A day had passed. The door to Raxyas' cell opens.
L: Ready to complete your first assignment?
Raxyas wakes up from a deep slumber. Still a bit dazed, he nods.
L: Come on.
The two exit Raxyas' cell and take some nearby stairs that led to the top of the fortress. It was a long climb.
L: So... I'd like to apologize for my attitude when I first spoke to you. It's no excuse, but things haven't really been easy for us around here. We've had to face a lot of crap to get where we are. Sometimes, your enemies don't really have to be your enemies... It's just that they cannot possibly understand you. I guess that, at the end of the day, we're all just doing what we think we must do. There's no helping it.
Raxyas didn't really know what to make of this.
Raxyas: Between considering you an enemy or an ally, which do you think you're closest to from my perspective...? No matter what your motivations are, to kidnap and steal the soul of another undead is not something I can ever approve of.
L: That's what I mean... You can't possibly understand. Though if I were you, I don't think I could, either. I'm surprised you're as collected as you are, honestly. I know things must be advancing at break-neck speed for you, but it was the only way we could do things. Really. I can see how you might think ill of us. If you despise us, that's fine. But I hope you can grasp how important our end goal is, and how we must see it through. Your help is very much welcome.
Raxyas: Do I have a choice? I either help you or I'm left to rot in some dungeon forever... But... At least your cause seems just enough. Freeing the people of Mortmundus sounds like a noble goal. The execution is, of course, very questionable... But at least you aren't enslaving the population, like the Thirteen. I take it they must have been giving you trouble, as well.
L: I think they made things harder than they needed to be. But things are better for us now. Although... I don't think we'll ever be able to get rid of them. No... I know we won't.
Raxyas: We have to be! They can't keep corrupting the undead as they have been... Especially after knowing what damnation is truly like. I can't allow it. I'll do everything in my power to stop them.
L: They have calmed down, now. Ever since we took down Zank and kept your power away from them... Chances are, we won't need to worry anymore. But, I guess time will tell. Right?
Raxyas thought it strange that L was so sure that the Thirteen would no longer be a threat...
L: Anyway, we're finally here.
They had reached the top of the fortress. From there, the undead points Raxyas in the direction of a nearby citadel.
L: That is the citadel of Karghna. The master channeler there is named Qu. He cares deeply about his people, and genuinely believes that they can re-join the circle of life. Let him know this is not so, and that if he truly wants his people to be free, then he should ally himself with our cause. Use whatever means available, as long as he joins us.
Karghna... Master Qu. This is exactly where Raxyas was supposed to be going! At least not all was bad in this situation he had found himself in.
Raxyas: "Whatever means available"... You seem to rely far too much on that premise. But, I'll do my best. Although, it will take a lot of convincing to get him to even believe all of this. How am I supposed to tell a master channeler that the vision he has of freedom has been wrong all this time...?
L: Take this.
The undead gives Raxyas an artifact of sorts.
It glowed with a purple light [https://img.wattpad.com/a476537d0f462d49e4fe4731b3e51adc23f923da/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f316b6137466851653738797476673d3d2d313139373439313237322e313732393038333438636461646666383738393139363533343238312e706e67?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
It glowed with a purple light.
L: That is a watcher's box. Master channelers can use them to peer into the laws that govern this world. They are part of a set, which all masters must peer into in order to gain the knowledge they require to lead their citadels effectively. Yet, this set is incomplete. Even today, more boxes are found in our world that reveal more information than was already known. These boxes usually emit a white light... This is one of the first purple ones ever discovered, and it seems to contradict some of the teachings of the white boxes. These boxes are the source of the forbidden knowledge that has been making rounds. Let him peer into it, and all shall be revealed. He should make his choice then.
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Raxyas: Very well... Just, one last thing. If that over there is Karghna, that would mean...
L: Yes. We are in No Man's Shore... What many consider to be the most uninhabitable areas of Mortmundus. Welcome!
L smiles.
L: Don't worry though, the path to Karghna should be relatively safe. Not that it should be much of a problem for you in your current state. Whatever beasts may jump out at you, you should have more than enough power to defend yourself.
Raxyas: No Man's Shore... Right. I suppose that's why I never heard of you...
L's face betrayed a slight grin, which he quickly tried to disguise.
L: ... Possibly. Now, don't take long! We'll be keeping tabs on you.
Raxyas: Don't worry, I'll be back soon.
Raxyas goes down the steps, and exits the fortress.
Outside, he attempts to summon Morthol, but nothing happened. He figured it was because he was not yet strong enough. Without his planeswalker, the trip to the citadel would be long and tiresome, but he had no other choice. He started walking. On his long trek, he thought of many things. At some point, it crossed his mind that, ever since he regained some of his power, the strange entity had not materialized itself again. Yet, just as he thinks about it, the headaches return...
Raxyas: Shit... I jinxed it...
In the corner of his eye, he could see the entity materializing.
t̴̤̟̜̬̲̥͈͓̫̏͒͒͜r̶̥̫̗̯͔̟̜͖̀̌́͂̋̅i̸͇͇̠̐̾̉̔̇̔͒͝n̵̙̤̿͂̽͒̚͠͝ͅi̸̡̧̧̼̼̞̩̯͐͑̈́́̀͊t̸̢̡̨̨̨̤͎̠̗̯͋̔̐̾́̌̕y̸̡̨̨̹̭̰̟͙̾̅̓̚ : you... signing a pact with devil...!
Raxyas takes a deep breath.
Raxyas: ... Look, I know you don't like them. But what else could I do back there? Realistically?
t̴̤̟̜̬̲̥͈͓̫̏͒͒͜r̶̥̫̗̯͔̟̜͖̀̌́͂̋̅i̸͇͇̠̐̾̉̔̇̔͒͝n̵̙̤̿͂̽͒̚͠͝ͅi̸̡̧̧̼̼̞̩̯͐͑̈́́̀͊t̸̢̡̨̨̨̤͎̠̗̯͋̔̐̾́̌̕y̸̡̨̨̹̭̰̟͙̾̅̓̚ : think...! think first, act second. outcome may have been same now, but not always. you need think more
Raxyas: Well, if you're so concerned about it, why don't you do the thinking, then? If something's wrong, just let me know. That way we can both do what we do best...!
Raxyas was joking, although the entity didn't seem to realize it.
t̴̤̟̜̬̲̥͈͓̫̏͒͒͜r̶̥̫̗̯͔̟̜͖̀̌́͂̋̅i̸͇͇̠̐̾̉̔̇̔͒͝n̵̙̤̿͂̽͒̚͠͝ͅi̸̡̧̧̼̼̞̩̯͐͑̈́́̀͊t̸̢̡̨̨̨̤͎̠̗̯͋̔̐̾́̌̕y̸̡̨̨̹̭̰̟͙̾̅̓̚ : i not always here... i not always able to guide, and i not always know what to do
Raxyas: Right... You're like a crystal ball that works except when I most need it to. Right?
The entity was displeased. Raxyas' headache gets worse.
Raxyas: Agh...
t̴̤̟̜̬̲̥͈͓̫̏͒͒͜r̶̥̫̗̯͔̟̜͖̀̌́͂̋̅i̸͇͇̠̐̾̉̔̇̔͒͝n̵̙̤̿͂̽͒̚͠͝ͅi̸̡̧̧̼̼̞̩̯͐͑̈́́̀͊t̸̢̡̨̨̨̤͎̠̗̯͋̔̐̾́̌̕y̸̡̨̨̹̭̰̟͙̾̅̓̚ : listen. we here on mission. we will succeed, with or without your help. okay?
Raxyas: What are you talking about...? Just make the damn headaches stop please, they're really getting old...
t̴̤̟̜̬̲̥͈͓̫̏͒͒͜r̶̥̫̗̯͔̟̜͖̀̌́͂̋̅i̸͇͇̠̐̾̉̔̇̔͒͝n̵̙̤̿͂̽͒̚͠͝ͅi̸̡̧̧̼̼̞̩̯͐͑̈́́̀͊t̸̢̡̨̨̨̤͎̠̗̯͋̔̐̾́̌̕y̸̡̨̨̹̭̰̟͙̾̅̓̚ : we can help you. but you must help us. or else, you suffer
Raxyas: Great... What a fantastic deal...
t̴̤̟̜̬̲̥͈͓̫̏͒͒͜r̶̥̫̗̯͔̟̜͖̀̌́͂̋̅i̸͇͇̠̐̾̉̔̇̔͒͝n̵̙̤̿͂̽͒̚͠͝ͅi̸̡̧̧̼̼̞̩̯͐͑̈́́̀͊t̸̢̡̨̨̨̤͎̠̗̯͋̔̐̾́̌̕y̸̡̨̨̹̭̰̟͙̾̅̓̚ : in Karghna, master not what he seems. hides a past nobody knows. nobody here. but, you can trust. people change
Raxyas: People change, do they...? I'm not sure I agree with you on that one.
t̴̤̟̜̬̲̥͈͓̫̏͒͒͜r̶̥̫̗̯͔̟̜͖̀̌́͂̋̅i̸͇͇̠̐̾̉̔̇̔͒͝n̵̙̤̿͂̽͒̚͠͝ͅi̸̡̧̧̼̼̞̩̯͐͑̈́́̀͊t̸̢̡̨̨̨̤͎̠̗̯͋̔̐̾́̌̕y̸̡̨̨̹̭̰̟͙̾̅̓̚ : foolish
Raxyas: Why? I suppose you have more life experience than I do...?
t̴̤̟̜̬̲̥͈͓̫̏͒͒͜r̶̥̫̗̯͔̟̜͖̀̌́͂̋̅i̸͇͇̠̐̾̉̔̇̔͒͝n̵̙̤̿͂̽͒̚͠͝ͅi̸̡̧̧̼̼̞̩̯͐͑̈́́̀͊t̸̢̡̨̨̨̤͎̠̗̯͋̔̐̾́̌̕y̸̡̨̨̹̭̰̟͙̾̅̓̚ : different life. people change if want to
Raxyas: Really? Do you truly believe that? Some people can't escape who they are.
t̴̤̟̜̬̲̥͈͓̫̏͒͒͜r̶̥̫̗̯͔̟̜͖̀̌́͂̋̅i̸͇͇̠̐̾̉̔̇̔͒͝n̵̙̤̿͂̽͒̚͠͝ͅi̸̡̧̧̼̼̞̩̯͐͑̈́́̀͊t̸̢̡̨̨̨̤͎̠̗̯͋̔̐̾́̌̕y̸̡̨̨̹̭̰̟͙̾̅̓̚ : perhaps. or, perhaps not want to truly escape
Raxyas: Escaping it is not always possible, you know. Some people are destined to become monsters... It's only a matter of time until it happens.
t̴̤̟̜̬̲̥͈͓̫̏͒͒͜r̶̥̫̗̯͔̟̜͖̀̌́͂̋̅i̸͇͇̠̐̾̉̔̇̔͒͝n̵̙̤̿͂̽͒̚͠͝ͅi̸̡̧̧̼̼̞̩̯͐͑̈́́̀͊t̸̢̡̨̨̨̤͎̠̗̯͋̔̐̾́̌̕y̸̡̨̨̹̭̰̟͙̾̅̓̚ : false. disagree. people make people monsters. people are to blame
Raxyas: Look, I'm telling you, some people can't be changed. It's too late for them.
t̴̤̟̜̬̲̥͈͓̫̏͒͒͜r̶̥̫̗̯͔̟̜͖̀̌́͂̋̅i̸͇͇̠̐̾̉̔̇̔͒͝n̵̙̤̿͂̽͒̚͠͝ͅi̸̡̧̧̼̼̞̩̯͐͑̈́́̀͊t̸̢̡̨̨̨̤͎̠̗̯͋̔̐̾́̌̕y̸̡̨̨̹̭̰̟͙̾̅̓̚ : hard to change monsters. easy to change humans
Raxyas: What do you mean?
t̴̤̟̜̬̲̥͈͓̫̏͒͒͜r̶̥̫̗̯͔̟̜͖̀̌́͂̋̅i̸͇͇̠̐̾̉̔̇̔͒͝n̵̙̤̿͂̽͒̚͠͝ͅi̸̡̧̧̼̼̞̩̯͐͑̈́́̀͊t̸̢̡̨̨̨̤͎̠̗̯͋̔̐̾́̌̕y̸̡̨̨̹̭̰̟͙̾̅̓̚ : nobody born a monster. they are made into monster
Raxyas: Ah... So you think something could be done to prevent them from becoming one?
t̴̤̟̜̬̲̥͈͓̫̏͒͒͜r̶̥̫̗̯͔̟̜͖̀̌́͂̋̅i̸͇͇̠̐̾̉̔̇̔͒͝n̵̙̤̿͂̽͒̚͠͝ͅi̸̡̧̧̼̼̞̩̯͐͑̈́́̀͊t̸̢̡̨̨̨̤͎̠̗̯͋̔̐̾́̌̕y̸̡̨̨̹̭̰̟͙̾̅̓̚ : yes. easy to change humans. monster not so much
Raxyas: Hmm. That still leaves us with an awful lot of monsters to get rid of, though...
The curse does not respond. Neither it nor Raxyas says anything for a good while. However, there was still a long way to go until he reached Karghna. Eventually, Raxyas breaks the silence.
Raxyas: You mentioned a mission, right?
The headaches get worse.
Raxyas: What..?! What did I do?!
t̴̤̟̜̬̲̥͈͓̫̏͒͒͜r̶̥̫̗̯͔̟̜͖̀̌́͂̋̅i̸͇͇̠̐̾̉̔̇̔͒͝n̵̙̤̿͂̽͒̚͠͝ͅi̸̡̧̧̼̼̞̩̯͐͑̈́́̀͊t̸̢̡̨̨̨̤͎̠̗̯͋̔̐̾́̌̕y̸̡̨̨̹̭̰̟͙̾̅̓̚ : forget about mission
Raxyas: Look, it's in your best interest that I cooperate, right? It's only going to get easier if you humor me every once in a while. Plus, you've basically got me at your beck and call. What would you lose by telling me...?
The headaches get much, much worse.
Raxyas: FUCK...
t̴̤̟̜̬̲̥͈͓̫̏͒͒͜r̶̥̫̗̯͔̟̜͖̀̌́͂̋̅i̸͇͇̠̐̾̉̔̇̔͒͝n̵̙̤̿͂̽͒̚͠͝ͅi̸̡̧̧̼̼̞̩̯͐͑̈́́̀͊t̸̢̡̨̨̨̤͎̠̗̯͋̔̐̾́̌̕y̸̡̨̨̹̭̰̟͙̾̅̓̚ : nice try. forget. it. okay?
Raxyas: Fine...
The entity begins phasing in and out of existence. It seemed like it couldn't remain materialized for long.
Raxyas: Guess you'll be going soon.
t̴̤̟̜̬̲̥͈͓̫̏͒͒͜r̶̥̫̗̯͔̟̜͖̀̌́͂̋̅i̸͇͇̠̐̾̉̔̇̔͒͝n̵̙̤̿͂̽͒̚͠͝ͅi̸̡̧̧̼̼̞̩̯͐͑̈́́̀͊t̸̢̡̨̨̨̤͎̠̗̯͋̔̐̾́̌̕y̸̡̨̨̹̭̰̟͙̾̅̓̚ : we return. you, think! stop foolish!
The entity disappears completely. The headaches subside.
Raxyas: Finally...
Even though the entity seemed to have its own agenda, its words still gave Raxyas a lot to think about. Perhaps his rashness had led him to his failure. Maybe it could have all been avoided if he had placed more trust in others, and hadn't tried to do it all by himself... It seemed he had a lot to think about on his way to Karghna. Eventually, he arrives.