Location: MID UCTF (Urban Combat Training Facility)
Time: 3:00 PM, February 14th 2108
What had been wrong with me? Even since regaining consciousness I hadn’t been able to think about anything else. I made such a point of constantly denying to take any part in whatever Kathrin was planning with Prince Eren, yet I ended up participating anyway.
I’m not sure what they would have asked me to do, but my previous actions couldn’t have been far off. I attacked Henry, and even attempted to kill him. Why?
Sure, he’s an aberration and undoubtedly has some connection to the vampire princess, but what does that have to do with me? Why would it be my decision to make that something needs to be done with him?
This might sound like an excuse, but I have to believe that my actions were caused by some sort of mental interference. Thinking about it now, my decision to attack Henry makes absolutely no sense. For some reason I was obsessing over him. Even if it sounds like the whining of a sore loser, I can only say that my mind was not my own.
Perhaps then Allison using her augmentation directly on my brain freed me from whatever was plaquing me.
Either way, it didn’t matter. I was making excuses to myself in a vain attempt to defend my honor, but that wouldn’t matter when it came to the bigger picture. Whatever Prince Eren was planning to do, it would fail. And then anyone who sided with him will be unceremoniously purged. My father’s death should serve as a testament to that. If even the director of the BAA wasn’t safe, then there was no hope for anyone.
Sure, I could claim that I wasn't involved with him, but who would believe that? I tried to kill Henry, exactly like he would have ordered. Trying to claim that I was under someone else's influence wouldn’t do me any good either. An excuse like that would only tarnish my family’s good name even more.
No, I would be killed, probably without ever getting the chance to leave this artificial city. Given Allison’s connection to Hana, I’m sure Hana was already on her way to kill me. Three times I suppose. Actually, since I tried to kill Henry, would it be four now?
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Rather than run, I decided to sit on a bench and await my coming punishment. This was the last thing I’d be able to do as a member of the Glaif family. I didn’t have to wait long to meet my fate. My executioner wasn’t who I was expecting, but I wasn’t surprised either way.
“Hey, guy number four. Here I thought you’d be running around causing more chaos, but it looks like you’ve been benched.”
Acht paused for a moment to laugh at his own joke.
Having him be the one to find me might have been a lucky break. They might look identical, but I’d much rather deal with Acht over Nuen. Compared to Hana or Nuen, Acht seemed like the one most likely to end this quickly.
“Acht, I’m assuming you’re here to kill me.”
I stood up, using my sheathed sword as a cane. Not because I needed the support; I was just trying to strike a powerful pose.
“Yes sir. That shadow who won’t stop following me around and I were ordered to clean up any traitors before anyone else got their hands on them. No hard feelings, but I’m going to kill you now. Have a nice day.”
The light that naturally gathered around Acht was consolidating at a point in front of his outstretched hand. I’d never seen him fight with all of this strength, but I was sure that even if I wanted to, he was an opponent that I couldn’t defeat.
“I claim sole responsibility for all of my actions. Let it be known that I died with honor.”
The ball of light was fired at me without any kind of warning. I stood tall, awaiting a death that wouldn’t come easily.
Before Acht’s attack could reach me Devesh jumped out from some unknown angle and absorbed the ball of light into his body.
“Grant, we’re in trouble. I thought I could handle Jacob, but he pulled one over on me. Thanks to you baiting out such a strong attack from Acht I should have enough energy to get us out of here and reconnect with Kathrin.”
I drew my sword and performed two quick slashes across his body, separating him into three pieces.
I wasn’t interested in whatever salvation he was offering, but I was thankful to Devesh. His appearance gave me a chance to redeem myself.
I was still going to die; by this point that was completely unavoidable. The important part is that I wouldn’t go out as a traitor. With Acht as my witness, my last action was executing an enemy of Velstand.
The power that Devesh had absorbed from Acht’s attack was now bursting out of his lifeless body. It was doubtful that I’d survive the ensuing explosion of energy, but once again, I didn’t run. All that was left was for me to accept responsibility for my actions.