CHAPTER 12
NOT MY END
Samson’s choice of words reflected his confidence, and it was humorous for Hans to read. He wished he could have met the man and talked directly, but deadman tell no tales, at least not to his knowledge, so he resumed his reading.
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> Enough about me. Perhaps my parents have already spoken to you about yourself, I created you because my actions to change our destinies made many enemies. I died, means I failed. We are not perfect and will never be. As long greed exists, people will wage war to please it, ignoring the bigger picture that we are fastening to our doom.
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> Red demon is just a reminder. I believe there is worst yet to come for us, but I don't hope for you to do something as grand as save the world, or avenge me. I have one request, just take care of my mother, Sierra, and Master Rudolf. I never called him father, I should have.
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> That's all I ask of you in exchange for this..
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Sierra teared up, feeling touched but sad for Hans. Samson's words defined Hans as his means to show filial piety but that was wrong to Hans.
Hans caught her sad look and confidently said patting his chest,
I would have, even if he didn't ask.
Sierra said to him,
Hans, you don't have to mind his words, you do not exist for us; you need to know this.
Hans said with amusement.
Wow, I didn't even thought that way, until you spoke granny. Now I feel pretty pathetic.
Sierra just stared at him, dumbfoundedly. Usually, he joked like this with Rudolf. whereas Hans chuckled, seeing her surprised expression he said,
I was just kidding, grandma; I don't mind taking care of you two. It's a child’s duty to look after his parents after all.
Rudolf intervened.
I can take care of my wife by myself...
Hans apathetically interrupted him,
Yeah, yeah, gramps.
Hans was feeling much better now. All his worries and anxieties were evaporating like camphor burning on Yudwin's stake. He felt that God had denied him the opportunity to shine. However, with this book in his possession, he could easily outshine all others. After all, the strongest knight wrote this book for him, predicting or probably knowing the hurdles he was yet to face. And thus providing the solution within its pages.
When he learned that Samson was sixteen as he wrote this book, the little admiration he felt for Samson reached new heights. He focussed on the unfinished page and started reading loudly, but Sierra stopped him saying.
The book is only for your eyes, child. So do not tell the contents to anyone, including us.
Hans nodded and ran to his room to complete his reading
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> I started writing this book at the behest of Osiris. She showed a future where the adversaries far worse than the Red Demons came. Ravaging our world at will, killing our people like cattle for a feast.
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> For contingency, in case of my unforeseen death, I had to leave some sort of way for this wretched world. I wrote the knowledge given to me in a series of books called ‘Books of Fate’. The first one is for you and your task is to grow strong and protect the one I cherised. Others who recieved the remaining books will take care of the world, you don't need to involve yourselves in their mess.
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> I advice you to follow every page. The book itself is a sentient artefact, it will only show you what you need to know.
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> Don't greed over other books. this is enough for you to amass the power that others can only dream about. And absolutely in no circumstances share this book with others unless you wish to put a target on your back. This was fated for you so it should remain with you.
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> This Book will show you a way to gain Unlimited Mana
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> END OF PAGE 1
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As he touched the pages, Hans felt a surge of excitement. Samson's books held the key to something unknown, something that had the potential to change his life forever. The first book revealed the way to harness unlimited mana, but what else could be hidden within the other tomes? was the only thought that lingered in his mind
Another book by Samson, named "Mandate" resurfaced in his mind. Curiously he turned the page, hoping for something more wonderful to be found but as the book read his mind, the words baffled him.
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> PAGE 2
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> Let me repeat myself: If your book ownership becomes public knowledge, those who know about them will seek you out, lusting for their power. And they are not alone, those who have the 'mandate' will act and take it back at any cost.
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> There is a record of every person keeping the books in the mandate and yours is not an exception. So be careful with your actions don't look for the rest of the books. They are as useless to you as this one is to others.
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> The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.
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> “Good luck; and if you can, please convey a message to my mother and father that I have always loved them and this is not my end.”
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> END OF PAGE 2
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Hans lay sprawled on the hard wooden floor, his small form curled around the thick book he had been reading. He had been so engrossed in the pages that he hadn't even noticed when sleep had overtaken him.
It was Rudolf, his gruff and often ill-tempered grandpa, who found him there the next morning. But to his surprise, instead of the usual scolding, Rudolf simply watched as Hans giggled in his sleep. He knew all too well the struggles that the young boy faced, and he couldn't bear to wake him up harshly.
The old man's attention was suddenly drawn to the book in Hans's grip, its tough cover and aged pages betraying its importance. His eyes narrowed as he chastised Samson for being so deceptive. Without a word, he snatched the book from Hans's hands, feeling the weight of its knowledge in his grasp.
But before he could examine it further, the boy stirred from his slumber and, with a startlingly swift movement, took the book back from Rudolf's grasp. It was as if the book held some sort of mystical power over the young boy, and he clutched it close to his chest as if it were the greatest treasure in all the world.
Rudolf let out a frustrated sigh, his plans for the morning thwarted by the bewitching power of the book. With a muttered curse, he lifted Hans by his collars, still clutching the treasured tome tightly in his grasp. The boy floated a few inches above the ground as Rudolf made his way towards the kitchen, his grip on the boy firm yet gentle.
Sierra's voice echoed in the background, urging Hans to leave the book behind, but the boy refused to be parted from his beloved treasure. Rudolf couldn't help but feel a twinge of annoyance at the boy's stubbornness, but he also couldn't deny the curious allure of the book.
With a deep breath, Rudolf pushed his curiosity aside and focused on the task at hand - getting Hans to breakfast. The book would have to wait for now.
Hans stared at their troubled expressions, asking them while filling his mouth with a slice of boiled meat.
Can't Parv lend us the Mandate Book?
Sierra replied
"Why are you asking that?"
Hans explained
He wrote about Mandate in this book.
Rudolf inquired hastily.
What did he write?
Hans, knowing that Samson would not mind sharing this with them, discussed the contents of the book in detail.
It is also a "Book of Fate."
"Books of Fate?" Sierra asked in surprise.
Hans replied to her while raising the book.
According to this, he wrote multiple books but asked me not to get involved with them. I think differently, if someone got all of them, then that person might become the strongest, just like him.
As he pondered Samson's advice to not seek out the remaining books, a fierce determination rose within him. He knew that if he was going to play this game, he would need to do it on his own terms. So he made a decision. He would read the remaining books of fate, every last one of them, until he understood, exactly what Samson intended to do with them.
Hans asked the elders,
Did Samson have any kind of power that he could pass on?
Sierra answered nonchalantly
Yes, it was an artefact…
She stopped herself from further speaking on the matter and said,
This might grow into something big that we can't handle, Hans.
She stared at the book as if it was a forbidden thing and grasping her intentions, Hans tighten his grasp, holding the book more firmly. He declared, full of resolve to see it to the end,
No, it's mine.
Seeing his unwavering gaze, Sierra sighed in frustration and asked Hans,
Can You promise me you won't look for other books?
Hans asked
Do I have to keep that promise? He asked me not to search for it too.
Yes, even if he asked you to, I would have stopped you.
Hans looked down at the book, clenching it with his small hands and finally said,
Sorry, Grandma, but I can't stop myself from searching for those, but I will do it when I am super powerful like Gramps, that is what I can promise.
Hans was waiting for her affirmation and just like every other parent, she gave in. making him jump with happiness. He started gulping the food fast so he could read more. He was naturally curious and was restraining himself from asking them more about Samson blatantly. But there was something he had to know, so he carefully framed his words.
Can I ask you something about your son?
Sierra calmly responded
What do you wanna know?
How was he? Asked Hans
Rudolf interjected with a proud smile and said,
For one, he was a lot smarter than you. I only need to teach him one step and he could devise the next by himself, unlike someone we know.
Hans pouted on hearing this, with gaming eyes he asked Sierra and she responded,
He was an obedient child who matured early and never made us worry. He always felt insecure, after all, he was abandoned by his biological father. He worked hard in being the best in everything. My only regret is that I couldn't make him feel more secure.
Hans responded to her regretful words.
"Please don't worry. He left me for you because he cared about you so much. I always felt loved here, and I'm sure he did too."
Sierra was just staring at him, and after a brief pause, she said,
Oh, our squeaky has grown. He could even console me.
Hans continued with a flushing face,
He left you two a message saying, "I always loved you and this is not my end."
She felt a sense of relief wash over her. The words had brought her the closure she had been desperately searching for. Rudolf, who stood by her side, was also affected by the words he had just heard. His eyes were moist with tears, but he refused to let them fall. It wasn't suitable for his personality, he would have said. However, as he heard the final words of Sam's message, a sudden realisation dawned on him - "this is not my end".
The room was quiet except for the sound of their breathing, as they both contemplated the meaning behind those words. What did Sam mean? What was he trying to tell them?
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