Chapter 66 | Dream Or Ideals? – 2
After a silent meal, Damien and I were given a room. Aunt Verrisa didn’t ask much after that; she only wished for my success and expected an answer next time I see her.
Entering my room, I lay on the comfy bed, but instead of feeling relaxed, my thoughts were only getting louder as the battle between two continued.
I exhaled and sat up. Damien’s voice reached my ears, "Are you in need of something, master?"
"Yes, what would you do?" I questioned in return.
"Pardon me, master. I don’t understand the meaning behind your question," he stated.
"I am asking, what would you choose? I am sure you would have ruled in your long life over vampires or maybe others. If you had to choose one between your dream and ideals, which would it be?" I explained.
"That is something I can’t answer for you, master. You have to decide what type of ruler you want to be, and then you should choose the option that’s best suited for you," he answered.
"So you do know your politics, huh? "Well, thank you for your insight anyway," I stated and lay back on the bed.
’What type of ruler do I want to be, huh? Let’s see, someone who doesn’t let people suffer from hardship but also doesn’t shield them too much.’
’Someone who never asks his subjects to do something that goes against their will but never hesitates to act himself no matter the cost.’
As I was stating the image of the ruler I wanted to be, the answer was becoming clear to me. But somewhere deep within me an illusory rope was stopping me from moving to that option.
I didn’t want to admit it openly, but choosing that option, I was feeling like I was betraying myself.
’System?’ I moved to my most trusted companion in my journey yet.
[Yes, Host]
’Do I need to spell it for you too?’
[What do you want to know, host?]
’Look at you feigning ignorance. Okay, it’s like this: I am starting to understand what I should choose and what is the right answer.’
’However, at the same time, I am scared that if I choose that option. I would be betraying myself and everything else I stood for and would just become a hypocrite.’ I shared my fear and doubt.
[I could sense your emotional turmoil even without reading your mind.]
[However, if I give you answers, all the thinking you have done would be meaningless.]
’Are you also going to be cryptic?’
[No, I am going to ask you a few questions. First, why do you feel you will betray yourself?]
’Because of the reason for my isolation, my abandonment, which I recently got to know may not be entirely true. But the point is that the one thing that separated me from the rest, especially from my family, was my ideals.’
’So if I left them in pursuit of my dream, won’t I be leaving myself?’
[Okay, now second, where did your dream originate from?]
’From my ideals, I wanted to implement my ideals to create a society where being compassionate is not frowned upon. Where strong not only protects the weak but also, if possible, shows them the path of strength too.’
[Now, answer this: if you complete your dream that originated from your ideals. How are you betraying yourself and your ideals?]
That question hit me hard, as I never thought about this in such a way. The answer became clear to me like a bright lamp in a dark night as I finally fell asleep with a small smile on my face.
The next morning...
"Master...it’s morning; we have to leave for the arena," Damien’s voice woke me up from my much-needed rest.
I sat up feeling refreshed after all the hectic talk and tug-of-war between two people defining words. After freshening up, I exited the room as Damien waited for me outside.
"Good morning, master. I hope you take a step forward toward your goal, master," he greeted.
"Good morning, Damien, thanks. Also after I enter the arena, I will let Seraphine and the others out to see the last few rounds and finals."
"Seraphine still has a few days left before she can use her mana again. So keep her and others safe," I ordered.
"Rest assured, master, I will not let anyone lay a hand on your subjects," he said with conviction.
We walked from our resting place, and in a few minutes, we were in front of the arena again. Today I entered easily via the VIP entrance.
A special room for the finalist to watch the remaining round before finals was allocated. The room was spacious enough for many people, which was convenient for me.
As I opened the portal, Seraphine, Felicia, Thane, and the others appeared through the portal.
"Nice, mister, did you beat up the bad guys?" Felicia was the first to speak in her ever-loving voice.
"Definitely, I just have one more bad guy to beat, then we will go shopping to buy you your sweets. How’s that?" I answered as she settled on my shoulders like it was her natural seat; I didn’t mind at all.
"All the best for your match, master. I know you would be victorious," Seraphine commented.
"Boss, why did you send me back yesterday? I was supposed to be with you?" Thane questioned.
"Just enjoy your match today; yesterday was boring. So don’t think too much," I stated.
All of my summons were gathered here except Thalassa. They also seem energetic to see many people in the arena and excited about watching me fight.
Soon the match host appeared with his usual charm and started the next round.
There were 12 more participants qualified beside me; they were supposed to fight one-on-one until one winner emerged to fight with the finalist, me.
However, the first match started between Marion and the 13th-ranked individual. It didn’t even last a full minute as Marion practically dismembered his opponent.
The arena showed a mixture of awe and silence at this brutality. But the round continued without much flair.
But just as the next match of Marion was announced, his opponent surrendered, followed by all other opponents.
I couldn’t point exactly to whether this was because of Marion’s brutality against his first opponent or some underhanded means by him or Solkar.
"He is very bad, mister," Felicia commented.
"Don’t worry, I will beat him; you just watch from here," I reassured her.
Soon, even if a bit early, the host announced the final match; it seems Marion was in some kind of hurry.
After the host called out my name, I entered the ground. It was a raised square platform with a protective shield around it, easily visible to most of the audience.
Just as I entered the ring, I activated my Insight eye, as I sensed something off about Marion.
His eyes seemed extra red, and his vessels were bulging, almost threatening to burst out.
[Name: Marion Moonken]
[Rank: Sage (Luminal) (pseudo)]
[Threat: High]
[Emotional state: Rage & Kill]
"Ohh...now I get your urgency," I muttered.
Before the host could even announce the match properly, he ran towards me as I readied my fist to face him.