Archive Of Potentialities.

Short Story: Dreamer [2]

Chapter 2: Lightless Dawn.

.......

I

have always led with confidence.

Raised by a militaristic family that had its fair share of ambition, the values of a leader had been hammered into me since I could form a coherent thought.

How to command respect, how to make sure your men followed you, not because it was their job, but because they wanted to.

The lessons had the recurring pattern of "appearing unshakeable". Becoming a symbol of reliable strength —- both mental and physical.

Needless to say, freezing in the presence of a potential enemy was not included in the syllabus.

“What is your name?”

A simple question, seemingly harmless. It wouldn't have been a challenge to answer it, it shouldn't.

But it was, and that fact disgusted me.

I engaged Thought Acceleration, and I felt the world slow around me as my perception was boosted by ten thousand times.

Finding comfort in the world that almost appeared stagnant, I regained enough clarity to actually look at the mysterious person.

Dressed in outdated casual wear — a simple brown hooded sweater, and black pants —- he appeared out of place amidst the violent scene. His blue hair was tied in a casual ponytail, and he stood at an average height.

“I don't like to be kept waiting, Kijin,” A voice echoed in her mind, the same voice that had asked her name.

How could he get into my mind so easily? Once again, Sela felt a creeping dread well up in her.

Disengaging Thought Acceleration, she took a deep breath and finally responded to the stranger.

“Sela, Amor. Captain of the 5th Special Squad of the Tempestian Empire’s Black Numbers. Identify yourself,”

She had regained enough confidence in her ability to handle the current situation, so her words flowed freely.

He tilted his head in confusion, seemingly struggling to understand something she had said.

Sela almost regretted including the last part where she demanded an introduction, but the next sequence of events cut her contemplation short.

It had to be stated that not only Sela had been frozen in place upon the being’s unannounced arrival, every other thing with sentience —- and a sense of self preservation —- had been rendered equally statuesque.

But humans wouldn't be humans if they didn't succumb to their opportunism more often than not.

From behind the seemingly oblivious stranger, the white haired man had broken from his stupor and raised his broadsword.

The blade glowed with an ominous red light as it crashed down at its target, leaving sound behind as it closed in on the being.

Sela watched with awe.

She never thought she would ever admire a vile criminal, but there was just something that captivated her about the sight of a man so eager to forfeit his life.

Or it could just be stupidity, Sela wasn't sure.

Either way, the attack ended just as she had expected.

With all the concern of one with absolute confidence in their abilities, the being raised his right hand, his palm pointing downwards.

He didn't even turn to acknowledge the attack.