quite familiar. The tower of the castle. I felt myself break into cold sweat.
[Constellations are wondering why the screen suddenly cut to a new perspective!]
[Constellations are curious why you're appearance changed!]
When I saw this message, I reflexively looked at my hands. Instead of the Caucasian flesh of Asa Butterfield, I saw my skin. The tan looking pigment that usually belonged to Thai or Cambodian people. Was I really in my original body? For some reason, the notion of it relieved so much of my stress.
(Wait, a minute, I need to stop and think. Are you kidding me? A simulation in a simulation?)
I was in the tower. I was facing the snake. It was only a few meters away, but I froze in place. I didn't know if the snake was poisonous, or if it had overpowered magic. Still, I had to believe in myself. I had to take a leap of faith, Assassin's Creed style.
"I don't know what I should give you..." I said solemnly. "I'm not going to bother to ask for forgiveness. If you wish to kill me... so be it then."
The snake continued to stare at me. I stood my ground, unflinching. This is what many people called "conflict resolution." I could hope that this would work. If it didn't, then I would kill this snake again and try to find a new solution.
After several moments that felt like hours, the snake morphed, and twisted, as if it wasn't in it's final form. It morphed into a teenage girl. A beautiful one.
(Crap...)
I've never really bothered talking to girls. The girls in my neighborhood were quite crass as the boys, and I deemed them worthless. I met some girls who shamelessly talked about having sex, or who've done sexual acts. Those types of people disgusted me.
For some reason, though, the girl in front of me didn't remind me of them. She felt... different. She radiated a kinder aura. She appeared to be of Caucasian ethnicity. She had jet-black hair, which gently cascaded onto her shoulders, she had a perky nose, and she had full lips. Her head was beautifully symmetrical, and no blemishes blotted her face - if it did, I couldn't see them. She had a kind, but awkward smile that eradicated all of the anxiety I had.
[Constellations are noticing you are becoming red around you neck.]
[Constellation "Master of Abydos" is shocked.]
(Shut up, Constellations.)
[Wa it, is n't t he gi rl sup po sed to b e Valen tine?]
(I don't know, Fraggy. I think there's something along those lines in the novel.)
I stared intently at the girl. Still, I had to be careful. You couldn't trust anyone in this world. Humans were nothing but deceitful, selfish piles of flesh that always act out of self-interest. This girl could be a cunning manipulator, who uses her feminine wiles to gain what she wants. It would be humiliating if I was seduced and killed because I found her attractive. I wasn't a discriminating person - I would kill anyone no matter how pretty they were.
"Who are you?" I asked.
The girl shook her head, and tapped her neck. I could understand the simple gesture. It meant she couldn't speak.
"So, you do understand what I'm saying. How very interesting..." I said coldly. "It seems you can't speak, but I doubt it."
I ignited my lightsaber.
"I shall make a proposal. I want your wor-" I was about to say "I want your word" but she couldn't speak. "Scrap that. Nod your head like this," I nodded my head up and down, "to mean yes. Nod your head side to side to mean no. Right now, nod your head like I did the first time to show your understanding."
The girl nodded.
"Okay, will you do anything I say?"
[Some Constellations are wondering what you're intentions are.]
I stared towards the sky. It didn't register for a second.
"Wait, no, I didn't mean it that way!! I just want to know if she'll listen to what I say!!"
[Some Constellations are doubting your true intentions.]
[Some Constellations are wondering what you want from this girl.]
"I just want her help to kill the Red-Blader!!"
I turned to the girl as I said it. She seemed shocked that I said such a thing. She shook her head vigorously, side to side.
"You are obviously important," I reasoned. "Or else you wouldn't have kept on respawning. If you die again, can you respawn as the snake?"
She nodded her head up and down.
"Are you afraid of dying?"
She nodded again.
"I'm afraid too."
I wanted to let my emotions gush forward. I wanted to talk about how I was afraid. I wished to talk to this girl, but the simulation wouldn't allow her to speak. I had to ask an important question.
"Do you hate me?"
The girl swished her head side to side.
"Do you wish to kill me?"
The girl repeated the same gesture from before. She was saying "no."
"Hahaha!! I find it hard to believe that. Do you know? I was the one who killed you 67 times."
The expression of the girl was uncomfortable.
"I suppose you hate me now. This form is different, but the person who came into this castle was me."
I thought about all the times I traveled into this tower. I thought this snake was a boss that guarded this tower, but perhaps I was the true invader. I thought killing the snake was a requirement you needed to advance, but I was unsure now.
I thought about my original game avatar. This girl wouldn't know that the person standing before her was the true person that killed her several times. I didn't know why I told her the truth. I just wanted to see something: hatred. The anger. The face of someone who knew wrath. Instead, the girl just seemed puzzled. She had a slight frown on her face.
"Will you kill me now?"
She shook her head no.
"What? Why not? Are you offering me forgiveness?" I asked with scorn.
The girl nodded. I didn't know how to process it.
"LIAR!!" I shouted. "That makes no sense!!"
I activated my lightsaber, and aimed the point of it towards her.
"No person can suffer at the hands of another and just forgive them easily. Those people are nothing but fools," I spat. "You plan to betray me, don't you?"
The girl shook her head in panic, and threw her arms up.
"I can't trust you fully. I don't need your trust, though. Only your cooperation."
I deactivated my lightsaber.
"What do you want? I can give you anything if you help me kill the Red-Blader. I'm rich, so I can give you money."
She shook her head in "no." She didn't want the money? No, that would be foolish. People love money. Although, material desires are less sought after when fear comes into play, especially when that fear had high stakes.
"You're afraid of the Red-Blader, aren't you?"
She nodded.
"Can I give you anything that could persuade you?"
Another shake of the head. Another no. My plan deflated. She wasn't going to help me.
"I'll fight him myself then. I need to kill him. Move."
I marched forward, ready to go down the trapdoor, but she stood in place, and shook her head in "no" again. She even spread her arms out, as if she would try to catch me if I tried to move past her.
"Do you know the Red-Blader?"
I received a no.
"Are you friends with benefits?"
I received a very vigorous shake of the head that meant no.
"Does the Red-Blader control you?"
My question was answered just like the two questions before this one.
"Then why? Why won't you let me kill him? Are you concerned about me? Are you afraid that'll die?" I asked in jest.
I didn't expect a "yes." I didn't expect this girl to nod her head up and down, but she did.
"What?"
If I was a computer, then Ethan.exe would stop working.
"Hahaha! I see. You are one of those philanthropists, or a liar! People like you will never make it anywhere in life by acting out of kindness."
I had enough of this girl. I was done with this stupid back and forth. This entire "conversation" was worthless, and my time was wasted. I walked forward in a brisk manner, but the girl always stepped in front of me, like a child. She kept on blocking me.
"Move. The. Fuck. Out. Of. My. Way." I seethed. I charged forward, but-
-!!GRAB!!-
"Damnit, let me go!! You damnable woman!!"
I tried to move past her, but she grabbed me. It didn't help that she was five inches taller than me. I was caught in her grasp, and she wouldn't let me go.
"Succubus!! Demoness!! Let me go!!"
This was truly humiliating. I tried to grab my lightsaber to kill her, but she grabbed my hand and prevented me from doing it. I felt like a little kid that was being quarreled into place. I tried to move past her, but she let go and pushed me back. This girl was stronger than me, and it didn't help that she was 12 centimeters taller than me. I made another attempt to move past her, but she grabbed my wrist.
"Let go! How is this even possible!? How are you stopping me with ONE HAND? Ger! Gah!! URRR."
I made pathetic grunting noises as I strained, and the Constellations laughed at me.
[Constellation "Love Born From Blood and Water" is laughing at this silliness.]
[Constellation "General-Slayer" is disappointed in this entire situation.]
I slumped onto the ground, and fell onto my knees. The girl was still holding my hand, and looking down at me with an innocuous face.
"Damnit!"
I tried to make a sudden break for it, but I just tripped onto myself and fell forward onto the ground. I just lied there.
[Constellations have clipped this moment.]
I lied face first on the ground. I felt tired. I was sick of playing this damn game that tortured me. I wanted everything to end, and I hoped that this girl would just kill me. Even if it meant I died forever. I expected it to happen. To feel the fangs of teeth bite into me, and rip apart my flesh, or to feel a cold knife stab me. That didn't happen though. Instead, I felt something rifle through my hair gently.
"Are... are you actually patting my head?"
When I looked up, I could see she was the one stroking my hair. It felt... comforting. Too comforting. I felt my paranoia melt away.
[Constellation "Love Born From Blood and Water" says it's okay to cry.]
Tears leaked from my eyes. Anger bloomed within my heart.
"Stop touching me."
I grabbed her hand, and gripped it tight.
"Don't ever touch me again," I seethed.
I got up, and walked slowly. The girl looked at me with concern, but I ignored it.
"You're going to stay here. If not, I'll kill you."
I opened the trapdoor, and climbed down the ladder. I wouldn't kill the girl. I lied about killing her, but I said something horrible to her. I felt shame, so I decided to leave.
[Constellations are interested in your scenario!]
"I have to end this."
I opened the trapdoor, and was about to climb down the ladder. I turned to the girl one more time, and I saw her face. It was a mess of concern.
***
I crept through the dark forests. It was always dark in this underworld, but the crystal stalactites seemed to be dimmer. The forest was eerie, and I couldn't help but feel afraid. Something felt wrong.
(This forest is scarier in person.)
I've heard horror stories of spirits haunting forests. I heard of one infamous story. The legend of La Llorona, a woman who killed her children by drowning them in the river. There were many iterations; it is stated that she would wail at night, and she would lurk around rivers. It is stated that she would kill children who wandered, while adorned in a wedding dress.
(Thanks a lot brain. Just what I needed.)
This wasn't Mexico, though. This was the Mind Game. My fear was unfounded.
(Who the fuck am I kidding, I'm drenched in sweat.)
I could hear rustling in the bushes, but I hoped they were rabbits. I could hear the sound of insects buzzing around, and I would hear the cawing of birds. Every single of one those sounds caused my heart to jackknife.
(I heard that's normal. It's silence that you have to worry about.)
I used my lightsaber as a torch, but I regretted the red coloration. It casted everything in a ruddy glow, and the hum from my weapon masked the sound of any approaching footsteps. I was making myself a target.
(What happens if I die in the Mind Game?)
I forgot the overall evaluation for this simulation. I was afraid to die, or to feel pain.
(Peace is a lie, there is only passion, through passion I gain strength, through strength I gain victory, through victory my chains are broken, the Force shall free me...)
I ranted that mantra repeatedly in mind, but it did nothing to ease my fear.
(I'm pathetic. I'm shaking.)
I deactivated my lightsaber. I felt the anger course through my flesh, and the heat from such anger boil over in my mind. Still, I was plagued by fear. I reactivated my lightsaber. I focused on the point, and admired it's craft. I thought about Meikal, and the dwarves who lived in the village. I also thought about George, who must've been waiting for me.
(Fuck, I can't give up.)
I wanted nothing more to back down. I wanted to live a life where I wouldn't be watched, and wouldn't be judged. Such a privilege didn't belong to me, though. I felt my anger, and focused it. I wanted to make a plan, but I didn't feel as if I could.
(I'm in my original body that looks exactly like the Red-Blader's. No one will help me. They'll think I'm him.)
I wondered if this how Yu Junghyeok felt. Always being alone, treading forward. The loneliness, a heavy weight on his mind, and the emotions, a burden to his soul. I wasn't Yu Junghyeok, but I could understand that pain, and that fear of failure.
"It doesn't matter anymore..." I whispered. "Nothing does..."
I crept through the forest, slashing any brambles and thickets out of the way. I saw the train station up ahead, and dreaded going in there. I had to walk through the train station; the environment wouldn't allow any other path to get to the cave.
(Oh, hell nah, there's gonna be a ghostly motherfucker hiding in there.)
"Ah, screw it."
I opened the door of the abandoned train station, and my nose winced from the smell. It smelled like rotting wood, and the vines growing through the walls looked like hands reaching out.
(The hands of the damned, most likely.)
I made sure to tread carefully, and to look at the dark corners of the station. I passed every single room, and I didn't find a single trap, or a single adversary. I was on the platform, and I jumped down onto the old railway track. It was at that moment, I heard screams piercing through the forests.
(Please be two cougars boning, please be two cougars boning, please be two cougars boning, please be two cougars boning...)
-!!SHRIEEK!!-
-!!!SHRIEEEKK!!!-
-!!Aaaahhhhh!!-
How do I describe that feeling? Of hearing something you can't see, can't touch, or can't visualize? That feeling of the unknown? The horror and the fear? Imagine a scream that comes from nowhere, while you're all alone in the wilderness.
(It's him, isn't it?)
I encountered no spiritual monsters in the Mind Game. It was the Red-Blader, the darker part of me. He was probably killing someone again. I charged forward, and ran as fast as I could. The fear I felt evaporated, and my soul was fueled by determination.
The screams continued to echo, and I found out why they were amplified. The dark tunnel acted like a canon that shot out the screams. I saw more dead bodies at it's entrance, and these were fresher. I saw the looks of fear that were paired with dead eyes. They held cheap looking weapons, and had armor made from poor metal.
"Please!! No!! Noo!!"
"I don't wan--!!"
This entire place was turned into a den of dead bodies. I ran forward and found... myself. He was covered in cuts and bruises, but he held his own against the fighters that were coming towards him. His lightsaber moved in a spectacular fashion, and every single one of his movements wounded someone, or killed them. Soon, every single person was on the ground, clutching wounds, or cursing under their breath.
"You..."
"Damn..."
"Wait, w-who's that?!!"
"Hello, Ethan."
[Some Constellations are wondering why that person looks exactly like you.]
(Did the Constellations see this part? No, some did.)
"Hello. I see you're fighting again," I said.
"It is in my nature."
"That's him!! The Red-Blader!! There's two!!"
I looked at the people who were dying, or close to death. I saw some of them were still able to stand, but they were too fatigued. I came in the nick of time. I ignited my lightsaber.
"I've come to kill this guy," I said to all of them. "Get out of my way."
"Wait... what's happening?"
They began to mutter to themselves, but I ignored them.
"Ethan, I must say, you look good in the I.F. uniform," my counterpart said.
"You look the same as always, Lord of Anger."
I saw the rain jacket I wore was covered in blood. I was able to see my own face clearly, but it didn't have that easy-going nature. It seemed strained. They must've been tired. I could take advantage of this.
"I've come to kill you," I stated.
"I know. I've been waiting."
"What happened?"
"Ha. Don't you see? They've come for vengeance. As all pathetic humans do. They do not see I am superior to them."
"Quite an arrogant thing to say."
"All creatures have pride, mine is just a little bigger. These insects are nothing."
"Well, they've seemed to wounded you quite well."
"You want to fight, Ethan?"
"Yes. I feel morally obligated."
"Come at me then."
I charged forward. Instead of using preconceived moves from the Mind Game, I was able to move my body and have complete control. Our weapons met, and we stared at each other.
"Let's see how good you are at fighting without your precious skills, Ethan!!"
He countered my attacks, and struck my arms and hands. I almost dropped my weapon, but I held onto it no matter what. We exchanged blows for minutes, until we were both tired.
"Damn, this is pathetic..." I rasped.
"Are you copying my moves?"
"What do you mean? We have no moves. Our style is shit and simplistic."
"True."
"Why are you doing this?"
"Killing people again? They came to me. People always do. People are so annoying. Humans are nothing but-"
"Creatures who operate on hate, I know."
I braced another stance.
"It's time to end this," I said.
"I agree."
We made another charge, and struck at each other. We slashed, thrusted, and struck, but none of our blows were lethal. This was a spar of attrition; who would back down to the pain? Who would slip up, and have a sword impaled through their stomach or heart?
"Gahhh!!!"
His lightsaber grazed one of my arms, and tore a sheet of my flesh, while simultaneously cauterizing the wound. I lowered my guard, and he stabbed his lightsaber into my shoulder.
"Ahhhh!! Guaahgghh!!"
"Only human, Ethan. The path we have to walk, humanity will only be a burden. Do you think anyone loves you? Do you think anyone cares? Join me, Ethan. Prove yourself to me by killing those people, and I will teach you hidden arts to become truly powerful."
"No."
"Why? Because they are real? You think this is Sword Art Online: Alicization? It isn't. Those NPCs are nothing but code."
"I know."
"Then why? Why bother with morals and values?"
"They seem real enough. Thus, I won't kill them. You have nothing to teach me as well."
"Alright then. Suffer."
"GAHHH!!!"
The lightsaber penetrated deeper into my shoulder, and I could feel his intent. He wanted to bring the lightsaber down and cut open my lungs; the only thing from stopping that was my lightsaber's cross-guard, which was blocking further entry by pressing against his blade at a certain angle.
"You are in a disadvantageous situation, Ethan. Why aren't you fighting back? Why don't you try kicking my legs?"
He knew I couldn't. If I did, I would break my stance, and he would finally be able to kill me.
(I have to make a choice,) I thought. (I have to do it. Will I sacrifice myself for these people?)
"I bet you are thinking of sacrificing yourself for those NPCs there. Look at them, Ethan. They are cowards. They decided to watch you die. Agree to kill them, and your life will be spared."
"Only a man who doesn't have the upper hand would resort to negotiations," I retorted.
He glowered.
"W-we have to f-fight," someone stuttered out. "This is... o-our chance!"
"Just charge him!!"
I heard people get up, and and I heard their slapping footsteps against the cave floor.
"No!! Bastards!!"
The lightsaber was torn out from my shoulder, and the Red-Blader backed away from me. The other people swung their weapons, and he seemed to become more belligerent.
"NO!! Back!!"
We didn't fight together. I wasn't an NPC, and I didn't know their battle-tactics, but I charged into the fray, and tried to help. It wasn't enough.
"Gah!!"
"URK!!"
"Dang it..."
The Red-Blader sliced someone in half at the waist, and their organs and viscera spilled onto the floor. He flicked the point of his lightsaber into someone's neck, and they backed away while gurgling blood. The Red-Blader sliced off a woman's breast, and it revealed her white ribcage and beating heart, and she fell to the ground while screaming in agony.
A man tried to use an overhead strike, but my counterpart used a low-blow and kicked the person in the testicles, and they fell and crumbled onto the ground. The Red-Blader struck downward, and cleaved the man's head horizontally. When a trio charged him, he jumped up into the air, soared over their heads, landed behind them, and sliced them in half, or cut off their limbs. They fell onto the ground, and he stabbed each one in the heart to silence them. Everyone was dead now.
I ran towards him, and tried to cut his ankles, but his strikes were too fast, and thrusted the point of his lightsaber into my right ribcage.
"Ugghh!!"
He deactivated his lightsaber, and backed away. I saw a gaping hole in my chest, and blood gushed out. It was an override of stimuli, and the pain flooded my brain.
"WAHHH!!"
They screamed in rage and kicked me in the waist, and I fell backward, smacking my head onto the hard floor. My lightsaber fell out of my reach, and deactivated.
"Fuck..."
"I'm disappointed, Ethan. I have to kill you now. It's going to hurt a little bit, but I'll make it quick. You'll return back to Rat Army barracks. I'm sorry...." The Red-Blader rasped in-between breathes.
(I don't want to lose... I don't want to die...)
The Red-Blader - the other Ethan - raised his sword, and was about to cut my head off, but he didn't. He paused, and a confused look appeared on his face. I heard something... they sounded like the approaching sounds of footsteps.
-taptaptap-
-TapTapTap-
For a split second, a look of fear flashed on his face. I only understood why he made it after the event happened.
-!!BAM!!-
"Pwock!!"
Someone punched him so powerfully and he was thrown back, several meters away. I saw who it was. The snake girl from the castle's tower.
[Constellation "Master of Abydos" is interested in this turn of events.]
"Why?" I rasped. "Why save me?"
The girl kept her back to me. She readied a stance, as if she was a boxer.
"Damnit, I shouldn't have made you into an non-killable NPC!!" The Red-Blader spat between breathes. "Bloody annoying!! Get out!!"
The girl shook her head no.
"What do you see in that bastard? You only met for a few minutes back in the tower?!!"
(How does the Red-Blader know that?)
"Fuck, I'll kill you too. I hate this."
The girl charged, and punched and kicked the Red-Blader multiple times; in the stomach, in the knees, and in the arms. I heard the snapping of bones, and I could hear his screams.
"Gwaahhh!!"
After a moment, the girl stopped the beating when she found the Red-Blader unmoving. She looked at me, and I could see the guilt on her face. I mustered my strength, and grabbed my lightsaber. I approached silently.
"Damn.... I wasn't strong enough. I didn't know the AI would do that..."
"Why do you talk as if you aren't one of them?"
I couldn't see the Red-Blader's face because it was mess of black and blue bruises, and busted lips.
"Y-you won this game, Eth-an. Go..."
A portal opened, and I could see the Rat Army barracks. I saw the body of Asa Butterfield, sleeping away with a tablet lying on his chest.
(That's me.)
"This simulation isn't over, isn't it?" I asked him.
"No. Not until you beat the Formics..."
"I see."
I walked towards the portal, and I was mere inches from it.
"Lord of Anger, what happens if I exit this portal?"
"You won't be able to play the Mind Game anymore. All assets will be deleted. You will move onto the next step."
"Everything will be deleted? Even you?"
"Yes. Even me...." He choked out.
I walked towards him.
"How very interesting," I said.
"Are you g-going to k-kill me before you go? If you do... if you strike me down... I... (cough)... I will always be with you. In memory..."
"Alright then."
I reignited my lightsaber and I plunged it into the Red-Blader's stomach. He screamed out, but I laughed.
"Y-you really ha te yourself... that much, Ethan?"
In response to his question, I plunged my lightsaber into his mouth. I could hear the sizzling of flesh, and I could see the pain and tears in the Red-Blader's eyes. Soon, they went limp.
"Hahahahaha!!!"
I laughed and cackled.
[Some Constellations find this scenario disturbing.]
I saw the girl. It looked as if she was going to vomit.
"I don't know why you saved me, but thank you."
I smiled at the dead body on the ground. It wore my face, and I found it disconcerting for a moment. Still, I felt satisfied.
"My name is the King of Chaos and Revenge, and I am the Lord of Anger. I am Ethan Nakamura," I said to the sky.
[Constellations are paying attention to your words.]
"I am also the most evil thing in this world."
I walked towards the portal, and stepped through it.
[You have won the Mind Game!]
[You have gained 1000 points!]
I was ready for the next step. As my mind returned to the body of the simulation, I felt this burden alleviate from my mind.