A young boy, barely 8 years old, stood in the dimly lit chamber, his small frame trembling with a mix of fear and determination. The cold stone walls seemed to close in around him, amplifying the oppressive atmosphere. Around him, other children his age were lined up, their faces pale and eyes wide with apprehension. Although they had lived together, tended their wounds together, and ate together, this was their first group training under Instructor Gerald, and the air was thick with tension.
Gerald, a towering figure with a stern expression, paced in front of the line of trainees. His cold eyes scanned each child, assessing their potential with a critical gaze. "Listen up, you worthless brats," he barked, his voice echoing off the stone walls. "Today, you will learn what it means to endure pain. You will learn not just to withstand torture, but to embrace the suffering. To use it as your strength."
"Those who fail will be discarded. This is to ensure our Nether Knights will not bend, will not break, and will die before they betray the Order to the enemy!"
Aleric clenched his fists at his sides, his nails digging into his palms. He had already endured so much pain and suffering; he was mostly numb to it. The scars that crisscrossed his body bore evidence to that.
Aleric felt today would be very different than the usual. This was a test of his will, his ability to survive in a world that had shown him no mercy. He glanced at the other children, their faces a mirror of his own fear and uncertainty. They were all in this together, yet he felt little camaraderie, and trusted few. They were competitors, each one vying for survival in a brutal game.
The training began with a shock. Instructor Gerald and his 'assistants' randomly pressing the cold metal cattle prod into their victim's skin, in seemingly random locations.
Aleric gritted his teeth to keep from screaming. He couldn't afford to show weakness, not here, not now. The other children were struggling too, the room filled with the sounds of pain and exhaustion.
As the day wore on, the training became more brutal. They were forced to endure various forms of torture, from being submerged in ice-cold water, to being whipped, to shallow cuts being drenched in lemon juice and salt. In between being interrogated, of course. Aleric's body convulsed with pain, and his mind barely holding onto consciousness. Gerald's voice was a relentless force, pushing them to their breaking points. "Embrace the pain, maggots! What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger!"
Aleric's vision swam with a haze of tears, each drop a testament to the agony and helplessness gnawing at his soul. He couldn't let these people see him cry, couldn't let them see the weakness that threatened to consume him. With a surge of determination, he gritted his teeth and endured the torment, his mind focused on one thing: survival.
During the rare moments of slight reprieve, Aleric found his gaze wandering to a girl named Liora. She was fierce and determined, her eyes burning with a fire that matched his own. Despite the pain, she never wavered, her resolve unbroken. Aleric couldn't help but feel a grudging respect for her willpower. She was the main reason he hadn't lost his mind in this place.
Gerald's keen eyes noticed the subtle exchange between Aleric and Liora. A flicker of annoyance crossed his face, quickly replaced by a cold, calculating expression. He couldn't allow any form of weakness to take root among the trainees. It was his duty to break them, to mold them into obedient tools for the Order.
They'd learn the same lesson he did so many years ago. There is no mercy in this world, especially for those with kindness in their hearts.
Gerald's voice cut through the air like a whip. "Awe, look at the lovebirds." He sneered, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "How touching. But let me remind you, there is no place for soft feelings here. Only strength and obedience."
Aleric's heart sank as he saw the malicious glint in the instructor's eyes. He knew what was likely coming, but he was powerless to stop it.
"Since you two seem so fond of each other, let's see how well you fare when the stakes are higher," Gerald continued, his tone menacing. "Liora, Aleric, step forward."
Liora hesitated, her eyes darting to Aleric for reassurance. He gave her a small nod, trying to convey strength despite the fear gnawing at his insides. She stepped forward, her posture tense but resolute.
Gerald's smile widened. "Good. Now, everyone, these two will demonstrate their loyalty to the High Council." Returning his gaze to the two pitiful children in front of him, he continued. "If you dare refuse, everyone here will suffer the consequences."
Aleric's blood ran cold. He couldn't do it. He couldn't hurt Liora. She was his bastion in this sea of despair. Every time they broke him, she was there to help him glue the pieces back together. She reminded him of a time before this place, when he had a family and there was no pain.
But the alternative was even worse.
He looked at Liora, her eyes filled with a mix of fear and understanding. She gave him a slight smile, silently urging him to do what was necessary.
With trepidation, Aleric took the dagger Gerald handed him, while Liora was handed an identical one. His heart pounded in his chest as he approached Liora, every step feeling heavier then the last. He raised the weapon, and tried to keep his hands steady.
"Let's make it look good, so the bastard doesn't do more," he whispered, hoping Liora heard and understood. With a heavy heart, he did what they had been trained to do. With every slash, every cut, Aleric's heart cracked a little more. Her body flinched with every hit, but she didn't cry out. Instead, she met his dagger with hers, eyes filled with unwavering resolve, silently telling him that it was okay.
Gerald watched with a satisfied smirk. "Good, good. Remember this moment. Remember that kindness is a weakness, and attachments will only bring you pain. The only friend you need is the Netherbound Order."
Aleric's heart thumped as he continued fighting, each movement feeling like a betrayal of the fragile bond they had formed. After what seemed like hours, Liora finally collapsed to the ground, her body trembling with pain. Aleric dropped the dagger, his hands shaking uncontrollably. At last, it was over.
"You're not done yet, boy." Aleric felt his body go cold. He looked at his instructor, hoping against hope that his next words weren't what he thought they'd be.
"Your enemy is still breathing, that means the job isn't done yet." The cold, empty eyes stared at Aleric, the intensity leaving no room for argument.
Aleric turned back to Liora. Picking up the dagger, he slowly approached her.
Her eyes begged him not to, but she knew he had no choice but to obey. As he slid the dagger home, swiftly thrusting it under her jaw into her brain, Aleric felt a small piece of his soul die.
The man stepped forward, his voice cold and mocking. "You see, Aleric? This is what happens when you allow yourself to care. You become weak, vulnerable. You must learn to sever all ties, to embrace the darkness, the nether, within you."
Gerald's cold eyes watched them with a hint of satisfaction. "Remember this pain, Aleric. Remember that you are nothing without us. You will learn these lessons we teach, or you will suffer, and so will everyone around you."
Aleric's eyes burned with tears of rage and sorrow. He knelt beside Liora, his heart aching for the pain he had caused her. "I'm so sorry, Liora," he whispered, his voice choked with emotion.
Gerald's laughter echoed through the chamber. "Survival is all that matters. Remember that, Aleric. And remember that any defiance will be crushed."
Aleric's resolve hardened. He would never forget this moment, never forget the pain and betrayal.
***
As Aleric awoke from the all-too-familiar dream, he found himself lying on an uncomfortable bed. The remnants of the Sacred Ritual were still coursing through his veins. The pain was unlike anything he had ever experienced, even compared to last time. It felt like a searing fire was burning through his very essence.
He was understandably hesitant to go through the procedure a second time, but the High Council of the Netherbound Order didn't exactly ask for his input. The decision to risk such rare resources on something that would most certainly fail had shocked everyone.
Enduring the first ritual was a feat that few could claim. Aleric, however, had a knack for achieving the seemingly impossible.
Though, he wasn't entirely sure if it was a good thing this time.
Lying in the dimly lit infirmary, Aleric wondered whether he would ever feel whole again.
Aleric's short jet-black hair clung to his forehead, damp with sweat. His fierce blue eyes, usually filled with determination, now reflected a mix of pain and uncertainty. His body, covered in numerous scars from past battles and missions, bore testament to the harsh life he had led. His lightly tanned skin contrasted with the sterile white sheets of the infirmary bed.
Despite his young age, he stood at an imposing 6'2" and weighed 215 pounds, his physique a result of the brutal training he had undergone. Yet, at this moment, he looked exactly as an injured patient would - vulnerable and weary.
Vivian, one of the few nurses allowed to treat the trainees, entered the room with her usual calm demeanor. Her presence was a balm to his tortured soul, a rare source of kindness in a world filled with darkness.
She was a slender woman, with auburn hair tied neatly into a bun. Her green eyes, sharp yet compassionate, scanned the room attentively. Dressed in a simple white uniform, she carried herself with an air of professionalism that belied the harsh circumstances they were all in. She approached him with a gentle smile, her eyes filled with concern.
"How are you feeling, Aleric?" she asked softly, her voice a soothing melody in the oppressive silence.
Because of this woman, this was the only place he dared let his guard down. After Liora, he built walls around his soul, determined to shield himself from experiencing the same agony.
But Vivian was just so kind, so warm, so infuriatingly optimistic, he couldn't help but let her in. She had a way of making him feel seen, as if he were more than just another pawn in their elaborate game.
Aleric managed a weak smile. "I've been better, Miss Vivian. But I suppose that's to be expected after whatever they did to me."
Vivian chuckled softly, her laughter like a breath of fresh air. "You're stronger than you think, Aleric. You've survived things that would have broken most people before. This is no different."
He let out a small sigh of relief, feeling the soothing effect of Vivian's presence. "Sometimes I wonder what it's all for. I've known for a long time that I'm just a weapon, a tool, a monster. But I am curious about why, and what the end goal is. I don't believe the bullshit tell us. Greater good, my ass." Aleric turned his head to face away from her gentle eyes.
"I can't help but feel there's something more sinister at play. Every day, I feel a piece of my humanity slipping away, and I fear that one day, there will be nothing left but the monster they created. "
Vivian's expression softened, and she reached out to gently touch his hand. "You are more than just a weapon, Aleric. You have a soul, a heart that still beats with compassion and kindness. Don't let them take that away from you."
Aleric closed his eyes, her words a lifeline in the sea of despair that threatened to engulf him. "I'll never be free, Miss Vivian. None of us will. They own us, body and soul. They've taken everything from us-our freedom, our identities, even our humanity. How can we ever hope to get back what we've lost?"
Vivian's grip tightened; her determination unwavering. "You have to believe that there is a way out, Aleric. You must hold on to hope, no matter how small it may seem. I don't want to see your eyes look empty, dead, like so many others here."
Vivian's words lingered in the air, a fragile thread of hope that he clung to with all his might. The silence stretched between them, filled with unspoken fears and shared understanding.
Aleric opened his mouth to speak, to thank her for her kindness, when the door to the infirmary swung open with a loud creak. Gerald, his main tormentor, strode in with a menacing presence. His cold eyes scanned the room before settling on Aleric, a cruel smile playing on his lips.
"Ah, there you are, Aleric," Gerald sneered. "I see you're still alive. How fortunate for you. The Netherbound Order has given you a miracle. I hope you're grateful, boy. Like a proper Knight would be."
Aleric's body tensed, and he instinctively tried to sit up, but the pain held him down. "What do you want, Gerald?"
The instructor's smile never faltered. "It's not about what I want, Aleric. It's about what the Order demands. You've been chosen for a special mission. One that requires your unique... talents."
Vivian's grip tightened around Aleric's hand, a silent promise of support, but her eyes screamed defiance. "This isn't right, Instructor. He's not ready for another mission. Aleric needs time to recover. The ritual took a lot out of him."
Gerald sneered, "The High Council has spoken, and their will is absolute. Aleric will be briefed a week from tomorrow and will depart immediately after."
The tension in the room was palpable. Aleric wanted to scream, but he knew it would be futile. Instead, he nodded, accepting his fate with a forced calmness. "I'll be ready."
"Good. See that you are. The Order has no room for failures. You should be honored, Aleric. This mission is critical to the Order's future. Succeed, and you may actually prove your worth. Personally, I hope you fail, and be discarded like any other defective tool." The stern-faced man walked over to the sole window in the room and looked at the scenery outside.
Gerald's expression then turned icy. "I bet you're feeling pretty high and mighty right now, aren't you, Aleric? The so-called best assassin we have in your generation, now with the power of the Sacred Ritual twice over."
Aleric clenched his fists, the anger and frustration boiling within him. "I never asked for this," he muttered through gritted teeth.
Gerald's smile widened, and he took a step closer. "You aren't worthy enough to request anything, welp. You'll take what you're given and be happy we didn't kill you instead. This was given to you by the High Council, although I'm sure they will realize their mistake in due time. A reward like this should have gone to someone far more loyal."
Aleric's mind flashed back to the countless times Gerald had pushed him to his limits, the brutal training sessions, and the missions that had left him scarred and broken. "You and the Order never gave me anything but pain and suffering. You've used me, manipulated me, and you expect me to be your loyal mutt? The Order may own me now, and I'll do what I'm told, complete every mission, but my loyalty comes at a much higher cost."
Gerald's eyes narrowed, and he grabbed Aleric by the collar, lifting him slightly off the bed. "You forget your place, Aleric. You were nothing before we found you. Just a scared, orphaned boy with no future. We gave you purpose, power, and a place in this world. And you dare question the Order with such insolence? You will learn gratitude, Aleric. You will learn obedience. Or you will suffer the consequences."
Aleric's eyes burned with defiance. "I've survived everything you and the Order have thrown at me. You'll have to do better than this to intimidate me now."
Vivian stepped forward, her voice slightly trembling with fear. "Let him go, Gerald. He's been through enough today. The High Council has poured a lot of resources into him. If you damage Aleric right now, it could undo everything the Order has done and waste all of it."
Gerald's eyes flicked to Vivian, a hint of amusement in his gaze. "Always the protector, aren't you, Vivian? Maybe someone should remind you about why it's a bad idea to get… attached." Vivian visibly paled at the threat.
He released Aleric, letting him fall back onto the bed. "Remember this, Aleric. You were nothing before us. And we can make you nothing again, quite easily."
With that, Gerald turned and left the room, leaving a heavy silence in his wake. Aleric's body relaxed slightly, but the weight of Gerald's words lingered.
Vivian returned to his side, her expression softening once more. "Don't let him get to you, Aleric. You're stronger than he knows."
Aleric just nodded and closed his eyes. Vivian's words were a small comfort to Aleric. He knew she was right, but the truth of his situation weighed heavily on him.
He had to gather his strength for what was to come – he couldn't afford to let Gerald's taunts break him. The Order might own his body, but his spirit was his own, and that was something they could never truly control.
He felt a surge of gratitude toward Vivian for stepping in, but it would cost her. He knew that Gerald's threats were not empty, and the consequences of defiance were harsh and unforgiving.
"Thank you, Vivian," Aleric said quietly, opening his eyes to meet hers. "I need to rest and prepare for the next mission."
Vivian nodded, understanding the unspoken resolve in his words. "I'll be here if you need anything."
Only when he heard the door click closed behind her, did Aleric allow himself to momentarily succumb to the exhaustion, his body sinking into the mattress as the tension of the day drained away.
Yet, even in the stillness, his mind raced with the sinister undertones of Gerald's threats and the murky future that awaited him. The Order's hold on him was tightening, and Aleric knew that the respite he found now was fleeting.
He hated Gerald, hated the Order, hated the pain that had become a constant companion. But he also felt a flicker of something else - determination. He would hold onto this grudge, this burning desire for revenge, until the day he could break free from the organization's grasp. He would survive this, he would endure, and one day, he would find a way to break free.