Beyond the window, a night of darkness enveloped the world, its cold and unforgiving embrace seeping through the cracks. The moon, a mere sliver in the sky, offered little solace, casting a pale and eerie glow upon the desolate town of Wisbech. The wind whispered mournful melodies, carrying with it a sense of foreboding and melancholy. The night seemed to hold its breath as if waiting for the next chapter of this grim tale to unfold. The chilling embrace of the cold air seeped through the cracks, permeating the room with an unsettling aura. The streets, once teeming with life and activity, now lay abandoned and forsaken. The wind sighed mournfully, rustling through the deserted streets, carrying with it a haunting melody.

Marcellus's understanding of the war was confined to the echoes that reached his ears through the priestess's teachings within the sacred walls of the temple. Yes, Marcellus made his choice—he would take the first path. The priestess, an emissary of faith and guidance, would often regale the congregants with tales that exalted the virtues of greatness and honor intertwined with the art of warfare. Through vivid storytelling, she wove intricate narratives of heroic deeds and selfless sacrifices, illuminating the path of valor and painting a captivating tableau of glory.

In the hallowed confines of the temple, Marcellus absorbed these stories like parchments of ancient lore, shaping his perception of the war with the colors of bravery and nobility. The priestess's words danced upon the tapestry of his imagination, conjuring images of valiant warriors battling against insurmountable odds, their unwavering resolve steeled by the righteousness of their cause. It was within this realm of the priest's teachings that Marcellus's understanding of the war was molded, blending the teachings of faith with the grandeur of martial valor. His youthful mind embraced the tales as a glimpse into a realm where righteousness triumphed and acts of bravery became the stepping stones to everlasting glory.

"In the days of yore, our brave warriors rose to the call of duty, their hearts aflame with courage and their spirits guided by the divine. Battlefields stretch as far as the eye can see, where banners flutter proudly amidst the clash of steel. Our noble warriors, armed with righteous swords and adorned in gleaming armor, stood as beacons of hope in the face of adversity. Each one was a testament to their unwavering devotion. They braved treacherous terrains and inclement weather, their unwavering determination fueling their march forward. Through the darkest of nights, their faith illuminated their path, guiding them towards the triumph that lay just beyond the horizon. Their battles were not only fought with sword and shield but also with unwavering conviction and unyielding resolve. Even in the face of overwhelming odds, our valiant soldiers never faltered. They stood as a unified force, their unity and camaraderie forged an unbreakable bond, allowing them to overcome the most formidable of foes. And as they emerged victorious, the enemies of righteousness were cast aside, vanquished by the indomitable spirit of our warriors. Such is the tale of the great war, my brethren, a tale of honor, bravery, and unwavering faith. Let it serve as a reminder of the strength that lies within each and every one of us, a reminder that, even in the darkest of times, the light of righteousness shall prevail. May the light of the divine guide you always, and may your faith be your shield in the trials of life."

Stories like that had once captivated Marcellus's imagination now held a different weight in his mind. After spending 1,461 days trapped in a dream-like world, honing his skills in the art of combat and becoming intimately acquainted with the horrors of taking another's life, his perspective had shifted. The romanticized notions of warfare and the tales of valor seemed distant and naive in the face of his own grim reality. With his experiences etched deeply within his being, Marcellus knew that joining the war would be no mere jest. It required careful consideration and a thorough understanding of the risks involved. His mind raced, weighing the options that lay before him, aware that this decision held the potential to shape the course of his destiny.

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Gone were the illusions of glory and honor that had once colored his perception. Marcellus recognized the harsh realities of war, the sacrifices demanded, and the irreversible consequences of his actions. If he were to embark on this path, he resolved to approach it with utmost seriousness and meticulous planning. He knew that half-hearted endeavors and impulsive choices could lead to disastrous outcomes. As his mind whirled through the labyrinth of possibilities, Marcellus sought a path that aligned with his newfound understanding. He yearned for a purpose greater than the mere chaos and brutality he had witnessed within his dream-like realm. He craved a mission that would channel his skills, his pain, and his knowledge into a meaningful endeavor.

However, his experiences had transformed him into a being of a different mentality than that of a regular inn boy. When most people brushed with death, they underwent fundamental changes, forever altered by the touch of mortality. Marcellus's encounter with death had not been a mere brush; it had been an immersion into the mystical realm beyond the threshold of life. In those days spent in the dream-like world, he had ventured deep into the realm of the unknown, deeper into understanding himself, facing supernatural phenomena that defied conventional understanding. During his time in the otherworldly realm, Marcellus had come to understand the power of taking decisive action, of being an agent who could shape the world according to his will.

Yet, he couldn't help but acknowledge a troubling truth about himself. In his encounters, he displayed a passivity that seemed incongruent with the lessons he had learned. When he acquired the cursed sword, instead of attempting to alter his choice, he accepted it as it was, allowing its curse to linger. When faced with the choice of a more flavorful meal, he opted for a bland option, forfeiting the opportunity to savor the pleasures available to him. When Aiden proposed the notion of killing to reach the first circle, he acquiesced without objection, letting the gravity of his actions slide. These episodes in Marcellus's life illustrated a recurring theme of passivity. Time and again, he seemed to drift, allowing the intentions and desires of others to guide his actions, often at the expense of his own volition. This habitual surrender of control highlighted a deeper internal conflict.

It was as if there were two distinct personalities wrestling within him. The Marcellus who existed before the ritual was fundamentally different from the person he became afterward. The ritual had not just altered his ability with a sword; it had transformed his very identity, creating a dichotomy between who he was and who he had become, reflecting the profound impact of the ritual on his psyche. The understanding he had gained from his time in the mystical realm urged him to break free from this cycle of passive compliance. He recognized the need to become an active participant in his own fate, to wield agency and shape his own path amidst the chaos surrounding him. Marcellus resolved to seize the reins of his own destiny, to make choices and take actions that aligned with his true desires and convictions.