"Y-you did what?" Knox stammered in disbelief.
"Yeah," she replied calmly, her gaze steady. "That man who tried killing you. I paralyzed him and learned your language from his mind." She tapped her temple lightly, a slight smirk playing at the corners of her lips. "You see, I can steal information directly from someone's brain."
Knox nodded slowly, his mind still reeling from the whirlwind of events. "I see," he said, his tone tinged with uncertainty, mirroring the confusion in his thoughts. “That person was my father. We fought. He killed my friend, my lover, and indirectly caused the death of my mother.”
“How sad. Anyway, you might be wondering why I took you here rather than killing you, right?” Knox nodded. “Very well, I’ll tell you. Your scent was bizarre, and you also seemed to have a mighty master scroll.”
“Wait, wait, what do you mean by my scent?”
“Well, it’s hard to explain, but you smell of both Human and Aetherian.”
“What does that mean?” Knox asked
“It means you were created using both Human and Aetherian genetics.”
Knox struggled to comprehend the implications of her words. "Are you suggesting that one of my parents wasn't Human? Or perhaps neither of them were."
"Exactly!" she affirmed, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "The individual you referred to as your father did not share similar genetic traits with you, indicating that he is likely not your biological father."
“I-I don't know what to think about that.”
“You do not have to think about it! Just listen to what I say, and you should be fine. Firstly, I should have a name like most things do, so you can call me Master. Secondly, you will kill me tomorrow.”
“Woah, woah, kill you?”
“Yes, why do you sound so against the idea? I was planning on killing myself soon, anyway. But with you here, I could just let you kill me, and then you save the world! How about it, you with me?
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“What’s the point of it, though?” Knox asked, genuinely confused why a being as powerful as her would do something like this.
“It’s pretty complicated, so be prepared, and don't interrupt me.” She stared at him for a bit before sighing and continuing. “A seal was placed on me. Now, don't ask questions. I'll explain further. I was the most powerful thing that existed back in my day, and the Aetherians were scared of me as a result. They collectively decided that it would be safer for everyone if my power were sealed, or at least sealed from being used against them in any helpful manner. But if you kill me and gain experience from doing it, you could become just as powerful as me with little effort! How exciting. Anyway, continuing my story. After my power was sealed, I aimlessly wandered around until the Aetherians stumbled upon the earth. My boredom was cured for a bit by this place, but it soon became boring again, so I decided that I would just kill myself and get it over with. That was until I saw and smelled you! Having both race's genes might prove helpful in bringing peace between them.
“Stop.”
“What’s the problem?” She asked, confused. “I thought I told you not to interr-.”
“Are you CRAZY!? YOU expect me just to get everything!
“Could you stop complaining? I'm literally about to give you ultimate power. How could you not want that?” She huffed, visibly annoyed. “Even if you don't agree, I’ll force you.”
Knox recoiled at Master's sudden shift in demeanor, feeling a chill run down his spine at the threat in her words. "Force me? What do you mean?"
Master's expression hardened, her eyes gleaming with an unsettling intensity. "I mean exactly what I said. If you refuse to cooperate willingly, I will have no choice but to use whatever means necessary to achieve my goals. And trust me, you don't want to see what I'm capable of when I'm pushed."
Knox's heart pounded in his chest as he stared back at her, a mixture of fear and defiance swirling within him. "You can't just manipulate me into doing what you want. I have a say in this, too."
Master's lips curled into a sinister smile. "Do you? We'll see about that."
With a wave of her hand, a powerful force surrounded Knox, rendering him immobile. Panic surged through him as he realized the extent of Master's abilities, and he braced himself for whatever lay ahead, uncertain of what fate awaited him.
*** *** ***
Amidst the ranks of the Aetherian army stood Blake, a stalwart soldier whose unwavering dedication to duty was matched only by his unwavering loyalty to his comrades. Tall and broad-shouldered, with piercing blue eyes that seemed to bore into the very soul of those who dared meet his gaze, Blake commanded respect and admiration from all who knew him.
Born and raised in the heart of Aetheria, Blake had known little else but a life of service to his nation. From a young age, he had been instilled with the values of honor, courage, and sacrifice, virtues that he embodied with every fiber of his being. As a soldier, he had risen through the ranks with unparalleled skill and determination, earning the admiration of his superiors and the trust of his fellow soldiers.
On the battlefield, Blake was a force to be reckoned with. His expertise in combat was matched only by his strategic cunning and unwavering resolve. Whether leading his unit into the thick of battle or standing his ground against overwhelming odds, he remained steadfast in the face of adversity, his unwavering courage inspiring all who fought alongside him.
But beneath his stoic exterior lay a heart burdened by the weight of duty and sacrifice. Though he seldom spoke of his inner struggles, the horrors of war had taken their toll on Blake, leaving scars that ran deeper than any physical wound. Yet even in the darkest of moments, he refused to yield, drawing strength from the memory of those who had fallen before him and vowing to honor their sacrifice with every breath he took.
As the Aetherian army marched ever onward, Blake stood resolute at the forefront, a beacon of hope in a world consumed by chaos. With unwavering determination and unshakeable resolve, he faced the challenges that lay ahead, knowing that the fate of his nation rested on his shoulders and that he would stop at nothing to ensure its survival.