17th Century, somewhere in the Western Hemisphere;
The warrior, worn down by the mental toll of hunting his prey across time, found himself facing increasingly challenging wars. He had trained himself to close his heart to the brutality, a necessity bestowed upon him by his rigorous training. Glancing once more at the paper in his hand, he noted that the list of targets had dwindled.
Transitioning to the next time period, the warrior was immediately struck by the stark contrast around him. The air carried a sense of excitement and progress, mingled with the scent of freshly cut lumber and the distant clatter of horse carts. Buildings lined the streets, showcasing a blend of traditional Tudor-style architecture and innovative designs that heralded a changing era.
Every step revealed intricate details adorning the structures: half-timbered facades with ornate carvings, thatched roofs sheltering quaint cottages, and sturdy stone walls guarding large mansions. The scene resonated with the sounds of blacksmiths at work, merchants hawking their wares, and children playing on cobblestone streets.
Amidst the lively scene, the warrior discerned subtle clues indicating that he had traversed into the future. The architectural innovations and vibrant atmosphere hinted at a society poised for transformation.
After surveying his surroundings, his sharp eyes caught an intriguing inscription on a weathered wall: "Parliament." Unfamiliar with the term, he consulted his list and discovered that his next target was a member of this enigmatic institution. The challenge lay in uncovering where to find him.
However, a significant obstacle loomed before him—the warrior possessed no information about what the parliament truly represented.
Inquisitively, he pondered aloud, "What is this parliament?"
A humble beggar seated nearby overheard the warrior's inquiry and responded.
"Parliament is a group of people formed by the people. They make decisions on behalf of the people and handle the affairs of the state."
Curious, the warrior questioned further, "What about the kings?"
The old man, taken aback by the inquiry, answered, "Kings? After the great war in the 15th century, wars persisted for years, with everyone aspiring to be king. Eventually, the era of kingdoms came to an end, lad."
"The people care not for the king himself but only for what is offered. How did such a system crumble?"
"You speak like my grandfather who once ruled. But you must accept that times have changed."
"The era does not change; people do."
"Perhaps this shift will lead us to a future free from war and rivalry."
"I doubt a false peace will bring any form of salvation. If war ceases, humanity might cease along with it, losing the very essence it fought for."
"How can you be so sure?"
"This is human nature; a world without war breeds fearlessness, and fearlessness leads to indecision and evil. We all need to fear something to remember our humanity."
"What do you fear then?"
The warrior, without answering the old man, turned his gaze back to the road ahead. The inscription "Parliament" continued to echo in his mind as he pressed on, resolute in his quest to find his next prey without slowing down.