hauntedwritings

This chapter is dedicated to Ahrina, who pointed out the flaws in the logic behind the armistice to me and inspired me to elaborate for the reasons behind it. Thank you, Ahrina!

{“Have you thought about what I suggested?” (Sophelia)}

{“You mean the soul shattering concept you mentioned? I haven’t got a clue where to start. To create a weapon that can effectively destroy a soul’s link to their divine power? I don’t think that even with Father’s help we’d be able to achieve it.” (Morpheus)}

{“It’s possible.” (Sophelia)}

{“Is it? ...Well if you’re the one to say it, I’ll believe you Firstborn.” (Morpheus)}

{“Then? Do you have any ideas?” (Sophelia)}

{“Maybe it’s enough to block the link, rather than sever it completely? Maybe it wouldn’t be that efficient, but I suppose it should be possible to somehow block the link partially. Perhaps successive strikes could become even more effective. Should be easier to attain, and achieve the same result?” (Morpheus)}

{“How long would it take for you to make that idea a reality?” (Sophelia)}

{“...I don’t know? A millennium? Maybe more?” (Morpheus)}

{“If it is a millennium you need, a millennium is what you shall get.” (Sophelia)}

{“But the Devourer and his demons are advancing too quickly, and we need more weapons for every-” (Morpheus)}

{“I shall speak to our Father. I shall tell him that you need a thousand years to achieve creating a weapon to turn the tide of the war.” (Sophelia)}

{“You are going to suggest an armistice?” (Morpheus)}

{“If we can wield a weapon that blocks a demon lord’s powers, it would turn the tide of the war would it not? All you need is time.” (Sophelia)}

{“But if we agree to an armistice, the souls on the worlds affected will fall to the Devourer!” (Morpheus)}

{“A necessary sacrifice. We need to turn the tide of the war, for the longer the war progresses, the less time you will have as the enemy gains more strength. This weapon would be one of the few things that has the potential to turn this war around. And to make it, you need time, not souls.” (Sophelia)}

{“But then we would have to sacrifice one of our siblings…” (Morpheus)}

{“The champion’s fate will be to die as sacrifice. If it must, then I suppose that fate must befall one of our siblings.” (Sophelia)}

{“...What if it was a mortal instead? If granted a divine gift from Father, they would fulfill the requirements for becoming the champion.” (Morpheus)}

{“That is not something our siblings would approve of, and neither do I. But you are free to suggest it.” (Sophelia)}

_________________

I understand that this weapon we’re creating can turn the tide of the war, but it’s just as dangerous to us as it is to the demon lords. 

But I’m sure Sophelia is aware of that. It would be impossible for her not to be.

She will most likely be very careful with who is allowed to wield it. I’ll simply have to put my faith in that.

A sudden influx of divine power awakened Morpheus from his thoughts while he was working with the first prototype. Someone was appraising him.

Hmm? Who would appraise me without warning? And with such a weak appraisal as well?

Maybe it’s a newborn sibling that I’ve never met? But I haven’t heard of any new siblings. 

Even if I shut myself in here to work on the artifacts I do get the news.

Looking up from the artifact Morpheus chose to let the initial information about himself through.

There’s no presence nearby...wait, there is?

Looking to his side he saw the guest that had managed to sneak up on him.

What in heaven? A mortal? Here?

“A mortal...ah! You must be the champion!” Morpheus exclaimed.

The human responded with a wry smile. “Hello. I’m Amara.”

So the mortal’s spirit hasn’t broken from becoming champion. She must have quite the willpower.

“Aah, so that’s your name. Well you already know mine by now I assume?” (Morpheus)

Again with a wry smile the human responded. “Indeed. Pleasure to meet you, Morpheus.”

She seems pretty nice for a mortal. But she must be quite arrogant, as that was one of the things to look for when selecting a champion. Suppose that gave her the idea to appraise me.

“Likewise, likewise. I’m not sure how it is for mortals, but here in heaven it’s considered rude to appraise someone without even saying hello.” (Morpheus)

“I did say hello. Thrice.” The human replied after tilting its head.

Really?

“You did? I was rather focused on my project, I apologize.” Morpheus said as he scratched the back of his head.

Must have been lost in thought again.

The human looked to the artifact in his hand with a curious look. “What kind of project?”

Could it be...a kindred soul! Finally someone asks about my projects, other than Sophelia!

“Oh, that’s quite the curious subject! For you see-”

Morpheus froze as he heard his Father’s stern voice in his head.

[Do not grant the mortal any knowledge of what is possible, lest you waste the time given to you by the armistice. And do not speak to anyone but myself and Sophelia about the project you have been assigned.](God)

[Yes, Father.](Morpheus)

“I’m sorry. I can’t tell you.” Morpheus explained apologetically.

“...Tom just told you so huh?” The human concluded.

“Tom?” Morpheus asked. Who?

“God.” The human said with a smile.

Arrogant indeed! Giving Father a name! A mortal’s name!

“Haha! You’re quite the audacious one aren’t you! But you’re right. Telling you anything that is of use to you would be against the terms of the armistice.” Morpheus said with a smile. 

Which is a shame. Finally I have another curious soul here. I’d like nothing more than to discuss my projects and ideas with someone, even if she is going to-

Morpheus frowned. “Speaking of which, why are you here? Shouldn’t you be preparing?”

“...I got bored.” The answer came from the human as she shrugged her shoulders.

Bored? You recently were given the gift of divinity, and you’re headed down the road to the worst fate imaginable and you’re bored?

“Already?” (Morpheus)

But maybe from a mortal perspective, it’s to be expected. I was told they are quite adaptable as well.

“But I suppose it’s to be expected if you’re used to a mortal lifespan.” Morpheus said with a smile. I sadly can’t let her look at any items here, or it would break the armistice.

“I don’t wish to be rude, but it’s better that you’re not here. We don’t want to break the rules by accident now, do we?” (Morpheus)

With another wry smile the mortal responded. “So if I could convince you that I wouldn’t go break any rules, it’s fine to be here?”

“Well…” Morpheus paused and thought. 

I personally don’t have anything against it. A curious soul would always be welcome here but...how would she react once she knows I’m the reason she became the champion?

I’m quite certain I’d let it slip by accident. 

[Sophelia?](Morpheus)

[Yes, brother?] (Sophelia)

[The mortal is in the workshop. Could you come and guide her back to her chambers?] (Morpheus)

[Certainly.] (Sophelia)

“Morpheus.” The voice of his eldest sister came from behind him.

“Ah. Sophelia.” Morpheus greeted. [You were quick.]

[I was nearby.] “How is the thing I asked for coming along?” Sophelia asked aloud.

“Still testing the idea out sister. But I suspect it will be feasible.” (Morpheus)

“Good. Mortal, the Artifactor is currently occupied.” Sophelia said with a calm smile as she turned her eyes to the human.

“...It’s Amara.” The human responded.

Was that her name? Wait, did she tell me her name?

“...Fine.” The human turned to Morpheus. “It was nice meeting you.”

“You as well, Amara.” He smiled as he responded.

I’ll try to remember your name mortal. I owe you that much, for the fate you must suffer as a result of my suggestion. But at least you will be one of the last, so long as I succeed.

Morpheus frowned.

But how did she get in? It should be impossible to get in, at least undetected. 

Morpheus went to inspect the doors when he halted as he saw a familiar large sword on a table.

Hmm? Did Sophelia leave her sword here for repairs? I must have forgotten. Let’s see...no, everything seems in working order.

[Sophelia, I just noticed your sword, I must have forgotten about it. It's in pristine condition.](Morpheus)

[Thank you, brother.] (Sophelia)