Chapter 60 – What is the Inner Self World?
Luke listened as Alice explained the workings of the Campaign Map. But his mind started to wander, realizing he didn't understand any of it. Part of him wanted to explain his strange situation within the Inner Self, but he didn't trust anyone enough for that. During their time together since the wolf cave, Luke had conducted a series of small tests to understand their characters. He wasn't foolish enough to trust his life to another stranger, so he constantly tried to comprehend the personalities of his travel companions.
From the cave onwards, through conversations or questions, Luke tried to gather small clues about them. Sometimes he would say something to gauge their reactions. Once, he dared to tell Alice that his teachings came from the Convent, suspecting she came from a noble family. He wanted to see if she knew anything about the House of Embrace, but he was afraid to keep poking that hornet's nest. He didn't want this commercial relationship based on the mutual interest of escaping the Oblique World to be disrupted by personal feelings. So, he tried to see everything as just allies with a common interest, avoiding thinking too much about certain matters, ignoring some things, not asking beyond what was necessary, and so on.
He tried his best to maintain these relationships with that barrier, knowing that everyone had their secrets.
Maybe except for Anna.
To Luke, the Little Redhead was just a normal person. A regular citizen from the middle class with a better life than most, she didn't seem to belong to a House or be noble. He didn't believe she was just an ordinary person only because she said so, but after the little he extracted from her, he could see she was just a simple girl. Perhaps that was what made him more relaxed around her. He didn't lower his guard, but knowing she had a common life similar to what he desired made him feel more at ease in that environment.
The mysterious Alice had her own secrets. She wasn't one to talk much and didn't ask questions either. In a moment of desperation, Luke revealed he had killed Clyde. Even in that life-threatening situation, he had to test her personality because any mistake could cost him his life. The red-haired Anna didn't seem to retain that information; her fear was evident at that moment. All she could think about was fleeing. But Alice, the blonde girl, drew her sword against an unknown power. She also realized Luke had admitted to killing someone, but she didn't ask about it. Luke concluded that if he didn't ask anything about her, she would do the same. Everyone had their secrets, and they weren't hypocrites to shove it in each other's faces. But he knew she must be a noble; her training wasn't normal, nor was her knowledge. The type of information she had about a Campaign Map was undoubtedly something secret, not disclosed to just anyone.
But to get answers he didn't have, he needed to plant doubts.
"Tell me something, what exactly is the battle against the Inner God?"
Surprised by the question, they both stared at him.
"Each Inner Self, as far as I know, reproduces a simulacrum world of the Oblique World. This world creates an initiation test to activate your prana, forming a Core. The initiation is a series of challenges and puzzles, and in the end, you must face and battle your Inner God, right?"
Luke paused, looking at the two of them.
"Um…" Anna seemed to ponder.
"Not exactly…"
Looking at Anna saying that, he was the one now with doubts planted.
"The initiation of an Inner God is something particular…"
It was Alice's turn to speak.
Damn…
"The Inner Self world is a deep reflection of your psyche. That's why it's not wise to share it with others."
"I'm sorry, that wasn't my intention. I didn't know," Luke admitted, realizing he was ignorant on the matter.
"There's no need to apologize. We're all beginners in this. Just remember, never reveal what happened in your Inner Self to anyone. There are people who might try to extract that information from you, and nobody warns you about this. Luckily, I met a Deviant who gave me these tips. Never tell anyone exactly what happened in your Inner Self. The kingdom will try to know, but they can't force you to reveal anything. Remember that. There's an agreement in the Deviant society about these things; otherwise, the kingdom would govern everything like dictators. Everything is agreed upon between the Houses, so they follow this code strictly. You're not even obliged to show your cards. Of course, if you're part of their army... things change depending on the contract you signed. There are cases and cases. If you want to join a House, you have no reason to hide anything. Because to enter one of these Houses, they obviously need to know about you to train you and allocate you in compatible teams."
Luke was absorbing the valuable information.
"Enlightening, thank you very much, Alice."
It's good to know about these things. So, they can't force me to show my cards, and they probably don't have a way to know about them... but I must be prepared for the worst. I can't let anyone know I have a cursed relic or the ability I gained from the curse. I don't want any trouble, so all I need to do is stay quiet and not stand out much... as if I could draw attention. My Dissident ability is useless in combat and such, so I'll be fine since no one will be watching me.
"But... I can tell you about the Inner God and some privileged information in general, without going too deep," Alice said.
"Really? That would be great,"
Luke and Anna said, feeling pleased.
"Where should I start?"
Alice pondered, then suddenly looked at Luke.
"Luke, I also forgot to tell you. Don't tell anyone about your canteen."
He was caught off guard. "Wait, why? I could make a lot of money with it..."
Never, this thing can help me in various situations. Besides, it's a special keepsake.
"For the little I know about you, I doubt you'd sell it," Alice said, catching him off guard.
"Alright, you got me. I don't plan to sell it for sentimental reasons, but why are you saying I shouldn't tell anyone about my canteen?"
"Why do you think countries went to war on Earth? Why do you think the Houses divide into factions?"
"Power?" he responded with another question.
"Yes, but more importantly, resources. Your canteen produces something unique, infinite water. Of course, it must have its limitations, but the infinite nature of the water is true; the card doesn't lie. Having a card that can generate infinite water is a unique find in a House's lifetime. It would immediately become a heritage passed down through generations."
"Wait, are you saying my canteen is that... valuable?"
"Absolutely!" Anna spoke up.
"I wouldn't even know how to evaluate its worth."
"It's priceless," Alice confirmed.
"Your canteen could become a unique asset. Humanity has sought resources in the Oblivious World to survive, and you have something that generates an infinite resource—water, which is essential for humanity. You mentioned that they fight for power, right? Resources are power. Whoever controls resources holds power."