Tales of Undeath: The Von Virtus Chronicles

XCIII. Nox's Proposal

Lunalus: With the sword's release, comes a new chapter in the history of the world. Forces that once lurked in the shadows will begin mobilizing in broad daylight, and chaos will run rampant as the race for power picks up... All of it catalyzed by you.

Virno grips his blade tightly as he hears Lunalus' words, gritting his teeth in anger.

Lunalus: I am an emissary for one such force. I am not here to deceive you, so let me be absolutely blunt with our intentions... What we seek is the complete and absolute destruction of not just the laws that govern this universe, but of all reality itself. It is our belief that life, in any capacity, under any circumstances, is a fruitless and painful endeavour. No matter how much you perfect one's environment and eliminate detrimental factors... New pain points inevitably emerge. Life always has, and always will, result in suffering. Suffering which is, in turn, in vain. We walk aimlessly, blindfolded much as you are now... Deluding ourselves with temporary objectives and imaginary goals. Stalling until the end comes, at which point all you have ever experienced will be ripped from you, as the circle of life takes what it once gave the day you were born.

Virno raises his sword in his direction.

Virno: ... So?

Lunalus seems somewhat surprise by his nonchalant reaction.

Lunalus: "So"...? So why should we perpetuate this useless cycle of needless toil? Why should we remain slaves to our biology, to the wiring inside our heads, that makes us accept this pain and this sad reality we live in? That attempts to come to terms with and find ways to carry on with something that is, ultimately, so unfair? So unjust...? Why embrace our unworthy lives when we can take it upon our very hands to tear it all apart and free all beings that exist and will ever exist from such torment?!

Virno: Because that's your problem. If you reject life so badly... Just kill yourself.

Lunalus' eyes widen in fury.

Virno: What? Sounds like an easy fix to me.

Lunalus clenches his hands into fists.

Lunalus: So close minded...! Do you not see the bigger picture?! This is not about me. It is not about those of us who have already realized our tragic fate. It is about those who have not, those who cannot stop to think about their circumstances, who blindly go about their day to day lives wasting their blood, sweat and tears on endeavours that are objectively meaningless. It is about those who are slaves to the neurochemical substances and synaptic impulses that drive their daily suffering and that cannot ever break away from their influence...!

Virno: What the hell are you even ranting on about...? 

Lunalus sighs in frustration.

Lunalus: Seems the sword has chosen a rather mentally-impaired wielder, proficient as you may be in battle...

Virno: Mentally impaired...? Have you heard the words coming out of your mouth? You're delusional. But you're just too damn self-absorbed to get it, aren't you? I meant what I said, it was genuine, well thought-out advice... Just. Kill. Yourself.

Lunalus' wrath manifests through his aura, as a black glow begins permeating his body.

Lunalus: You are really getting on my nerves...

Virno shakes his head in frustration.

Virno: Really think about it. What about those who have realized all of that already, but still wish to carry on? Whether it's for their family, their friends, their "meaningless" goals, or even just for curiosity itself... Why would you deny those that have made a conscious decision to live, in spite of those dreadful circumstances you describe?

Lunalus: FOOLISHNESS! SELFISHNESS! In the chase of their individual desires they perpetuate the suffering of an unknown number of lives! By choosing to live, they condemn countless others who have never had or may never have the chance to make such a choice...!

Virno: And how much suffering would be caused if you were to deny all beings their own shot at life, to fulfill their own ambitions...? If it was you, not themselves, who made that choice?

Lunalus: That is not suffering caused... It is suffering prevented.

Virno: Well, I disagree. You would be denying those living today the possibility of chasing their dreams... That denial inflicts suffering upon them, that much should be clear enough. But more than that, you would be denying those who have yet lived any chance of experiencing this, however painful it may be to you, through their own senses and perspectives... Suffering or no suffering, I don't think that's your call to make. It's not anyone's call to make, and it should never be.

Lunalus: Very well.

Lunalus' aura subsides, as he regains his composure.

Lunalus: I came here to ascertain the chance of an alliance between us... But, I see now it could never be. This is not a problem for us, we will seek power elsewhere. It should not be a problem for you either, as we would permit you to live the rest of your days as you see fit...

Suddenly, his aura explodes out of control, and Lunalus emanates a cloud of pure darkness that makes the earth beneath his feet crumble and cave in underneath the massive pressure he commanded.

Lunalus: ... Alas, it is clear that our ideals collide. Should the day come when it is time to erase reality itself, there is no doubt in my mind you would oppose us. And that is a scenario that should be avoided at all costs. So, Virno von Virtus...

Virno turns back to Rotavitea.

Virno: Go.

She nods, taking the little fox with her as she runs from the battlefield.

Lunalus: I regret to inform that I must withdraw my initials words.

Virno: Big surprise...!

Virno says ironically, as he begins channeling energy into the blade. It lights up in response to the influx of magic and its runes begin rearranging themselves.

Lunalus: I must clip your wings, before you fly any higher.

A burst of wind explodes from Virno, permeating the battlefield with a ceaseless magical breeze that allows him to perceive the environment around him, despite his blindness.

Virno: Last one who tried that ended up getting their own wings clipped instead. Have at it...!