I feel like I've been rushing my story now that I look back on it. Like, I spent far too little time in certain places. Do you all think that as well? Cause I read the absolute masterpiece that was Shadow Slave: Kindness, and I really loved it, with its rather slow pacing. Anyway(again), back to your (non)regularly scheduled chapter!
Also, I wanted to try first person so yea...
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"Keter, are you sure this is wise?" Seishan asked.
I could feel it, Gunlang's questioning, hesitant stare, even as my senses drowned in the fever, fear, and near-worship radiating from the army of sleepers. I've known for a long time that he never once fell for the constant propaganda and manipulation I fed the others. Hell, even Nephis and Cassie have begun to fall for it, if only slightly. But Gunlang? Never. He's the only one who sees through the false image I've built, the persona I've been engraving into everyone's mind.
"Of course it is. You have no need to worry." I answered.
Has he realized? Has he figured out how unnecessary this fight truly is? It doesn't need to happen now. It could happen in a month—or three—and nothing would change. The Lord of the Dead means nothing to us as long as no one enters the Catacombs. So why now? Because I want it to. No… because I need it to.
"Mother has always said that hasty actions bring ruin," Seishan said sternly, as a hint of worry flashed in her eye.
I felt it again when I fought Orpheus—that powerlessness. Powerless to stop my suffering, powerless to resist someone forcing their will upon me. And worst of all… it felt like I was there again—in that cursed fountain.
"I know that very well, but this fight needs to happen now," I said.
Is it cruel? To lead others to die for my ego? To take dozens who had no part in my suffering and throw them into the jaws of death—just to prove to someone, or something, that I don't need their charity?
"Why? What good could this fight bring?" Seishan asked.
I know something—someone—was there that day. They are strong. Stronger than I can imagine. They did things far beyond what even Sovereigns can do. I fear them… and I hate them. Is it stupid to hate someone who saved me? Who is the reason I'm still alive? They turned a Fallen into something great, pacified the blood of the gods, kept my mind intact when it should have shattered. Their very existence gave me the leverage to demand from the spell. Did they also send the Old Man of the Mountain after me? Or was that a consequence of their help? If it was—was it a flaw? A drawback? A punishment for overreaching?
Because I said so.
I force my thoughts away from that. Why dwell on someone I can't meet, can't beat, can't even find?
"To bring the people hope," I said.
Annoyance wells up inside me. Why am I even thinking about this? Is it some last-ditch effort from whatever conscience I have left—some pathetic attempt to justify sending dozens to die simply because I want to?
Seishan looked suspicious but swiftly bowed and said. "I understand."
No. I'll kill whatever's left of that conscience before the Spire.
***
Sitting on top of a makeshift podium, waiting for everything to settle down, before I give the announcement.
Facing the gathering sleeper army, I gave out a long breath. Looking above at the sky, I am about to do something very horrible.
I smiled bitterly as I looked down at the army of sleepers looking at me with expectant eyes.
The moment of truth has come before it should have, but it doesn't matter anymore, I have to see it through.
I looked around, on the left side of my vision, I spotted Nephis and Cassie together. They were talking amongst themselves.
Originally, Nephis should have been the one to give the speech to 'convince' the sleeper army to march to their deaths.
But now due to my involvement, everything is messed up, if sunny hadn't died i might have been in a more advantageous position.
I heaved another sigh, the suddenly I focused on Cassie, however the image of the next scene-
~Crack~
Huh?!
~Grab~
I quickly turned my head to the side.
"What's gone into you!?", she asked in a sharp and whispered voice.
Only then did I finally let out a breath I didn't know was holding in.
What was that just now?
Then suddenly a sweat trickled down my cheeks, all I did was look at Cassie then.. then..
Only now do I realize something was wrong.
I saw something.
But I can't remember it.
My heart started to beat frantically, as my breathing became more erratic.
It's just like that time!
I quickly glanced back at Cassie..
Nothing.
Nothing happened.. Am I tripping? Is it trauma?
That's possible but no I clearly felt a similar feeling as that hidden being!
No No!
Thinking about it logically it's very unlikely that she would be related to that mysterious force. And she is yet to awaken her potential as a master schemer and with me around she likely wouldn't need that.
Pat~
Another pat came. I turned to face Seishan and she promptly directed her face towards the crowd, everyone had gathered.
Looking at the sleeper army, then I turned to look at Nephis and Cassie, they seemed to have ended their conversation as they were now waiting for my speech.
I stared at Cassie for a moment longer before I turned to face the sleeper army.
It's highly unlikely that she would be related to that 'moment' but-, I stepped on the makeshift elevated podium as I narrowed my eyes, I will have to keep an eye on her.
Letting out one last deep breath I straightened my back and raised my shoulders slightly.
I looked at the faces of the sleepers, some of which I knew personally most were however just blurry characters.
I speak at last.
***
"Today is a rather auspicious day…" I began.
My voice echoed into the distance.
"Most of you already know why we are here… and are probably questioning our timing."
"I will be frank. The timing isn't ideal, and the chance of success isn't promising either."
Murmurs started to erupt but were instantly silenced as I raised my hand in a stopping gesture.
"Which is why, today, you make a choice. A choice of a lifetime."
"Soon, we will march toward the Crimson Spire, leaving everything behind to face the Tyrant of the Spire… and return home."
Short gasps echoed within the ranks of the Sleepers.
"Most of you don't know this, but the only thing stopping us from returning home
is a tyrant who gives light to these godforsaken lands."
Now, only stern and grim expressions remained plastered on the faces of the Sleepers.
"Many of you will die—and not just you."
I gestured with both hands at the elites—Gunlag, Seishan, Nephis, and others— the best the Forgotten Shores' army of Sleepers has to offer.
"Many of us may not make it either."
"Of course, that's not something to celebrate. It's just the truth this campaign will likely be the end for many of us."
I let the silence settle once more.
"What I'm about to say isn't meant to stop you from returning to your tents. As far as I care, you can go wherever you want and do whatever you wish."
"But I want you to know how you have behaved toward me…
and how I have treated you."
"Allow me to introduce myself once more."
"My name is Keter!"
"Many of you already know me or at least have heard of me from your groups. But I will tell you about myself…"
With a pause, I continued in a solemn tone.
"So that you may know your savior… and your executioner."
The Sleeper army remained unmoved, but a dark hue had fallen across their faces. No one raised questions—only silence and listening.
"It has been six months since I arrived in this death zone."
"Shortly after, I was forced to fight against an Awakened Titan… and by my strength, I triumphed."
Short gasps of shock erupted in the quiet ranks. Most wore expressions of disbelief as if the idea of a newly Awakened Sleeper failing a Titan, that could challenge even elite cohorts impossible.
But their thoughts were abruptly interrupted.
"After that, my cohort and I spent three agonizing months
traveling to reach the Dark City. Along the way, I faced creatures and demons capable of horrors
that not even the veterans of this army have witnessed."
"If you think that is impressive… listen more!"
"Immediately after arriving in the Dark City, I confronted the tyrannical ruler of the Bright Castle— a man who had long abandoned hope of escape, and who turned this place into his totalitarian kingdom."
I pointed at Gunlag.
"THIS IS THE MAN!"
I raised my voice, pouring every ounce of passion and emotion into it.
"THIS IS THE MAN WHO TORMENTED YOU, with his cruel judgments, his cold indifference, who watched in jubilation as your comrades were slaughtered!"
Gunlag turned to look at me, brows furrowed. Clearly, he found this unpleasant, no one enjoys having their sins displayed like this. But, understanding my intent, he simply turned back and endured the glares with a cool expression.
"HOW DEVASTATED I WAS"
"when I heard your stories, when I saw some of you shed tears in secret, some of you inflicting wounds upon yourselves, from the injustice you've endured!"
Hah… hah…
Letting out short breaths, I allowed the silence to return to let my words resonate with everyone present.
The dark expressions were replaced by ones of shock and disbelief. Some hands trembled. Some faces appeared hollow, soon to be replaced by an indescribable, growing resolve. Others turned to their neighbors, checking if they had heard correctly.
I closed my eyes, preparing for the next part of my speech.
Switching my tone, I now spoke softly but still loud enough for all to hear.
"Compared to you, I am new here. I have only spoken to a few of you."
"BUT—"
"In the short time I've been with you, I have felt your anguish."
"And with that resonance, I have decided, I will go to any lengths to free you all."
"I confronted the Tyrant. I battled with both words and the sword."
"THE BATTLE WAS FIERCE!"
"The Tyrant was formidable, but your desire for freedom… your longing to return home… your desperate need for hope gave me the edge."
Another pause.
The Sleeper army now stood completely enthralled
by my voice and passion.
Even Seishan appeared moved. In the distance, Nephis and Cassie listened in slight awe.
But… Cassie…
Her expression mirrored everyone else's, yet something about it bothered me.
Shaking the thought away, I looked once more at the Sleeper army.
"however…",I spoke softly, my voice now tinged with light despair and regret.
The army visibly darkened at the sudden change in my tone.
"During the fight I came to a realization, the only way to free you all from this hell, is to face the crimson spire and leave this place.."
"And so a dilemma arose, if i kill the bright lord, not only will our chances of leaving this hell reduce to a dangerous low, we would suffer immense losses"
Stopping for a moment, I breathed in the air, noticing a change in the energy amongst the sleepers.
"I understand how you feel.. Sparing a tyrant who deserves nothing but the most gruesome death is nothing short of denying your suffering.."
"But I want you to understand this. If the bright lord dies, even more of you will die during the war on the spire than if he were to fight with us.. But your suffering is not to be denied, so why did I do it? Why did I spare him?"
Here comes the most important part, if I can do it right, they all will fall into my hands.
Raising my voice once more, invoking every emotion I have stored in my being.
"IT WAS YOU!! I HAD TO SPARE HIM SO THAT I CAN SAVE YOU ALL!!!"
"As your Leader, I am responsible for all of your lives! I may be able to lead you to victory, but how will I face your families? How will I face the world knowing that I could have saved you all?"
"This is a selfish decision on my part, but i willing to make this decision every single time, I may not know all of you as closely as those I commune with, but each and every one of you are precious to me, so forgive me if i have done you wrong, but it is only way i can lead you forward."
Finally, letting out a breath, I looked at the sleeper army, and without a doubt they had bought it, they completely believe that i am sincerely worried about them, to be fair this speech has been something i have been, making for a while now, while Nephis in the original timeline did it similarly, mine is better, simply because i have an advantage, i know how things unfold from here on out, and so i know which would be more effective to best convince everyone here.
Making a speech is rather simple, all you need to do in the speech is, relate, twist, accuse, exaggerate, appeal and Ignite. It's not exactly the best, but it's the most used. If one were to learn the historical figures before the dark times, they will find a commonality in all the speeches that called for war.
There is really no need to explain any further, because whether it works or not, I have already pushed this matter beyond the point of no return so they have no choice but to follow me. The only reason for this speech is to not leave lingering regrets and reduce their suffering a bit with fancy words.
I am sorry, everyone, but please die for me…
"Now I will tell you what I was wishing to say in the beginning of this speech"
"What I wish to say is simple: those of you who don't wish to fight, you are not required to.."
Now is time to make them feel guilt, give them a choice they can't refuse, by giving them a choice to stay back, they will be overwhelmed with the survivors guilt, forcing them to join, and if they don't, they will be dead meat anyways, they will forced to fend for themselves, leading to their demise, so ultimately they have to join.
From this point I don't need to raise my voice, I have already laid my sincerity, so they won't doubt my intentions.
All the sleepers watched with their eyes slightly bulging, unsure of how to take it.
Some of them whispered amongst themselves.
"We can choose not to fight?"
"Is he being serious? Didn't he say we needed every bit of strength to get out of here alive?"
"There has to be a catch, no? Otherwise, this would be purely naive."
....
Such words were whispered amongst the sleepers before I spoke again.
"Yes, it's just as I said, you don't need to fight, call it naive, or just stupidity, I will take it. However, I want you to understand, this has not come out of the blue but out of consideration.."
"The truth of the matter is, even if we go to war today, we will win, but it will come at a cost. Which is why I propose this to you, those of you who don't wish to die, may abstain from fighting. And stay back in safety!"
"And I will add more, you can even leave this place after the war is over!!"
This made everyone lose color; the proposition was simply absurd and ridiculous.
"You can walk over our corpses and walk into the gateway to return home!! You don't even have to worry, if the waking world shuns you.. I WILL PROTECT YOU".
"I WILL NOT SING YOUR PRAISES, BUT I WILL PROTECT WHAT LITTLE HONOR YOU HAVE!"
"IF I WANTED I WOULD HAVE LEFT THIS PLACE AGES AGO, BUT I DID NOT BECAUSE OUT OF CONSIDERATION FOR YOU ALL."
"SO GO!! MAKE SAFE SHELTERS FOR YOURSELVES, PREPARE FOOD IN ADVANCE! AND THOSE THAT WILL FOLLOW PREPARE TO FIGHT WITH DEATH IN MIND."
"I CANNOT GUARANTEE YOUR LIVES, ONLY VICTORY WILL BE ASSURED TO YOU!"
"THOSE OF YOU WHO WISH TO FOLLOW ME! COME FORWARD AND RISE UP!!!!"
I summoned my sword and raised it to the air.
"TOGETHER WE WILL LEAVE THIS HELL AND RETURN TO OUR HOMES ONCE AND FOR ALL"
Nobody came forward. For a moment, then two.
Those that were looking at each other, those that were nervous, and those that were sceptical, closed their eyes and opened them with new found resolve.
All of them summoned their weapon of choice, raised to the air, and then…
"GLORY TO KETER!!!"
"GLORY TO KETER!!!"
I follow their chants with a deafening roar.
"RISEEE UPPP!!!"
"TO VICTORY!!!!!"
Following my roar, they too followed with their own roars..
Their heartfelt roar echoed in every direction..
Lowering my arms as I basked in their war cry.
This… was… a success.
Strangely I felt bittersweet for some reason..
***
Cassie who alongside Nephis was watching the speech unfold, closed her eyes.
Her expression was strangely mixed with regret and that of pity.
"He has fallen deeper into that rabbit hole… if he doesn't realise it soon, he might truly be lost…"
Whisper whisper whisper
She nodded as she listened to something being whispered into her ears.
Once the whispers ended.
She opened her unseeing eyes and whispered to herself..
"May The Exodus Begin…"
—-----
I could feel my grin grow increasingly more bold and loud with each defining chant. I could feel the fever of all 1,327 sleepers; I could feel their blind loyalty begin to take its place. As I used my dormant ability to summon a ring of light, which soon brought a grandiose War Flag to my side. I slammed it down, then made the sound carry my voice across the mass of sleepers.
"TODAY WE MARCH TO SLAY THE TYRANT OF THE CATACOMBS! THE LAST REMAINING GRUDGE OF OUR GODFATHERS! AND WITH THE DEATH OF THE TYRANT WE WILL RECLAIM OUR RIGHT TO STARLIGHT! WE WILL RECLAIM THE RIGHT TO DECIDE OUR OWN FATE!" As i raised my flag into the sky, dozens of runes on its surface began to glow, giving off a royal light.
"THEN WE WILL MARCH TO THE SOUTH TO RECLAIM THE DAWN THAT OUR FOREFATHERS ENVISIONED! AND WITH IT WE WILL FORGE OURSELVES A NEW DAWN UNDER A NEW SKY!" I began to faintly tap into [The Light], making the light of the sun focus directly upon me.
"WITH THE LIGHT OF OUR FOREFATHERS, WITH OUR RIGHT TO NEWFOUND STARLIGHT, AND WITH OUR WILL, WE WILL SEIZE THE SPIRE! The flag soon burst into a blazing flame, but as it was reduced to ashes, a new flag appeared underneath, A fractured sun being devoured by a thousand wolves.
"AND DEVOUR THE SUN!"