Chapter 92 - The Ark Of Inner Conflict

"Why would they do that?"

"Their ego is much too big for their brains. They refused to thank the ones who sacrificed themselves for a better life. They think everyone owes them, so they act all high-mighty. But in actuality, they are the lowest of the low."

"That's not true! I've seen some humans do compassionate things!"

Mavislin raised an eyebrow at the Umbra, furthering increasing her interest.

"They use compassion and kindness as a means to get what they want. After that, they expect payment. And if you don't fork up, you'll find yourself in debt for life. That's how humans get by. The stolen steal from others, creating a vicious cycle."

"Why would they stoop so low?" asked the Umbra, saddened and disgusted at how humans functioned as a whole.

"They want the reason behind being kind. A reason for them to help those in need. They might be the only race to ask to make their kids feed them because they had given birth to them. That's what makes them humans."

"What do you mean?"

"Human parents have a tendency to force their offspring to cook, clean and take care of their parents. For life. Usually, it would be a simple argument, but the parents would always state this particular statement, 'I've brought you up in her home with food and clothes, and this is how you repay me?'."

"Why would a parent force their child to take care of them? That's just wrong. They didn't as to be born. They were the ones who decided to become parents, to have birthed a child. Why are they throwing that guilt on to a child? Furthermore, it's about something the poor kid has no control of."

"Because they are full of greed. Like I've stated earlier, humans thrive in self-pity and guilt. By doing so, the parents could gain back those years lost when bringing up a child. Isn't it a fair trade?"

"No, that's not fair! No..."

"Nursing a child isn't just a walk in the park. It requires patience. And when they grow up, they should repay those years to the parents, right?" questioned the Valkyrie, looking at the night sky.

The Umbra shook her head in denial. What were these conflicting thoughts? Do humans function so badly? Were they that disgusting, forcing their offspring to a life of torment and slavery?

"And they want to save their own skin. Think about it. If the Arks were truly meant to do care about humans, the entire thing will collapse. Tell me, if I were to tell you that nice old man was a killer, would you be able to kill him?"

"Of course! He is a killer..."

"What if I told he was a father and makes bread for the sick and hungry? Would you be able to do it? Will your judgment allow it?"

The Umbra looked conflicted. As a Shadow being, its judgment was firm. To kill without hesitation. But since it has consumed human memories, it could not figure out a proper answer. Or was it the late Kikuri's judgment kicking in once more?

Memories flooded into the poor child. Memories that did not belong to her. She could remember the time that her mother refused to let go out with friends, forcing the girl to stay home to nurse her mother's waning health.

No, wait. That wasn't the memory. It was the fact that her father had forced her to sell her body to the old men lurking in the alleyways to get by. But that wasn't it either. It had indeed taken in too many human memories.

The Valkyrie smiled as she witnessed how the Umbra nearly crumbled because of a simple scene. Looks like Mavislin's tactic was working. The poor shadow looked like it was about to burst into tears, unable to figure out an answer.

"That occurs rarely. Right?" asked the Umbra, exasperated.

"With humans as the main habitant, you would be surprised. If we did try to care for them, they would think ill of our actions. So there no point trying to save a race of beings that can't even accept their own kind."

"There's no way you would think like that..."

"There are lots of things you don't understand about. How people can be so kind yet selfish. How others can be broken yet strong."

"But I didn't imagine that humans would be so mean..."

"By the way, the message you showed me. I've realized, it was a calling for help," added Mavislin, remembering that small bit of information.

The Valkyrie had already broken the rules of the game, so now it was 'Kikuri's' turn to answer.

"We were desperate. We were running from Corruption. It was coming for us and the selected Mages that we've gathered."