Chapter 41: Do not Betray Yourself

“You damn cheater,” Axel accused.

The Giant snorted. “Says the one who literally revived the dead to fight for him.”

“I don’t think they were revived, per se… Feels more like they were corpses being puppeted,” Axel replied. “Still trying to get the hang of things. A pity I shall not have a chance to master it.”

“You are surrendering, then?” Ymir asked.

“I’m all out of juice,” Axel admitted freely. “Drained dry and out of moves. Don’t think I can pull another bullshit last-minute power-up at this point. Reaper paid for your head, and I failed to deliver. A piss-poor performance after a lifetime of murderous excellence, but that’s life, right?”

Ymir’s gaze was sharp and discerning. “You would praise the slaughterous deeds of your past?” 

The question was a heavy one. Axel paused to think, deciding whether it deserved the weight of consideration and a proper answer.

Here, at the end of his life… Perhaps he could try sincerity once more.

“It would be stupid of me to deny what I am, or what I have done,” Axel finally said. “I have killed thousands — Most of which were done directly at my hands, as I saw the light in those I murdered die. My deeds were delivered through tools of death, and not through conquest within command rooms where the butcher's edict was made. You could say I hold a more… intimate relation with my victims.”

It is different from the simple pressing of a button to launch a missile, or to give orders upon an army to go forth and slaughter. 

Axel saw the warmth of blood, guts, and despair up close — Death in its most passionate form.

It was beautiful, in a primitive, feral way. There was a certain peace that beckoned with the surrendering of one’s mind to an uncaring and wholly selfish violence. To allow madness to take over, to allow oneself to perform all manner of atrocity and inflict every art of agony upon innocent victims.

So why… Why did he not do so? He held himself back from giving in, second-guessing himself, keeping alive that restless uncertainty that what he was doing was wrong. 

Those wretched embers of empathy he kept alive behind his mask of madness, cradling them like it was the most precious thing in the world. The first and final gift of his Mother, and each time he killed and sinned, it whispered to him.

That men should not cry for their families as he tore their guts out; That women should not scream as he burned their homes and lives before them; That children should not have to watch their parents die, knowing one day they would have to pick up their broken weapons and carry on the war their tyrant leaders demand.

“Empathy is useless. It is a chain around a Demon’s neck — my neck,” Axel tiredly said. “It holds me back from reaching my true potential. The perfect weapon; the Strongest. It is painful to hold, burns me each time I kill… So why do I still keep it alive within me? Why can’t I throw it away?”

Ymir was quiet. The Giant slammed the iron pillar into the ground, leaving him unarmed. He bent down on one knee and looked Axel in the eyes.

The blue with the Sky Titan’s gaze was as tranquil as the morning skies.

“Empathy,” Ymir began. “Is the last hope of a monster.”

Axel flinched. Ymir continued.

“To hold empathy in suffering is the ultimate expression of strength, of mastery over one’s soul. To see the abuse of others, and to be able to say: No. Not while I exist. Not while I draw breath. To pity is to contempt. To sympathise is worthless. But Empathy… It can drive one to action. To perform acts of compassion. To do that one deed, that one day, and to help just one life out of the darkness of our world, despite knowing that, ultimately, it does not matter in the grand suffering of the universe.

“Madness or nihilism can free you from your suffering, but only empathy can free others of theirs. That urge to help others exists in the warmth of our blood; to do something, to care, even if it might only alleviate a single drop of darkness in a world that hates us. To reject the universe’s loathing for the living, to give up on selfishness, and to persist in the hopeless endeavour of making the world even just a little brighter… It is insanity to do so, yet still, we must hold to it.

“Your empathy is your defiance against the suffering of your existence. And that is why you cannot give up on it.”

“A weapon does not need defiance,” Axel chuckled numbly. “A Demon cannot fulfil its namesake role with compassion. There is no freedom. It is meaningless.”

“Any weakling or coward can end a life,” Ymir calmly replied. “Any monster can revel in mindless bloodshed. But to spare your murderous hand, to give the dying healing, to halt bloodshed and instead turn your violence against those who would orchestrate it… To protect life, not end it. To force change on the universe by saying: no, I do not allow this. This person does not die here. Then, and only then, can you claim your freedom of will.”

A Demon who goes against the Universe’s Will.

Rebel… And live free.

“... It’s nice to know there might have been another path,” Axel sighed. “Alright. We have talked enough. Go ahead and finish this. Claim your reward, and go get your revenge against your tyrant.”

I should have done the same when I was alive.

Axel looked up, waiting for the crushing weight of a pillar or an iron fist to descend on him.

The Giant did no such thing. Ymir studied his face, judged his worth… And nodded.

“There will be no need for death. Not for you just yet,” Ymir declared. “Your life led you to an abyss, but now I see you lifting yourself out of its depths, rather than allowing yourself to passively sink lower. A Demon you may be, but if you continue holding those embers of empathy, then I can see your madness turned to righteousness, and your wrath directed not against innocents, but towards the vile fiends who should suffer the blade.

“And that is why… There is no need for me to kill you any more,” the Giant sighed. “I have heard your reinforced sincerity. It is quite lacking, given what I have and will sacrifice to hear it, but it suffices, for I know now you will pursue your newfound ideals without a moment’s hesitation. This battle is over.

“I, Great General Ymir, forfeit this Duel.”

There was a glitch in the world, as if the entire System and all those watching just recoiled from that declaration. And then…

[Great General Ymir has been defeated!]

“You— You what?!” Axel bolted straight up, eyes wide. Before he could protest or argue, a flood of notifications bloomed across his vision.

[Sanction Duel is concluded!]

[...]

[Victor: Candidate Axel Roukin!]

System blue boxes flared. Axel struggled to ignore them as he glared at the Giant, who returned his furious gaze with an impassive stare. A host of boiling emotions threatened to overwhelm Axel.

“Why?” Axel snarled. To be denied Death once more… He…

“Beneath your madness and unscrupulous nature, I see a person who might pursue the extreme ends of the world to fulfil their victories — however they might choose to define it,” Ymir explained, almost forlornly.

The Giant looked up at the sky, as if he had received a notification from above. No doubt those who sponsored him earlier in the duel — those Admins who thought to tempt Ymir into killing Axel with great rewards — were furious at what the Giant had done, what he had rejected.

“Care not for the judgement of others, be they those you perceive your betters or lesser,” Ymir continued, his voice calm as clouds drifting under blue skies. “Take strength from your beliefs and empathy, and forge them into power and passion. Do not accept the condemnation of any beyond your own conscience. If you can do such a thing, your life will be yours, free of any master who might wield you.”

Ymir looked down once more, and smiled.

“Do not betray yourself, Axel Roukin.”

[Zone-wide Update]

[Quarantine is now being lifted with the duel’s completion. 

[All Participants, please stand by]

[To Candidate Axel Roukin]

[Delayed Reward withheld from Candidate Axel Roukin will now be distributed]

[System delivering Reward for Fae Tyrant Honour Guard Encounter…]

[...]

[Congratulations! Lv38 Eldarin Prince slain!]

[Extra XP Awarded for slaying a higher-level creature!]

[Extra XP Awarded for slaying a Leader Entity!]

[‘Leader Focus’ trait activated! Extra XP Awarded!]

[Level Up! +2 Free Skill Point!]

[Level Up! +2 Free Skill Point!]

[Congratulations! You have slain three Leader entities who were at least five levels higher than you!]

[Trait earned: ‘Leader Slayer’!]

[Secret Achievement Unlock: Fae Royal Wishing]

[You have defeated the Fae Prince while under the Blessing of ‘Wishful Hopes of the Defiled Royals’.]

[Congratulations! You have slain three Leader entities and three Boss entities while solo!]

[Title ‘Heroic Isolation’ has been upgraded!]

[Rank: B++]

[Full and Bonus Exp Reward distributed to Participant Axel Roukin for solo wiping the enemy party!]

[Bonus Exp from ‘Heroic Isolation’ Title!]

[Level Up! +2 Free Skill Point!]

[System delivering Reward for Sanction Duel…]

[...]

[Congratulations! Lv55 General of the Sky Titans Defeated!]

[Extra XP Awarded for Defeating a higher-level creature!]

[Level Up! +2 Free Skill Point!]

[Level Up! +2 Free Skill Point!]

[Trait Awarded! ‘The Right to Continue Your Existence’ (Rank EX)]

Witnessing the massive influx of notifications, rewards, and power, Axel gave up. The supersoldier sighed, then let out a genuine, heartfelt laugh.

“Fine,” Axel smiled. “Let’s give this new life a go.”

Had you been pushing me to this crossroad, my Reaper?

[There was always that choice, my Harbinger. I do not regret seeing you make it.]

[Show me interesting things, Axel.]

[Zone-wide Update]

[Zone Boss 4 of 4 slain!]

[Zone quest is now complete!]

[All Participants within the Zone are now free to— (ERROR)]

[...]

[Lone Candidate Axel Roukin, Please Stand by for your Reward]

[The System is now calculating the measurable weight of your existence]

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Encounter(s) Review

Hostile Parties Encountered:

Fae Tyrant Honour Guard x1 (Slain!)

Entities Slain: 

1x Fae Dragon (Zone Boss)

1x Eldarin Prince (Leader)

4x Fae-Hybrid

Level Ups:

+7

Free Skill Points:

+14 (Class Boon Active!)

Traits gain:

Leader Slayer (Rank E)

Boss Slayer (Rank E)

Fae Royal Wishing (Rank D) (Exotic)

Title gain:

Heroic Isolation; Upgraded (Rank B++)

Loot gain (Divided among Participants):

[4x Rank E Random Loot Chest]

[1x Rank E Selector Loot Chest]

[1x Rank E++ Dragon Boss Loot Chest] (Special Secret Drop!)

1x Moonlight Lance, Unique Item Drop (Rank D)

1x Moonscale Dragon Armour, Unique Item Drop (Rank D)

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Sanction Duel Review

Parties Challenged:

General of the Sky Titans (Defeated!)

Level Ups:

+2

Free Skill Points:

+4 (Class Boon Active!)

Traits gain:

The Right to Continue Your Existence (Rank EX)

Title gain:

None

Loot gain:

None

------

New Traits

[Leader Slayer]

[Rank E]

[Slaying Leaders is a key part of the Great Game. To land the killing blow is a matter of pride, though whether it is earned is an opinion of your party.]

[Unlock Requirement: Slay 3 Leader-type entities]

[Activation Condition: Deal damage to Leaders]

[Effects: Damage +20%]

[Boss Slayer]

[Rank E]

[Bosses are entities that require whole parties to slaughter. The killing of one marks a worthy deed upon your species' evaluation. Take solace in your purpose, and continue your participation in the Great Game.]

[Unlock Requirement: Slay 3 Boss-type entities]

[Activation Condition: Deal damage to Bosses]

[Effects: Damage +20%]

[The Right to Continue Your Existence]

[Rank EX]

[You have survived an execution edict from the Admins. Whatever transgression you had committed to earn their ire is now forgiven. Pray that you do not do so again, for even their generosity has limits.]

[Unlock Requirement: Survive a Sanction Duel requested by the Admins]

[Activation Condition: None]

[Effects: Health can no longer recover beyond 50%. Exp Gain -50%. Skill Points +1 Per Level Up. On receiving this trait, also gain Skill Points equal to Current Level.]

------

New Titles

[Heroic Isolation; Upgraded]

[Rank B++]

[A Legend you have become among your race. To have successfully walked the path of isolation is not a feat to be taken lightly, and to thrive under such circumstances is nothing short of madness. The audience loves a lone wolf, and you have proven yourself worthy of their favour.]

[Unlock Requirement: Kill three Leaders and three Bosses while solo]

[Activation Condition: Equip the Title. Engage an enemy party alone.]

[Effects: +10 to all stats for the entire combat duration. Exp gain increased by 100%. Any loot Rank has a slight chance (SER scaling x0.5) to improve when obtained.]

------

Sponsored Candidate ‘Axel Roukin’ Data

Character Sheet

Participant: Candidate Axel Roukin

Level and Class: Level 37 <Pathless Wayfarer>

Title: <Heroic Isolation> <Friendly Fire Advocator>

Current Maximum Tithe: 3

Skills

Free Skill Points: 84 ( 10 + (37x2) Skill Points from ‘The Right to Continue Your Existence’ Added)

Offensive skill

Strength (Str): 42

Dexterity (Dex): 25

Perception (Per): 25

Intelligence (Int): 23

Defensive skill

Endurance (End): 50

Agility (Agl): 70

Serendipity (Ser): 16

Wisdom (Wis): 17

Available Titles 

The Reaper’s Emissary (Rank S) (LOCKED)

Heroic Isolation; Upgraded (Rank B++)

1st Place (Rank C)

Friendly Fire Advocator; Upgraded (Rank F+)

Traits

Reaper’s Denial (Rank S) (LOCKED)

Reaper’s Tithe (Rank A) (UNLOCKED: Legendary)

Reaper’s Piety (Rank A) (UNLOCKED: Legendary)

Slaughterhouse Master (Rank B)(Exotic)

Herculean Glitch (Rank C) (Exotic)

Zero Latency (Rank C) (Exotic)

Bane of Friendship (Rank D) (Exotic)

Fae Royal Wishing (Rank D) (Exotic)

First Blooded (Rank D)

Last Stand (Rank E)

Leader Focus (Rank F)

All I Need Is One (Rank D)

Goblin Slayer; upgraded (Rank F+)

Bugbear Slayer; upgraded (Rank F+)

Troll Slayer; upgraded (Rank E+)

Boss Slayer (Rank E)

Leader Slayer (Rank E)

Death Severance (Rank EX) (LOCKED)

The Right to Continue Your Existence (Rank EX)

------

Unique Loot

[Moonlight Lance]

[Rank D]

[A powerful lance made of star metal, empowered through blood sacrifices and the blessings of the Twin Moons that watch over the Fae Realm. The Fae Prince, Firstborn of the Wild Folk Monarch, was a deviant who studied the ancient blood rites of old. Using foul sorcery, he defiled the sacred Lunar Pools of his homeward Capital with the blood of the hundred Moon Maidens, such that a sliver of pure moonlight was tempted to descend into his starforged lance, creating a weapon of great power.]

[Unlock Requirement: Requires 30 STR (Nullifed) and 25 INT to wield. Defeat the Eldarin Prince.]

[Activation Condition: Command the lance to fire.]

[Effects: When thrust with Mana expended, the lance fires off the spell ‘Moonlight Beam’. Its power scales off the user’s INT. Aside from its devastating range attack, the lance’s thrusts are also stronger when exposed under moonlight.]

[Moonscale Dragon Armour]

[Rank D]

[A beautiful plate of armour crafted by the Prince of the Fae. The Firstborn of the Wild Folk Monarch used the corrupted Lunar Pool to perform acts of sacrilege upon his own lesser siblings. Once their bodies were thoroughly defiled with the blood of Moon Priestesses, their corpses would be fed to a starving Fae Dragon. The poisoned flesh would kill the beast, and from its carcass, the Prince would reap the shining blood scales of a Lunar Drake.]

[Unlock Requirement: Requires 40 WIS to wear. Defeat the Eldarin Prince.]

[Activation Condition: Wear the armour.]

[Effects: When equipped, gain +10 to INT and +5 to STR. Gain +10% Resistance to all magic attacks. Upon killing an enemy, increase Resistance to magic by another +5% for the rest of the battle, up to a maximum of +20%.]

------

Secret Achievement

[Fae Royal Wishing]

[Rank D (Exotic)]

[Hundreds of Fae had fallen to the depravity of the Fae Prince. Driven by mad ambition and sheltered under the power of his Father’s name, none could oppose the Young Heir’s defilement. With his violent death at your hands, the generations of tortured youths — Royal Fae one and all — can now rest. May you take their power and fulfil their wish for your continued justice.]

[Unlock Requirement: Defeat the Fae Prince while under the Blessing of ‘Wishful Hopes of the Defiled Royals’]

[Activation Condition: Always active]

[Effects: ‘Fae-Blooded’ property added to participant. Gain resistance to sleep spells or magic. Fae-blessed weaponry is now stronger in the participant’s hands.]

[Reaper’s Piety]

[Rank A (Legendary)]

[“All the evils of this world and the next, I shall devour them whole. To this worthless hunger of mine, I shall feed it sin-bloated corpses. In doing so, I shall give my existence sincerity. Only then shall I sate my yearning for a violent death. To purge the living of Beasts, until the day of my final agony! My hand’s the Reaper’s, and I, your Demon. If you have need of my killing edge, then hear my Demands, and let my dead march with me.”]

[Unlock Requirement: Convince the Reaper to open the Gates for the first time.]

[Activation Condition: Demand Piety from your God: the Pale Death.]

[Effects: Consume one Tithe. Every corpse within hearing distance becomes afflicted with the buff ‘Pale Parade’. Corpses are reanimated as a unique ‘Pale Ash Undead’ and are sustained by the Consort’s available Tithe. Creatures previously killed while ‘Reaperbound’ can be summoned as ‘Pale Ash Undead’ by expending Tithe.]