25 Duty? Obligation? No... It's My Choice

A/N : After taking in my usual, I'm back! The crazy author who turns his MC into a walking terrorist is here with new ideas!

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Within a stark white expanse, a young boy clad in delicate, white attire shared the space with a woman whose hair cascaded in intricate braids.

Fixing her gaze upon the boy, who sat huddled on the floor with arms clasped around his knees, she addressed him.

"You're running away again, aren't you?"

Her words carried a frigid, almost regal, air.

No response came from him. His face remained obscured by his knees.

Recognizing his struggle, her countenance softened, the chill dissipating from her voice. "I know that it's hard, but can you really complete something if you continue running?" Her tone held a hint of compassion. "You might think that I don't deserve to say that, but..."

"Just like you, I'm a LIAR."

Gradually, she advanced towards the boy.

"I admit to being an irresolute woman, but my dishonesty isn't borne out of obligation; it's an inherent part of my calling—a solemn obligation."

'The responsibility is mine to shoulder.'

'This is what adults supposed to do.'

"This isn't a words of responsibility, these are only my DUTY."

As she neared, the boy gingerly raised his head from his knees. "Change feels impossible... It's an ordeal. If only God existed, I'd beseech him to end my life right here..."

"I just want to die in peace.... However, I don't want others to feel sad because of my death."

An expression bereft of emotion accompanied his gradual raising of the head.

"Can you kill me?"

Before long...

"Fate, destiny? What is that? Can you eat it? Can you see it? What makes you confident that you can't break YOUR fate?" The woman spoke up.

"A FATE is just one of the many possibility that are likely to happen in the future, and you're telling me, you can't change the future for a tiny bit..?"

"WHAT A BUNCH OF NONSENSE!" She shouted.

"It's because you haven't put enough EFFORT to change your fate! And don't tell me you put such effort but still can't change it. Remember one thing; you are NOT alone."

Soon, their eyes finally met.

"Do you think a single person can change fate on their own? A curse? The only curse someone have is GIVING UP for the better future! The better ending, the one of many possibilities in your so-called fate!"

"A lie will remain a lie indeed, but have you ever thought that lie can be beautiful or why a lie is a bad thing in the first place?"

"Lies have been abused to satisfy their own desire with sacrificing others in the process, an egoistical selfish bunch that truly are a cancer to humanity."

"A knife's purpose depends on it's wielder. And death is not the only solution for achieving PEACE!"

"I am willing to do any means as long as long as it doesn't require sacrifice." She proclaimed resolutely.

With that declaration, she drew the boy into a comforting embrace.

A faint smile played across his lips as he responded, his arm cautiously rising to reciprocate the embrace.

"You... Are naive." he murmured gently.

A wistful smile curved her lips, and she confessed, "I've encountered those words countless times before."

...

..

.

"Despite knowing that all of your actions will only leads to inevitable, why are you still continuing to fight...?" a woman adorned in pristine white attire inquired.

"Why do you persist in DELUDING yourself?"

Upon absorbing her words, the man facing her responded with a soft chuckle

"All humans are inevitably fake, we are always wearing a mask to conceal our real selves. Hidden under this facade, we lots are all actors who pretends to be someone we're not. You are no different, neither am I. Why pretend to be perfect? Us humans are naturally created with flaws. We can never be perfect, with our flaws can only be concealed at best."

"You question me why do I keep lying to myself? Just like you, my lie has it's purpose. It's not duty or obligations."

"It's a CHOICE."

***

(Saber POV)

A week had transpired since those events unfolded.

Departing the city, news of Saber Gladiolus's demise had rapidly disseminated. The tale spanned across cities and kingdoms, even crossing borders to reach foreign lands and diverse races.

Yet, in stark contrast, the name of Maximus had not fared so well. However, it wasn't celebrated in any positive light.

Within this realm, an intricate tapestry of eleven distinct countries weaves its fabric. Amidst this intricate backdrop, an assemblage of heroes emerges: six hailing from humanity, two emanating from the elven lineage, two representing the realm of demi-humans, and culminating in the singularly prominent Demon Hero.

In a lamentable twist, the ranks of the elven heroes suffered decimation during a past cataclysmic event — Wave. Additionally, my own relinquishment of that esteemed position further constricts their once-ample numbers. Hence, at this juncture, the roster comprises a mere nine heroes, with two vacancies signaling the opportunity for new champions to arise.

Following my customary training regimen, I settled beneath the shade of a tree.

"This can't continue..."

A sigh escaped my lips.

Ever since the loss of my «Goddess Blessing», my power had waned by half, and the once seemingly boundless potential for growth had dwindled to the level of operating an aging car engine.

"If I remain this feeble, venturing into the Ruins will be nigh impossible... I require potent allies at my disposal."

In seeking allies, my requirement extends to those possessing both exceptional strength and unwavering loyalty. Individuals who exhibit an unflinching willingness to execute my directives regardless of the sacrifices entailed, even to the extent of giving their lives upon my command. Regrettably, locating individuals of this caliber proves to be a daunting task, as they are an exceedingly rare breed... Of course, CREATING loyal allies are more easy than FINDING one. The only problem now is finding someone with potential and strength.

A sudden realization struck me.

"I still have enough money... Why not enlist THEIR service?"