Pain from different forms of torture.
Unbearable hunger after several days without eating.
Not even allowed to clean up or move about, Felix had experienced firsthand the horrors that came with being a slave.
It was a miracle that he could retain his sanity after experiencing so much.
What he craved most was his freedom and a chance to exert revenge on the ones that took everything, including his dignity from him.
Now the AI that he thought was meant to help him, was telling him to remain as one?
What sort of bullshit is that!
Felix would have already pummeled Aya if she had a corporeal body.
[Notice. As an Awakened, it is possible to regain your freedom but that is only if you gain the favor of your master]
"That bitch is crazy!... She destroyed my nervous system just because I stayed silent." Felix retorted.
[Notice. Her actions however extreme didn't kill you and even helped a bit. Your Pain tolerance received a significant boost]
"Fuck you!"
[Notice. No amount of cursing will change your fate. I advise host to take into consideration the plan to get over our restrictions]
Felix fumed but couldn't help but agree with Aya on that.
He could rant as much as possible but it wouldn't change his situation.
This fact caused him a great deal of anguish, even more so than the pain Dyara inflicted on him.
The sheer hopelessness that accompanied his powerlessness was enough to crush Felix's will.
After several minutes passed, he calmed his nerves before taking a big bite out of the loaf of bread.
"Give me one good reason why I should listen to you."
[Notice. Because that is the only way I can find out more information about my birth which would free you from the price of awakening]
Felix snorted. "My movement is restricted so how do you plan on doing that?"
[Your new owner is a high-ranking Demir. The possibility of using her to gain access to my parents is high]
"When you say, parents…" Felix trailed off.
[The scientists that took part in the Awakening project]
Felix pursed his lips as he tried to speak but found himself unable to say a word.
At what point had he stopped being a human to become a mere toy that couldn't even determine if he wanted freedom?
It destroyed the little pride that he had.
But what was the point of feeling sorry for himself when he had no power to back up his desire to destroy the Demirs?
At the end of the day, he was a lion without teeth.
"Heh, this is pathetic." Felix laughed at his predicament.
He acted as though he could do better than the masked man but that was all self-deceit.
If he wanted to survive long enough to destroy the giant that was the Demirs, just selling his soul was not enough to the devil wouldn't cut it.
At most he could kill a few but that wasn't what he wanted.
The whole house… he wanted to take everything from them just like they did to him.
…And for that, he had to become the devil and destroy them from the inside out!
"But I won't do so as a slave." Felix mouthed. "I have my pride as a man."
[…]
Felix finished up the loaf of bread and cleaned his mouth before picking up the bottled water at the side.
Once he was done, he dropped the bottle and slowly got to his feet.
Taking a deep breath, he shouted at the top of his lungs. "Dyara!... I ask for my freedom!... Allow me to take part in the Absolution!"
Unfortunately, there was no response.
Felix gritted his teeth as he didn't let up.
He repeated himself until he was exhausted.
With a thud, he dropped on his ass with his hands propped up behind him. "Fuck."
[Notice. That was hopeless]
"Hah, you think so too." Felix joked before sighing. "I guess I can…"
He trailed off just as the door to his cell suddenly slid open.
Dyara casually walked in and the door closed behind her.
Even though he hoped for her to come, now that she was before him, Felix couldn't help but gulp instinctively.
Her fearsome aura and cold gaze were still imprinted in his mind.
"You are the first human that has dared to address me so nonchalantly," Dyara said as she took a step forward. "Tell me, what made you so brave?"
Felix hesitated but still replied. "… I don't want to be your slave."
"Would you rather be dead?"
Felix slammed into the ground as Dyara released her oppressive aura.
It felt like his organs were being turned to mush as he struggled to breathe.
"…I…I would rather…be your retainer."
A few seconds later and Dyara released him before flashing a smile. "My retainer?... What makes you think yourself worthy to have such a position?"
Even as he was covered in sweat and his body ached from tremendous pain, Felix still managed a weak smile. "…Because I'm an Awakened."
Silence reigned for a moment before Dyara laughed out loud in amusement.
Her laughter was in clear mockery of Felix but the latter didn't back down as he kept his composure.
After realizing that he wasn't joking, Dyara asked. "What makes you think that you are the only Awakened I have come across?... Do you think because you have awakened, that makes you special?... Hah, you Awakened are dogs and it is the right of Demirs to treat you as we wish."
"I agree… but let me prove myself somehow," Felix remarked. "My system is like no other."
"Oh really." Dyara crouched and reached out to grab his chin. "What is your attribute?"
Felix remained silent as though in thought before replying. "…Cultivation."
Dyara's expression changed as she stared at Felix.
After several seconds of silence, Dyara managed a weak smile. "…Do you think I am stupid?"
"No," Felix replied without flinching. "I told you… I am special."