Chapter 847 Self Loath

As the Knights Commander suffered the spiritual change he was inflicted with, the culprit's brother was in prison, walking around cells.  He had amassed a platoon of death-row prisoners, all eager to take down the Light Emperor.

All of them knew Arthur Silvera in one way or another. Some of those who had been imprisoned because they were suspected to be his allies had some hate toward him, but Arthur managed to turn their opinions in his favor.

It was simple to rally people if they thought the emperor was an unjust tyrant. Once promised freedom and a chance for revenge, they agreed. In their words, everything was better than this shithole.

However, Arthur began to draw the attention of some guards, who noticed his frequent visits to the prisoners and decreasing interactions with them. In the end, one of them confronted him. It was George Larson's closest friend.

"The punishers and servants have been whispering about you," said the guard as he pushed Arthur into the hallway's wall. "Get a hold of yourself, or the warden will visit you."

"I did nothing wrong."

"You didn't do anything! You have been roaming around the prison for days. Do you think that's normal, stupid bastard?" said the guard as he pushed his arm to Arthur's neck. "This will roll if you aren't careful."

After that threat, the guard disappeared. Arthur rubbed his neck as he lamented choosing someone others cared about, like this friend here. Even if he was a total psychopath, it might be true that birds of a feather flock together.

Arthur didn't pay much attention to his warning, even though he had yet to meet the warden. But, even if his identity gets revealed, he doubts he will lose in spiritual power. Thus, he can use his Art of Submission.

According to Cassius. King Arthur learned that art after their fight. It was a rough imitation of forcing his will on other people, making them unable to disobey his commands. However, when Arthur met the child of creation in Alka, he said the art would be a gift for the hardships he encountered.

"Even an imitation still counts," said Arthur as he walked through the hallway. "There is still a day and a half before the execution. I need to make haste to ensure success."

This time, he walked toward Zonas Mantra. The old man was sitting in the same position as two days ago, but his eyes were staring at the moon in the window above.

"I never saw another window except for this one," Arthur said as soon as he walked in before sitting beside the old man. "The time is near, Zonas Mantra. I wanted to ask you about who to free."

"The best place to learn about shadows is by coming toward the light that cast them here," said Zonas Mantra with a smile. "I, however, find myself remembering the distant past. There is a throbbing ache in my chest."

"Are you having a heart attack?" Arthur frowned. Zonas Mantra laughed as he raised his hand toward his chest. "Should I perform some quick healing?"

"This old bag of bones still has a bit more time," said Zonas Mantra. "Do you know why I'm here, Arthur Silvera?"

"Because you refused to fight against the emperor," said Arthur, but Zonas shook his head. "Ah, you refer to your choice of being imprisoned?"

"I do, indeed. Once Lyle came with a platoon of knights to arrest me, I was relieved that he did. I never quite forgave myself for the way I let my children die. I failed as a parent, so I had no right to tell Lyle his ambitions were wrong."

"So, you think that they are wrong?"

"He is lost in anger. I fear that even after the fight is over, his anger will never find an outlet. Has he told you about his promise to Yurirl?"

"He has."

"It all began when that promise was made. Yurirl was destined for greatness, while Lyle was destined for loss. A pursuit of something impossible will only serve as a motive. However, revenge, on the other hand, is an ugly thing."

"I follow that path, too," said Arthur as he stared at the moon. "I only loved once, and she died for me. But, unlike Lyle, the one responsible is my father, whom I plan on killing."

It was the first time that Arthur spoke his wish. He always assumed it was obvious but never declared it to someone. And, once he did, Zonas Mantra didn't hide his sadness.

"That is unfortunate because you look like a good son. And what would you do after killing him? Are you going to turn back time?"

"I did that once before, and any more interference might undo everything I know and everything I started to hold dear. I will leave that choice to fate, the world, or whatever I cannot control."

"You seem tired of making choices for the world."

"I made plenty that affected every human in existence. If I make more, I fear I might turn out to be the villain," Arthur said with a shrug. Zonas Mantra burst out laughing, surprising Arthur. The cell shook under his powerful voice.

"And how can you know that you aren't the villain, boy?" asked Zonas at the end of his laughter. "As far as the people know, you are the Stealer of Elements! You are the one who robbed their glory!"

"And I know I'm not, so why should I care?" answered Arthur with a smirk. "If I don't believe I'm the villain, no one can convince me otherwise. I'm doing what I must."

"All villains think the same, Arthur. Meet them in the Hidden Floor, where real evil resides. You can get to know them, ask for their help, and will realize that, in the end, all of them are human! We are not good, nor are they evil. We are simply victorious!"

"Good versus Evil was never absolute," said Arthur with a grin. "How can I meet these villains and enter this floor?"

"This window here!" said Zonas as he pointed at it. "As long as you pass through it, you will find yourself in the real Light Prison, where no light reaches! Those are the depths of hell and a place for the wicked."

"Yet here you are, gazing at it," said Arthur while he looked at the moon. It seemed to be a simple window, but it was a gate that Zonas protected. "You are a prisoner but also a gatekeeper."

"Even if I had lost my command, I remain a man who swore to protect," said Zonas Mantra. "This was the request I gave the emperor, and he knew I would never let a true villain leave this place."

"Then, what made you change your mind?"

"You did, Arthur Silvera. I heard about your exploits with the prisoners and knew how much you gathered under your banner. If those villains who have committed the unthinkable can be changed, then you are the one to do it."

"Are you willing to forgive them if they turn a new leaf?"

"Who am I to forgive or not?" said Zonas Mantra with a shake of his head. "If your eyes see goodness and a chance for redemption in those villains, then I trust your judgment. Those monsters can do good, as all weapons can!"

Arthur was silent for a while before he rose from his seat and raised his hand toward the ceiling. As Zonas Mantra said, there was a gate inside the window, and it was encrypted with runes.

"Open!" muttering a single word, Arthur unlocked them. A black whirlwind appeared inside the window, turning it black. Arthur turned around toward Zonas Mantra, who was smiling at the scene. "If those villains can be forgiven, then you can be too. Your children do not blame you for what happened."

"I have to ask them myself once I reach the other side," said Zonas Mantra with a sad smile that betrayed his regret. "Maybe that would be soon."

Arthur was silent as he stared at him. His golden eyes gleamed in the dim light from the lantern as if they could see things men could not.

"There is no need to ask them, Zonas Mantra," said Arthur, bringing the man back to reality. He stared at Arthur with confusion and helplessness. "Your children never left your side, and none hate you. The only person who blames you for their deaths… is yourself."

After he said those words, Arthur jumped into the window and passed through it. The old man sat there rooted in shock as if he couldn't believe the words. However, soon, tears fell from his eyes.

Those words were ones he had needed to hear for over a decade. Although no one could see it, Zonas never overcame the loss of his loved ones in that heinous incident. Anger was what Lyle chose, but Zonas chose self-loath. He hated the world for robbing him of his children, but the one he hated the most was himself.