Zero knows that panicking isn't the best way to handle the situation. Even if Zero wants to be sarcastic right now, he's doubtful he can solve the situation when it's literally the destruction of the world.
While he's still panicking, suddenly a tap comes on his shoulder. Zero is surprised and reflexively wants to punch, but his punch stops an inch away when he realizes that the one tapping his shoulder is Noir.
Noir asks, (Why are you so scared?) with a little distrustful and skeptical look in her eyes. Zero, realizing he's unintentionally made Noir uncomfortable, takes a deep breath and becomes more composed.
[Calm yourself, I know the situation is really fu*ked up, but is my conviction really that feeble? Fulfilling this girl's purpose takes precedence. Even though I know the world might end, our priority is getting out of this place. We could end up dead before I even have time to think about the future.]
Zero acknowledges that this is reality, not a game. Despite he wants to plan for the future, he knows it's uncertain, making panicking a futile endeavor.
After a moment, Zero regains his composure. He looks at Noir, her gaze careful and inquisitive, before responding.
"Sorry, I almost hit you. It's just that... when you mentioned the name of our world, it triggered some traumatic memories, sending me into a panic state." Zero spoke with a remorseful tone. Meeting her amethyst eyes with clarity.
Of course, he's lying. Lying is one, if not the most basic skill for a politician. Politicians are like actors; they play, and what they're playing for is the hearts of the audience.
Noir observes the situation, and the silence lingers. After a while, Noir nodded, and her eyes regained a sense of calm, as if the previous tense atmosphere had never existed. Zero, sensing the easing tension, felt a wave of relief.
"Thank you, and I'm genuinely sorry again," Zero expressed with a helpless and bitter smile. [Sorry for lying Noir.]
Zero is feeling a bit guilty, but what do you expect? It's impossible for me to say something like, 'Hey, I have past life memories, and far in the future, this world will be destroyed, and we're all dead.'
[Yeah, I'd literally be called crazy, and that's quite an achievement considering this place has so many crazy and mentally unstable people.] Zero sighed briefly before refocusing his attention on Noir again.
Noir nodded in understanding and signed, (It's okay, like you mentioned earlier, we all have our own stories.) Noir then turned to face Zero once more, revealing something quite unexpected.
Despite her constant poker-faced and flat expressions, and her inability to speak without sign language, Zero could read Noir easily because of her expressive eyes. What surprised Zero was the bitterness and rage reflected in her gaze.
[What could make Noir harbor such intense rage, even surpassing my own? Is it connected to her current situation?] He pondered for a moment, but then dismissed the thought. As curious as he was, he understood that their trust was fragile, and their collaboration was driven by their own motives.
[Well, even though my goal is fulfilling this girl's purpose, it's quite ironic when you really think about it.] Zero smirked briefly before returning to a serious demeanor and responding to Noir.
"Well, thank you for understanding, Noir," Zero responded with a sincere tone. Noir nodded again with her usual flat expression, turning her gaze back to the cell door. Zero smiled a little before relaxing his body and closing his eyes.
[Now that it's settled, time to figure out what I need to do, considering my past life have knowledge about this world.]
Aetheria is the world setting for the game called 'The Journey of Guardian Heroes.' The plot is pretty simple, centering around one main character who is selected by God to prevent the world from facing imminent destruction. Although it may seem like your usual hero's adventure with a happy outcome, that's not how it goes. Even in my previous existence, when I had no clue about the story, I already knew how it would end because I assisted my former friend in reaching the true conclusion of the game.
Regardless of the ending—be it bad or the so-called true ending—humanity still faces destruction. However, in the true ending, if my memory serves me right, the next game offers a better chance and multiple routes for restoring the world.
[Considering humanity is alive and flourishing, it suggests that the timeline is still in the prequel or even before the game started.]
However, this realization didn't bring relief to Zero. Neither he nor his past life had a clue about how the heck Aetheria could descend into a state of destruction, with all sorts of mythical beasts and supernatural creatures wreaking havoc on the world.
[Well, at least my past life is familiar with the gameplay and pretty well, if you ask me.]
Yes, the gameplay, especially the battle system, is one of, if not the most, complex and addicting aspects. The Tactical RPG format demands strategy and careful consideration. Every move requires meticulous planning, and one or two wrong decisions could lead to your team's demise.
[Now this is reality, not a game, so there's no in-game waiting to think about the next move. If we use references from my past life, then the battle system that is used is...]
The role of each member. That's what I'm thinking. And if I recall correctly, when Noir first talked to me using sign language, she explained that the chain is made with Ether, which can't be destroyed by a normal or low-level aura/mana person.
[Aura and mana... It's still the same.]
Aura, in this particular situation, refers to the internal energy that originates from within a person. It is obtained through rigorous training and specialized martial arts techniques that focus on harnessing this aura. In the game, aura is typically utilized as a tank and in close combat situations with some medium to long-range capabilities. However, in reality, there is a possibility that aura is not limited to specific roles like in the game.
It could be accessible to ordinary individuals, or as the nobles refer to them, peasants. The game codex, which was a valuable resource for strategizing in my previous life, defines aura as the internal energy of a human being. This implies that aura could have a wider range of applications beyond combat, potentially influencing various aspects of everyday life for the general population.
The measurement of aura levels is done on a scale of 1 to 5 stars, which represents the increasing challenges faced during the journey. The difficulty arises from the fact that aura is closely connected to one's internal energy and their potential as a human being.
Let's imagine a situation where there is an ordinary person with two sons. One of the sons has a great physique, follows a balanced diet, and enjoys all the benefits that come with it. On the other hand, the other son unfortunately has a genetic disease inherited from his parents.
As they both start their aura training together, fast forward 20 years, and it is likely that the son with optimal health will achieve a higher star rating compared to his sibling who had to battle with illness. Even if the latter manages to recover from the ailment, the energy spent on healing compromises his potential to attain higher aura stars.
Now, let's delve into the realm of mana – the essence of nature's energy. Picture this energy existing in both internal and external dimensions, unlike aura, which solely relies on the internal, tethered to human potential.
Mana is a more versatile force. Unlike aura's straightforward energy approach, mana involves a dynamic interplay of converting this energy to manipulate nature. Envision individuals grasping fire with their bare hands, conjuring ice, and for the mighty few, manipulating space itself.
In the game, those who can wield mana come in all sorts – tanks, mages, assassins, and a whole bunch more. Now, in real life, this adds a ton of variety, making battles more unpredictable than ever.
If you're wondering whether mana is better than aura, it actually varies depending on the situation. It's like in a game where you have to strategize based on your team's needs. Relying solely on a team of either aura or mana users could lead to disastrous outcomes—they each have their own strengths and weaknesses.
Now, the classification for mana is quite different from that of aura users. It is categorized into various levels, starting from 1st-circle mana to 9th-circle mana.
The path of progression for mana takes a different route. While aura relies on intense training and the crucible of life-and-death battles for advancement, mana follows a path of meditation and knowledge.
In the game, it's elaborated that individuals using mana need to connect with nature and unravel the truths of the world. In essence, the more one comprehends and understands the core, the further they can advance, and it's not just about the quantity of knowledge but also the depth of enlightenment a person possesses.
Which means, unlike aura users, where if a person has reached the maximum human potential and utilizes all of their internal energy, their body can't advance any further even when they train it to the brink of destruction, mana user can advance as long the person who uses mana accumulates knowledge and attain enlightenment.
[Now, considering I'm just a slave with common blood, the most optimal route to becoming strong is to learn aura.]
Why aura and not mana? First, even though I have knowledge from my previous life, it's just memories. Understanding the principles and core of that knowledge doesn't automatically mean I know how to use it and become a mana user.
Second, to utilize and connect internal energy to external energy, I'd need knowledge of energy, which I don't possess. It seems like this world has its own unique understanding of energy, and even in the game, they don't really explain it.
Third, a mana user needs to accumulate knowledge and attain enlightenment, which is difficult given my current situation. To reach that state, if I can hazard a guess, one needs to experiment with the knowledge or theories they possess.
Fourth, mana has a strong connection with blood and genetic heritage, making it a privilege reserved only for the noble class. Those who come from noble backgrounds, especially those with long family histories and a rich connection to the empire, possess incredible and overwhelming powers. In return, the empire grants them privilege, ensuring their safety and tied them to become a sword and shield for the empire.
[From the game's codex, mana is so versatile and vast. One needs to specialize in one or two categories, and for this ancient family, they have a unique affinity, making it easier to attain enlightenment.]
If an ordinary person has the lucky chance to awaken his mana and can connect his internal and external energy, he will face a more challenging path than the nobles. The knowledge about mana and how to advance is monopolized by nobles, leaving this ordinary person with just two options. One is to become a servant for the nobility, with a higher chance of attending an academy and become stronger. The other is to become a rogue mana user, but then they have a meager chance of entering an academy.
For the protagonist, he chooses the second option.
[Well, of course, he chooses the second option. I mean, he got chosen by God, so that means he has a broken talent, even though one of those talents is literally doing 'that' to copy his party member's skill.]
Zero released a breath before softly opening his eyes. The distant sounds of footsteps and whispered conversations, along with a steady clanking noise, reached his ears. Noir, always alert, appeared to have noticed it as well. Unbothered, she maintained her usual composure, wearing her signature emotionless face.
[It seems that the gladiators have come and do the usual routines. Now then, what plan these gladiators have to us?]
The sound of footsteps grows louder, and three shadows emerge from the hallway.
Zero recognizes them immediately. "Oh, it's the warden and his lackey. Looks like they're here to fill us in on their plan. Or at least give us a glimpse of it," Zero remarks. Noir also recognizes the approaching figures, and they exchange a knowing nod.
After some time, the three emerge from their cell door. The warden, as usual, dons a robe resembling that of a mage, although it has clearly seen better days. Zanir and Thyros, his two subordinates, are dressed in gladiator costumes reminiscent of Ancient Rome, if I'm not mistaken. It's quite a striking resemblance, really.
Their cell door squeaks open, and the warden, with his typical hideous face, smirks at them. Zero and Noir, accustomed to their regular routine, simply glance at him. Zero, as always, wears his determined expression.
"Well, bugs, it seems you're not giving up just yet," remarked the Warden with a sinister grin. His lackeys promptly seized us, forcefully slamming our heads against the wall behind.
[FU*K], my head was spinning, and there was an unsettling dampness that came with the feeling. Noir also let out a pained gasp. The sickening smell coming from the gladiators' hands disgusted me, but I couldn't focus on it in my current condition. My saliva was uncontrollable, and their tight hold on my head made it hard to breathe.
"Zanir, Thyros release them." ordered the Warden. They obeyed, throwing us unceremoniously over the wall. I heard Noir suppress a cough, and for a brief moment, the only sounds filling the cell room were our labored breaths and sporadic coughs.
"Aw boss, why'd we let them go? I was just getting started. It's usually more longer, and I've got this new toy I wanted to try on them." complained one of the Warden's lackeys, Thyros – the one who usually tortures me. I can't see Noir's reaction, my head is still ringing, and my vision is blurry from the intense dizziness.
"Thyros don't complaining, our boss here want to talk to them, and you can have a chance tomorrow." Following Thyros's complaint, Zanir stepped in, his voice surprisingly calm.
Zero knew it was just a façade. While strangers might see Zanir as a composed gentleman, those who know were aware his real personality was anything but. The warden's subordinates, including those guarding the dungeon, were far from sane and normal.
And Zanir led the pack. His methods of torture set him apart from the other gladiators. If you asked who was crazier between Thyros and Zanir, 99% would likely point to Thyros. However, this statistic was misleading. Thyros openly displayed his sadistic and crazed attitude, while Zanir only showed his true colors during a torture session.
While pondering this, Zero's heart raced, his breath growing unsteady. Despite his enhanced mental resilience from recalling his past life, Zanir's torture genuinely frightened him. It surpassed mere physical pain, delving into the psychological. Zanir's skill in mental torture, fueled by his unique power, made him a truly intimidating foe. In short, Zanir was a psychopath, deriving satisfaction from witnessing pain in its purest form.
Zero then cast a quick glance and noticed that Noir's reaction was even more intense than his. Ragged breaths, a sweaty forehead, and Zero could see a slight tremor in her petite body.
[Noir is scared, which means she had a 'counseling' session with that psychopath.]
While he was scared himself, at least it was still within control. For a teenager, or perhaps a kid, experiencing 'that' made Zero want to either embrace her or eliminate every bastard who had hurt her.
[If a teenager, who should be leading a happy and carefree life, goes through that kind of experience, it's not surprising that this world got destroyed in the future. Maybe that's one of the reasons.]
Zero knew that this situation was unfolding all across the world, considering the setting he remembered, and that made him even more exasperated.
[To calm down a panicking person, then what that person need is...]
Zero reached for Noir's left hand, gently squeezing it. It wasn't forceful, but a tender gesture. Noir was taken aback, looking at Zero holding her hand. In that moment, Zero seemed to convey...
'It's okay, we are in this together.'
The warmth of a person. Human even when alone, harbors a certain longing, be it the warmth of the body or the soul. And, for now, this simple gesture is enough.
Noir seemed calmer; her breathing slowed down. Zero didn't know what expression Noir wore since he only took a quick glance. Gladiators were still in front of them, engrossed in their conversation, with the exception of the warden who appeared more unsettling, especially when Zero holding Noir's hand.
[But that is what I'm after; he will reveal his plan, or maybe just a fraction of it. With predictions and memories from my past life, and a recognition of tropes if my past life called it, I could discern patterns to predict their actions.]
Zero knew the type of warden he was dealing with – someone who enjoyed playing games with his prey, indicative of his inflated pride. Drawing from his current life's memories, the warden appeared to relish witnessing others in despair. Referring to his experiences in the past life, Zero concluded that the warden was just a pervert, finding a satisfaction in the despair of others, much like that girl from the fiction he read.
[And that arrogance will be his downfall.]
After Zero contemplated all of this, the warden seemed to have had enough of observing them and scolded his lackeys. "You two fools! Engaged in trivial chatter when you should be focusing on the task at hand. I didn't gather you here for idle gossip!"
Zanir, seemingly unfazed, replied with a composed tone, "Apologies, Boss. It won't happen again."
The warden's gaze shifted to Zero and Noir, his eyes gleaming with malice and mockery. "Seems like the two of you have grown quite cozy in my little prison. How entertaining."
Zero, maintaining a calm exterior, exchanged a knowing glance with the warden, but still, silence lingered. Noir beside him also returned to her stoic demeanor, resuming her game with that familiar flat expression.
"Not speaking, remain like a statue... Huh, that pitiful attitude of defiance will get you nowhere." the warden said in his calm tone, though the rage beneath it barely remained contained.
And just when they thought it would become their usual game, the warden took a deep breath, eyeing them with a disgusted gaze, "Well, bugs, you've captured my master's attention."
Zero, hearing this, grew more suspicious. The warden appeared to be known about that and take a sarcastic grin, "Seems like all of your attempt to escape have a result. Rejoice you bugs, you at least have a chance to get out from this place."
Zero observes the warden's eyes, and well, the warden really is like an open book. Easy to read and predict.
His eyes unfocused, perhaps imagining the future scenes. After that vacant gaze, the warden's eyes seemed filled with both ecstasy and malice. Naturally, he attempted to conceal it with a flat look, but there was no escape from my gaze. Noir, too, seemed aware of this. We exchanged a nod, and Noir understood my intention. Well, I wasn't trying to hide it.
[Time to poke a beehive and have a harvest.]
Zero, for the first time talking to them, said, "What is your plan?" His tone was careful and inquisitive, mixed with a hint of fear yet determination, brimming with hope.
The warden calmly answered, "Well, bugs, you just need to entertain the audience."
Zero understood the meaning behind 'the audience' because even in this damp underground cell, sometimes he heard muffled screams from his cells. Well, Zero could take a guess at what the warden seemed to be planning.
Zero then asked with a suspicious tone, "Is this your game again?" Of course, he needed to be suspicious. If he showed too much eagerness or calmness in taking a chance, the warden would grow suspicious. The warden had an impression of 'me' being just a stupid bug, resilient like a cockroach, with a naive attitude. So, yeah, Zero needed to wear that mask to entertain them.
The warden sneers and with a mocking tone, "Of course not, you bug. This is from my master. He wants the colosseum to be entertained, so he just chose you."
Zero then looks into the warden's eyes and widens his eyes, pretending to be surprised. With a cautious but eager and hopeful expression, he asks the warden, "What you're saying means that if I successfully entertain the audience, then I can get out of this place?"
The warden seems to contemplate for a bit, but then shows a smile that is truly disgusting. Even in his attempt to hide it, his eyes reveal numerous vicious intents. "Of course, you can get out and become a gladiator. That's what my master said." The warden's tone is disturbingly calm, yet I can tell he harbors an urge to release his desires.
[Laying it thick like that, Mr. Warden. If you want to lie, then please lie with sincerity.]
Of course, what he said is just in his heart; the show must continue. With widened eyes and a hopeful gaze, he wants to agree, but then he looks at his right side. With a frustrated gaze, he looks at the warden, still with suspicion and fear, but with a hopeful and determined expression, he asks, "Then, can she go with me?"
The warden takes a moment, looking like he's thinking really hard, but then bursts into this creepy laugh, his eyes giving off this wicked vibe like he's totally grossed out. "You seem to fancy her, well fitting for two bugs," he teases, and his laugh bounces off the grimy walls.
Then, with this twisted grin, he adds, "But if that's your thing, I can bring her in too. Maybe you two can give our fine audience a show they won't forget."
[Really, his malice and intent are oozing,] Zero thinks, a little smirk playing out in his heart. On the outside, he looks at Noir with a hopeful expression, his gaze conveying his intent to save her. Noir, with her emotionless expression, just observes Zero's gaze and gives a nod.
The warden, witnessing this exchange, becomes even more blissful, though he tries to hide it. It's a different story for the two gladiators; their excitement is palpable. Thyros's crazed smile becomes unsettling, and as for Zanir, even though he appears calm, his eyes reveal a different story, and his body tenses, showing he is excited too.
Zero, caught between freaking out and staying cool, goes with a hesitant nod. "Alright, if it means we're outta this dump, we'll put on a little show for your audience."
The warden responds with a twisted satisfaction, "Good, at least you're taking the chance given by my master. Not everyone gets such an opportunity, you know."
Zero, maintaining a facade of cooperation, raises an eyebrow. "Opportunity? Seems like a pretty messed-up one. What will we do to 'entertain' your audience?
The warden's smirk widens, enjoying the game he's playing. "Survival, for one. And if you manage to captivate the audience, there might be more privileges in store for you. Food, better conditions – who knows?"
Zero narrows his eyes, reading between the lines. "And what if we refuse?"
The warden's tone takes a darker turn. "Refuse, and you'll rot in this cell until my master loses interest. And trust me, he has a short attention span."
Zero clenches his fists, frustration bubbling beneath his calm exterior. "So, we're pawns in your sick game."
The warden leans in, his voice a malicious whisper. "Aren't we all, my friend? But remember, in the colosseum, you have a chance to be more than that. Impress the crowd, and who knows, maybe you'll earn your freedom."
Zero, glancing at Noir, who maintains her stoic demeanor, reluctantly agrees. "Fine, we'll play your game. But we have some conditions too."
The warden raises an eyebrow, amused. "Conditions? Do tell."
"First, she fights by my side," Zero points at Noir. "And second, if we win, we want more than just survival. We want out of this hellhole for good."
The warden chuckles, finding Zero's boldness amusing. "Ambitious, aren't we? Even when you don't state your conditions, the girl needs to fight with you. She's the one who agreed to help you earlier, and as my master said, both of you will get out of here and become gladiators if you can entertain the audience."
Zero observes the warden's eyes and reluctantly nods. The warden seems excessively pleased, almost too happy, and the two gladiators behind him can't conceal their excitement any longer.
[Well, what I wanted to hear was just a fraction of their plan, but they've handed me the whole cake. Poking at their pride and the superiority complex of supposedly 'more human' beings and stronger humans can really bring joy to their hearts.]
The warden, seemingly unable to contain himself any longer, says to Zero, "Well, enjoy your opportunity, bugs. I hope that your hopeful and determined expressions can sustain you until the fights come." The warden utters this in a tone of ecstasy and bliss. It disgusts Zero, who now knows what awaits them the next day until their turn to 'entertain' the audience.
After uttering that, the warden hurriedly exits their cell with his two lackeys. The lackeys lock their gaze onto them, and Zero can see the malice, enjoyment, and their sadistic urges fully displayed through the tension and shivering in their bodies.
The cell door creaks and slowly closes, enveloping their cell in silence, a stark contrast to the previously tense atmosphere. It appears as if the cell has become lighter, and Noir, who maintains her usual flat expression, sighs briefly, while Zero observes her tense body relaxing a bit. Zero himself remains tense.
What they don't realize is that they've been holding hands throughout the entire ordeal.
