Rising Shadows: The Fight for Freedom I

Chapter 51: Cherishing Life

Upon hearing the tale and understanding the origins of the devil, Darren became acutely aware that he was under the protection of an incomprehensibly binding contractual law. Instantly, most of his worries and doubts dissipated.

The rules established by the collective participation of all gods and demons could influence and constrain them. How remarkable it was that the contract I signed with that devil had such profound implications! Does this mean that as long as I exercise caution, I need not fear any longer?

This conclusion was reached by Darren only after he comprehended that the old mage and the devil were merely bound by the essence of a soul contract, allowing him to think clearly. After all, a literal interpretation reveals the profound impact this contract has on the souls of both parties involved.

"Before the contract is fulfilled, the souls of the signatories are bound together and constrained by the contract's terms, interconnected and mutually restrictive... That devil has lost its physical form, so under the contract's influence, the devil's soul bound to you will naturally be accepted by your body!"

"And what about you? How did you enter my soul?" Darren inquired curiously, as he had not signed a contract with the old mage.

"Me!? I believe it is because I was devoured by the devil. My soul was completely enveloped by the devil's essence, which allowed the contract to consider my soul as one with the devil's, thus enabling me to enter your mind... Perhaps this is the arrangement of the Supreme God! If the devil's power had not completely suppressed me, if it had not sought to annihilate and consume me, I would have been trapped within the Hargeni Sword until it was destroyed, or..."

The old mage's voice was calm and serene, devoid of any tremor, as if he were recounting not his own fate, not the agony of near-perpetual imprisonment. In contrast to the terrifying ordeal that would make anyone shudder, the old mage's focus was entirely on other matters-on how to expel the devil from Darren's body.

"You, young man, now that you understand the situation, you must also grasp the magnitude of the threat posed by this devil! If it finds an opportunity to be reborn, the continent of Isilia, our world, will face unimaginable calamity, so..."

So what? Do you have a way to drive the devil out of my head? Darren concentrated, eagerly anticipating a clever solution from the old mage, but...

"So, for the happiness of all living beings on the continent of Isilia, you must make sacrifices for your compatriots, just as all the orc warriors who resisted Ramis did!"

The old mage spoke with a solemn demeanor, his expression grave, while Darren gaped, wide-eyed, momentarily unable to comprehend the old mage's meaning.

Like the orcs? Sacrifice for the world? What does that mean? Struggling to think, Darren suddenly understood when his scattered gaze inadvertently swept over the countless bones in the grass.

Ah! No way! This old coot can't be suggesting that I...

"Ignore this old fool, this stubborn old man. Cherish your life! If you do not, then based on the binding effect of the soul contract, I will react to any actions that threaten my interests!" The devil suddenly emerged, flapping its wings, its voice dripping with ominous warning.

Well, of course, I will cherish my life! I have no desire to die young! Naturally, as this thought crossed his mind, Darren distinctly heard the devil's satisfied laughter, alongside the old mage's disappointed sigh.

For some reason, when the old mage's sigh echoed in Darren's mind, and a look of compassionate holiness appeared on the old mage's face, Darren suddenly felt a strange sense of guilt, as if refusing to commit suicide was an utterly despicable act.

How odd, why do I feel this way? It's not that I am unwilling to expel the devil from my body; it's just that since everything is still under control, there's no need for me to hastily end my own life!

Defending himself, Darren attempted to calm his troubled spirit, but this effort proved futile, as the old mage remained silent, his serious gaze fixed on Darren, filled with righteousness, responsibility, and encouragement...

Should I just end it myself? No! Absolutely not! Teacher Larameni once said that life is the most precious thing in the world! How could I even think of taking my own life!

Or perhaps I could just let the orcs kill me? No! Absolutely not! Foolishly seeking death is not only a sign of incompetence but also an act of cowardice. My father once said that a warrior's bravery is not only reflected in strength but also in wisdom!

Should I just stay here until I starve to death? No! Absolutely not! That would be no better than taking my own life or letting the orcs execute me! How strange, why am I only thinking about suicide right now?

Suddenly jolted, Darren looked at the old mage in his mind, his gaze filled with confusion, inquiry, and doubt.

"Kid, you guessed correctly; you just fell into a trap! Although Abby is quite stubborn and loyal to that ridiculous sun god Helios, she is quite capable. Hm, her light magic has some power, and she is also proficient in mental magic, capable of tempting others just as well as we devils!"

Ah! This old coot really used cunning tactics against me! Startled, Darren shivered, finally realizing the capabilities of the two new tenants in his mind, and for the first time, he understood how easily human thoughts could be misled!

As Darren regarded the old mage with a wary gaze, the old mage sighed once more, and then his figure gradually blurred until he vanished. However, before disappearing, he left behind a parting message.

"Young man, since you cherish life so much, please cherish not only your own life but also the lives of others..."

"My name is Biktad, but you may also call me Abby... As my host, when you face danger or difficulties, you may call my name, and I will do my utmost to assist you, to help you gain courage, wisdom, and glory, to help you receive the Supreme God's radiant light, to help you expel all evil and darkness!"

"Insignificant ant, I too have a name you already know. If you encounter any trouble, just call for me! I am a devil who is more than willing to help, of course, my eager assistance requires you to pay a small price: when I need you, you must also serve me diligently. This is the foundation of existence in this world!"

With the mage's disappearance, the devil followed suit, leaving behind words similar to those of the old mage.

As the two souls faded away, Darren's world finally fell silent. All his senses returned to the reality around him, focusing on the Naglan Prairie, where the howling wind swept past him, and fatigue and pain reminded Darren that he still had many issues to resolve.

Though faced with numerous challenges and dangers, Darren was no longer standing on the precipice, facing the imminent threat of being shattered to pieces. Now, he found himself amidst towering mountains. Although danger still loomed, it was not immediately life-threatening.

Gurgle, gurgle, my stomach is so hungry! I really want to rush out and chop off a cow's leg to eat! Staring into the distance at the orcs who refused to leave, determined to witness Darren's demise, he thought with green eyes. When he finally withdrew his gaze, it landed on the valiant warhorse that had carried him, its contributions immense.

Why am I not a horse? If I were a horse, I could be full by now! Watching the leisurely horse munching on grass, Darren thought with a tinge of jealousy.

But Darren was not a horse, nor did he dare to risk death by competing with a horde of orcs for food. Thus, he could only sit down on the grass, silently checking his injuries and bandaging his wounds.

Removing his armor, tearing his clothes, and wrapping strips of cloth around his body, he toiled for quite some time. When Darren finally resembled a mummy, he had managed to bandage all the various wounds on his youthful body.