Tales of Astora: Legacy

Chapter 87: Bereavement

Chapter 87: Bereavement

War was a common thing. Every now and then, a war took place between nations with usually mortifying outcomes for both sides. They said each war reshaped the world but truly, nothing really changed in the end. Because we never learnt from our mistakes. Instead of looking for a better alternative, we retreated back to our shell, refusing to listen to reasons as our arms took on weapons to go to war. Perhaps it was in our blood. Perhaps it was our very own nature that pushed us to do that. Perhaps we got tired of the dull daily peace and wanted some excitements in our lives. And what better entertainment than a fight to the death on the grandest scale possible?

Religion, politics, idealism, power struggle....so many motives and purposes that were the origins of so many conflicts in the past. Some wars have begun with just a whisper behind closed door that, in the end, resulted as the most thundering clash. And yet they could be all summed up into one single word: disparity.

Our differences incited hatred and fear for each other. It drove us to madness and brought out our worst. Sure, the difference was how we told each other apart from one another. It was what made us unique. But difference without tolerance would only bring chaos. Anxiety and turmoil, jealousy and malice...they all came from there.

'People who don't agree with our religion? They are fools and need to be shown the right way.'

'Your ideas are outrageous. It cannot be accepted.'

'He doesn't have the will to lead the people. Only I can.'

Those were simply a few of the many excuses that have led to wars, to conflict and the many tragedies following them. When would we ever learn?

For a few centuries, the balance of power has been kept between all nations of Astora. But now with a new order of the world, that balance has been shattered.

"The War of the World"

That was how people were calling it these days. Ever since a very long time, there wasn't any conflict as such inconceivable scale that would involve every country in Astora. And not just that, this incoming war was no normal conflict of interests as depending on the outcome, a seventh race, one that was not a part of the primordial races created by the Gods, would be officially recognized. Needless to say, this idea of the demons being equal to the Primes was one of the major vindications that have induced this conflict in the first place.

It was funny to see how both sides claimed that they were fighting for peace, for the rights of their people and yet the only way to achieve that peace was to go to war. How more ironic could it be? But it didn't matter what people thought of it right now. Things have been done that could never be undone. Scars have been inflicted that could never heal. Words were no longer enough to satisfy the people. Only through a battle to the death would they decide the future of Astora.

Who was right? Who was wrong? Did it matter? What was 'right' anyway? Because we were so different from each other, because we were so unique, what made us so engaging, so fascinating was actually our undoing. The lenses through which we glimpsed upon the world were formed based on our experiences in our lives so far. Yet, because we were so unique, nothing was absolute and everything was relative. From the taste of a cookie to the idea of murder, it was impossible for everyone to agree on one same thing. Did it mean that, from the start, from the very beginning when Gods created us, we were doomed to this fate? Because if it was so, should we laugh about this whimsical humor of our creators? Or should we mourn the pitiable tragedy that awaited us all?

Alas, the time for words was over. It was now time for actions.

Let the curtains of the ultimate play rise!