Chapter 201

Chapter 201

It was a bold statement to make. Noele knew that. Anyone else who heard what she said would immediately rebuke her for even daring to make the assertion. But Arthur wouldnt. Even if he was a former [Priest]. Simply because he had no Class, which freed him from the World Systems manipulation.

He stared at her, processing her words. He blinked a few times as he stood there in silence. He didnt wear a shocked look on his face, but he didnt seem skeptical either. He simply mulled over her words, evidently trying to let it sink in.

I Arthur opened his mouth, before taking in a deep breath. And what made you come to this conclusion?

He kept his cool, asking the question as he met the blonde girls gaze. She shook her head as he brought a hand to her chest.

It came to me last night. I dont know how or why, but I remembered I recalled all the times my memory has been manipulated by the World System. All the times I have questioned it, only to find myself forgetting what I was even thinking about. I was conditioned to believe in it, because it controlled my thoughts.

Noele spoke as she raised her head. She looked into Arthurs eyes, speaking softly.

Think about it think about all the times you have dared to question the authority of the World System. Think about all the times you have doubted its power. Can you remember them? No did you remember them back when they happened? Or are you only remembering them now?

Arthur shuffled his feet as he lowered his head in thought. He closed his eyes, before replying, I I can remember them. But it is as you said, I can only think of these memories now.

And thats because youre not under the control of the World System anymore, Noele said simply.

He raised his head as he bit his lower lip. Because I no longer have a Class.

Correct, the blonde girl answered. She gestured between the both of them as they stood alone in the forest, bathed by the moonlight. No one else in Vacuos has ever been freed from the World Systems power. No one has ever lost their Class. Only we have. Which is why only we can see through its deception.

Arthur nodded slowly. It looked like he was still trying to process what she was saying. But it was a good sign that he wasnt sitting on the ground, rubbing his head in disbelief. It meant that this conversation could be productive.

I see. So the World System has been manipulating us Arthur muttered under his breath. That is evident enough. But I dont believe thats enough proof to say that the World System is malignant, nor that it has any ill intentions.

Youre right. Noele nodded. We cant prove that we cant prove anything. But we know what the Voidgod has said.

What the Fal-Deus said? Arthur raised a brow.

What do you mean by that? she asked hesitantly. What did you see?

Arthur took in a deep breath. When I was possessed by the Fal-Deus, we became one. Even if I had no control over anything. My mind could still see into the cracks of its heart. There, I saw its deepest desires. There, I saw an endless evil. There, I saw what it truly wanted.

Noele pursed her lips as she leant closer. And what did you see, Arthur?

She asked in a soft voice. Arthur opened his mouth, and she reeled at what he had to say.

--

Kallistus Kal closed his eyes as he sat beneath his throne room. He was alone, shrouded by darkness. For a brief moment, this dark chamber had been illuminated by the surface. When Guardian Angel Z357 had attacked, it had shed light to his schemes.

But the [Hero King] simply appointed the power of his personal followers to repair the damage because his hideout could be discovered by his people. And now, this was where he lay in hiding. Or at the very least, this was where his real body waited.

Up above, on the surface, his clone went about his kingdom, ruling in his stead. And here, in the darkness, he remained in silence. Perhaps he could have prepared an army of voidlings to overtake Vacuos. Maybe he could have even further researched into creating rifts, to find a way back home.

But he did not do any of that. All he did was listen.

Because he could hear an echoing voice. Because he could hear the Void. And because it was growing stronger.

I shall grant you all that you desire

His mind flashed with memories of his previous life. The voice grew louder, invading his mind. But he didnt move. He stayed still.

...and in return, all you need to accomplish is one simple task.

Kallistus Kal took in a deep breath, and the voice of the Void spoke to him, showing him a world of oblivion.

Destroy the Enemy. Destroy all of its creation. Burn it all bring all of Vacuos to ruin. And from its ashes, we shall build a new world.

And the [Hero King]'s eyes snapped open.