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Lunacy's Tale
Chapter 36

Chapter 36

[Nexus branch—Superintendent's officer]

'Knock, knock.'

"Sir, it's Dustin. May I enter?" Dustin's voice carried a sense of respect and formality through the heavy wooden door.

"Come in," the General replied, his tone firm but welcoming.

The door creaked open, and Dustin stepped into the spacious room, his gaze immediately drawn to the center of the room.

Seated in a high-backed chair beside the table was an elderly man whose presence exuded an air of undeniable authority despite his advanced age.

His silver hair gleamed under the soft glow of the room's lighting, and his sharp eyes, as piercing as ever, fixed upon Dustin as he entered.

Dustin approached the table, his footsteps echoing in the room's silence.

He could feel the weight of anticipation hanging in the air, a palpable tension that set his nerves on edge.

The General's presence always commanded attention, and Dustin braced himself for the gravity of the conversation to come.

General's voice, though touched with amusement, carried a trace of weariness that spoke of decades of service and countless burdens borne.

"How many times do I need to tell you there's no need to seek permission to enter my room?"

Dustin's response was measured, his tone respectful yet firm.

"But sir, you remain my senior, and adherence to procedure is ingrained in my duty."

A faint smile tugged at the corners of the General's lips, a rare expression softened by the weight of his years.

"You're still as rigid as ever, my friend," he remarked, his gaze warm with fondness.

"Anyway, how is Noel's interrogation proceeding?"

Dustin's expression shifted, a subtle mix of resolve and concern flickering across his features.

"It is progressing very well, sir," he replied evenly, though the underlying tension in his voice betrayed the gravity of the situation.

The General's gaze sharpened, a somber intensity settling over his features as he probed Dustin's assessment.

"And what is your evaluation of him?"

Dustin's response was measured, his voice carrying a weight of conviction tinged with sorrow.

"He poses a grave threat to society, sir," he replied, his words laden with the burden of responsibility.

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The General's brow furrowed in concern, prompting him to seek further clarification.

"Could you elaborate on that?"

Dustin's voice carried a weight of solemnity as he spoke, his words measured and filled with a sense of gravity.

"Noel's past is indeed tragic, sir," he began, his tone tinged with a mixture of empathy and concern.

"Growing up without the necessary support systems—education, love, and care—can have a profound impact on a person's development."

He paused, collecting his thoughts before continuing.

"Noel’s upbringing was marked by betrayal and abandonment. He lost his parents to a world that showed him no mercy, and he had to survive on his own, scavenging for scraps and enduring hardships that most of us cannot even imagine. His childhood was a battlefield, and he emerged from it hardened, with a deep-seated resentment towards society."

The General listened intently, his eyes never leaving Dustin's face.

The room seemed to grow colder, the weight of Noel’s tragic history pressing down on them both.

Dustin continued, his voice softening with a trace of compassion.

"His actions are driven by a belief that society is irredeemable, that it's built on lies and selfishness. He sees himself as an outsider, unable to fit in, and he has chosen destruction as his path because, to him, it's the only way to cope with the pain and betrayal he’s endured."

The General's expression darkened, a heavy sigh escaping his lips.

"And you believe he is beyond redemption?"

Dustin hesitated, the question hanging in the air like a heavy cloud.

Dustin's expression shifted, a subtle mix of resolve and regret flickering across his features.

"If we had apprehended him after the incident at the orphanage, there was still a glimmer of hope for redemption," he explained, his voice tinged with a deep sense of remorse.

"But with each subsequent act of violence, each life he took, Noel seemed to solidify his path further towards darkness."

Dustin's voice grew more somber as he spoke, the gravity of the situation pressing heavily on him.

"His actions demonstrate a disregard for human life and a dangerous level of unpredictability," he concluded, his tone reflecting a sense of urgency.

"In my assessment, Noel poses a significant threat to society, and decisive action is necessary to prevent further harm."

The air in the room thickened with unspoken sorrow, a silent testament to the irreversible consequences of a life left unmoored.

The General's voice carried a solemn note of agreement, tinged with a profound sadness for the wasted potential before them.

"You speak the truth. His abilities are indeed extraordinary, yet it is a tragedy that he chooses not to wield them for the greater good."

Dustin's nod was solemn, his eyes reflecting the gravity of their discussion.

"Yes, sir. His powers hold immense potential, but it is his acceptance of their malevolent use that elevates him to a truly dangerous threat."

As the weight of their shared contemplation hung heavy in the air, the General's sudden declaration cut through the silence like a blade.

"Very well. It is time to bring this to an end. Let us proceed with his execution."

Dustin's reaction was one of stunned disbelief, his features contorted in confusion and shock.

"What... Sir?" he stammered, his voice betraying his bewilderment.

The General's resolve remained unyielding, his voice carrying the weight of authority as he reaffirmed their decision.

"As you rightly pointed out, he poses a significant threat, and after thorough deliberation, the other three generals and I have reached the same conclusion. His execution must proceed immediately."

Dustin's protest was swift, his dedication to duty unwavering even in the face of such a momentous decision.

"But sir, I still require time to complete my interrogation," he insisted, his voice tinged with urgency.

The General's response was resolute, cutting off any further objections.

"There is no need for further delay," he declared firmly, his tone brooking no argument.

Dustin's retort faltered, his thoughts momentarily scattered by the unexpected turn of events.

"But sir—"

The General's piercing gaze bore into Dustin's, his scrutiny unwavering as he sought to uncover the truth behind his subordinate's reluctance.

"Are you hesitating because your son was involved in this case?" he inquired, his voice laced with a mix of curiosity and suspicion.

Dustin's gaze flickered briefly before he met the General's unwavering stare.

"That is one of the reasons, sir," he confessed, his voice heavy with the weight of the admission.

The General's brow furrowed in contemplation, prompting him to delve deeper into the motivations driving Dustin's dissent.

"And what are the other reasons?" he pressed, his tone a steady barometer of curiosity and concern.

Dustin stood in the dimly lit room, the weight of Noel's revelation hanging heavily in the air.

His hands clenched into fists at his sides as he absorbed the gravity of the situation.

"Noel told me about some awakening research institutes that conduct illegal experiments. With his help, we can track them," Dustin stated, his voice tight with determination and hope.

The room fell into a tense silence as Dustin's words sank in.

The air seemed to thicken with uncertainty, each heartbeat echoing loudly in his ears.

He looked to his superior, searching for any sign of approval, his heart pounding with anticipation.

After what felt like an eternity, the response came, slow and measured.

"Okay, go ahead. I allow you," the General finally uttered, his voice laced with caution.

Relief washed over Dustin, but it was fleeting, overshadowed by the weight of the task ahead.

"Thank you, sir," he managed to say, his voice thick with gratitude and resolve.

As he turned to leave the room, a solemn voice called out from behind him.

"Be careful, my friend," the General's words hung in the air like a whispered prayer, a reminder of the dangers that lurked in the shadows.

Dustin nodded, his throat tight with emotion, and with one last glance back, he stepped out into the unknown.

The weight of his mission bore down on him, but with the General's words echoing in his mind, he pushed forward, his determination unwavering.