C540
Death Sentence
The sentence of the Exile echoed in his mind.
"You intend to kill me."
"It is not my desire, but if you refuse until the end, so be it."
His calm voice betrayed no hint of resentment. Rather, it was gentle, as if he were scolding him affectionately.
"Why do you want to kill me?"
Lucas' voice was also calm. He had not let himself be influenced by the Beginning Wizard's attitude.
Being sentenced to death by someone, or having his life threatened, was not something that made him afraid or disturbed his inner peace. At that precise moment, Lucas's greatest doubt revolved around the very existence of the Beginning Wizard.
"Because Lucas Traumen's existence is too dangerous."
"Dangerous? I have traveled this world for a long time. And I have learned that there are still many beings more powerful than me. Including you, who are standing before me."
"I am not referring to brute force."
"Then what? Do you feel I cannot control myself?"
"Nor is it that. You are... the center."
Lucas's voice abruptly cut off.
...The center?
It was a difficult statement to understand at first glance.
"You are the center of everything, the center of events. Have you never thought about it? That only for you things are too special and extraordinary things happen to you without stopping? As if you were the protagonist of a story."
"…"
Once again.
Once again, the Beginning Wizard seemed to know exactly what Lucas was thinking.
"You are not alone. Many people live with similar thoughts. But this Beginning Wizard assures you that most of those people are wrong. It's an absurd illusion that arises when a frog in a well suffers from an excess of self-awareness."
"……."
"[My experience is special], [There are only unique people around me], [My life is unique], ...Actually, it's not like that. Those people can only claim that because they have experienced nothing but their own life, but from a broader perspective, they never deviate from the mold of normality. Unfortunately."
"…"
There is no reason to feel sorry.
Such illusions are childish. They are nonsense that deserves not compassion, but a warm smile as you watch them. Lucas does not pity the ignorant. Because he knows those who truly suffer.
"I am not referring only to Humans. From my point of view, even those who consider themselves [Absolute] are simply ordinary."
"…What the hell are you trying to say?"
Once again, a laugh escaped the mask.
"[All beings are the protagonists of their own lives…] Yes, it's not a false claim. But you, you are deeply connected to the most important events in the history of the universe. And it has always been so."
The Beginning Wizard especially emphasized the last words.
"…Do you understand? The most important thing is that word 'always'. You have been involved in all the key events of the fate of the universe, and you have eventually come to know the secrets of the past. As if you were guided by destiny."
"And that's why I have to die? Because I have learned too much?"
"It's not for such a childish reason. You don't realize the value you have."
For the first time, Lucas felt an emotion in the Beginning Wizard's voice.
It was frustration.
"You have no idea. No idea how many people are affected by a single word of yours, by a small gesture, and how that influence can lead to great changes."
"If you're asking me to take responsibility for my own actions…"
"Responsibility for your actions? Do you really think we're talking on that level? 'Lucas Traum' is a much larger and more dangerous existence than you think. If you don't know that... then yes, you are underestimating yourself."
These words were also new to him.
"...Am I underestimating myself?"
"What did you see in that spring? You checked it with your own eyes. What happened to the people related to you?"
"──."
In the instant he heard that muted voice, Lucas's heart froze.
And then he remembered.
Min Harin's completely changed face and Peran Jun's figure about to collapse from exhaustion.
"In your Absolute era, you saved countless Humans and taught them. You tried to maintain as objective an attitude as possible... but it was impossible. It is impossible to maintain perfect objectivity when teaching someone. Your opinions inevitably blend in. That's why I also call teaching 'ideology injection'."
"…"
"And most of the people you saved probably felt they were receiving the truth from a God. Do you understand? To them, you are the role model for achieving absolute goodness."
"What do you mean by that?"
"Lucas Traumen. How do you consider your own life?"
Once again, Lucas felt the Beginning Wizard was smiling faintly.
"You have gained great power, vast knowledge, you have understood the truth of the Universe, and you have even obtained an almost infinite life. Depending on your perspective, could you consider it a successful life?"
"Are you trying to mock me?"
"Hahaha," a laugh like the wind resonated.
"I knew you would respond like that."
"…"
"It's not a life you would recommend to anyone, right? Admit it. It's not a thought that comes from self-loathing or childish arrogance. I guarantee you that no one could endure the life you have lived. But... there are countless people who look up to you."
Coldness turned into shivers. Lucas was reflecting on his life. The Beginning Wizard was right. His life was not the kind he would recommend to anyone. That's why Lucas had never asked anyone to live like him. Because he knew how inadequate and miserable it was.
But what if it wasn't like that?
What if, without realizing it, he had been creating "beings like him" one after another?
What if someone saw the "inadequate and miserable Lucas" and made him their role model?
Lucas felt a fear he had never experienced before.
"So, did Harin, Min Harin become that person...?"
"It is only the result of the choice she made. Neither more nor less. But undoubtedly, you are the one who influenced the 'choice' that girl made the most."
"……."
"Min Harin has become strong, of course. She has gained a power she would never have imagined if she had lived a normal life. But as you just said, you cannot say her life is successful or blessed."
The Beginning Wizard's voice turned serious once again.
"And she's not the only one. In the Three Thousand Worlds, there are already countless people following your legacy."
[I can't bear to listen to this anymore.]
Residue spat out with an irritated voice.
"It's natural for those with power to have a great influence on those around them. And the weak always admire the strong and mimic their actions. All of this is providence. Do you understand? No matter how my followers may be corrupted by my actions, I don't have to worry about that. All I have to do is take responsibility for the decisions I make."
"…."
"Don't be swayed by meaningless fallacies, Lucas."
Before Lucas could respond, something surprising happened.
"Fallacies? Where do you find fallacies in this? Residue of Ruler."
[…! Can you hear me…?]
"This is the Magic Planet. No phenomenon that occurs here can escape my eyes and ears. Of course…"
The Beginning Wizard extended his hand.
Flap!
"Ugh…".
Lucas groaned, feeling a sting at his crown.
"Removing your remnant isn't so difficult either."
"Do you dare threaten this venerable?"
"Why would I do that? I don't hate you. I'm just speaking the truth."
[…Your tone is truly repulsive. You are─.]
"Enough. Residue."
Lucas quieted Residue with a word, then looked at the Beginning Wizard.
"Beginning Wizard. I've learned a few things about you through our brief conversation."
"Hoo…"
"Would you like to hear them?"
The Beginning Wizard nodded with interest.
"Tell me."
"You advised me to die, yet you don't hate or resent me. Nor do you intend to kill me."
“…”
"On the contrary, it seems like you want to teach me something… Am I mistaken?"
“…No. It's all true."
"I see."
Lucas nodded.
"Then let me tell you how I feel. Right now, I can't accept anything you say or do, no matter how well-intentioned it may be."
“…”
"Even if you're doing all of this to help me, my mind acknowledges it but doesn't accept it. I can't shake off my aversion towards you. Do you know why?"
"Because you know nothing about me."
Yes. I thought he'd easily respond with that. Lucas continued speaking, unfazed.
"I don't just mean the mask, that mask still hiding your face at this moment. Have you revealed anything clear about yourself? What is your purpose? Why did you bring me to the Magic Planet? What intention did you have in showing me the Fountain of Wisdom?"
The Beginning Wizard remained silent in the face of the barrage of questions. And Lucas exhaled the breath he had been holding, with difficulty.
“…Do you want me to die? Fine. Do you see any attachment to life in me? Do you see me as a being craving for tomorrow?"
“…”
"Give me a reason. If I can hear it and understand it, maybe I won't resist dying."
[Lucas.]
"Be quiet for a moment."
[…]
Lucas silenced Residue with a single word and then looked at the Beginning Wizard.
“…”
He remained silent for a long while. The eyes behind the mask looked blurry. The Beginning Wizard seemed to be slowly surveying his surroundings. He carefully observed each of the stars spread out everywhere. That movement seemed to unfold slowly, or perhaps it seemed to race like lightning.
“…There was still something new."
A slight tone of laughter mixed into the voice that finally emerged.
"What?"
"Yes. First, I must fulfill my promise. Did I say it? I told you I would show you the face behind this mask when you came to the Magic Planet."
Without giving him time to respond, the Beginning Wizard decisively removed the mask.
And in the instant he saw the face revealed,
"What kind of trick is this?"
Lucas's face twisted. The face beneath the mask was one Lucas had seen several times. A face that mimicked him, a face that awkwardly resembled Lucas Traumen.
The face of the "False Lucas Traumen" was there.
"You come all the way here and play this prank on me even at this moment? What's the point of hiding your true identity?"
“…….”
"Don't you understand yet? That your face is so repulsive to me it gives me chills."
"The one who understands nothing is you."
The tone of voice had changed. The atmosphere had too. Lucas realized this a bit late.
The Beginning Wizard smiled weakly.
"Lucas. I'm not joking. Nor am I hiding anything."
"What?"
"Why have you never considered that this is my 'true face'?"
“…What are you saying."
"This is me. My face, bare, without any transformation, magic, or illusion."
“…”
"You said I imitated you awkwardly? You may feel that way. But put another way, you and I..."
The Beginning Wizard said with a weak smile.
"We just look alike."
Crack~
At the instant the applause sounded, a bright star shattered and dispersed.
And the fragments of the star created a scenery.
“…….”
A clearing in the forest,
A facility built there.
[Orphanage Traumen].
In a place unforgettable to Lucas,
Began a short but intense story.
Tags:
TGMRA (Novel)