Dead Sun Illumination III
What is good, and what is evil?
My mind is clouded with uncertainty.
Why is the survey so overly complex?
Am I overthinking?
Good? Evil? Ha…
For a man, the death of a pig is inconsequential, while the death of a dog is aggravating.
What makes the dog more precious than the pig?
Why is the slaughter of countless pigs considered a norm, yet the death of a single dog mournful?
Why is one good, the other evil?
For a man, the death of an old man is saddening, while the death of a young girl is insufferable.
What makes the girl more precious than the man?
Why is the slaughter of countless men in wars considered a duty, yet the death of a single child sensational?
Why is one good, the other bad?
An old man proclaimed as a wise ruler will have people lament his death.
An old man proclaimed as a murderer will have people cry with joy at his death.
What if these two are the same person?
What if the wise ruler of his people is also the cruel murderer of others?
Does this make him an evil or a good person?
"...At-at-a— My ear! I'm sorry, I'm sowwy—"
I answer the questions one by one.
It's been a while since I've given things this much thought.
…Does this quiz ever end?
6: Is there a meaning of life?
1. No
2. Yes
3. —
12: Is a government in need of absolute authority with an iron fist?
1. No
2. Yes
3. —
17: Is it foolish to be proud of one's country?
1. No
2. Yes
3. —
29: Is the primary function of schooling to nurture the future generation to find jobs?
1. No
2. Yes
3. —
Sigh… I think my phone is broken.
This is definitely an interrogation of sorts, but I've gotten so far…
I want to see what happens after I complete the query…
The questions are becoming more specific and targeted.
The first ones were way funnier and easier to respond to…
32: Is an individual depriving themselves of their lives under societal pressures committing a justifiable act?
No Yes —
Is life ever worth giving up on?
Few would color the world red for the slimmest chance to prolong it.
Is life ever a gift worth any?
Fewer still would wish they were never cursed to experience it.
Who among them has any right to speak of left and right or right and wrong?
Go left, and nothing will be right.
Go right, and nothing will be left.
33: What faction do you believe most resembles you?
Righteous Demonic Neutral
Oh, a different answer set?
"Hey!" I hear as something shakes my arm. I look at Mei's annoyed expression.
"I've been calling you again and again. Are you out of it?"
Huh?
I absentmindedly glance at the children beside her.
At the girl with a freckled face, who has her head hung low.
At the boy with folded arms, his face turned, a red handmark plastered on his cheek that he so desperately tries to hide.
"Hey! Are you fine?!"
Why would I not be? I nod my head. "What's happened? Why are you so worked up?"
Congratulations! You have a 100% alignment with the Demonic Faction!
Hmm? The survey finally ends.
I didn't choose to be demonic, though.
Weird. What now—
"Hey! Chua—"
You've been given a |Villain| Title!
A mechanical voice echoes in my head.
Her voice is light, soft, smooth, soothing, sweet, amiable.
Then why is it rough and bleak and bitter and noisy and nasty and— cruel, distant, and cold all the same?
"ARGHH!"
I scream my lungs out.
Gift |The Hero's Curse |A|| has been granted!
Damage against the players with |Hero| Title -50%
Gift |Reverse Plot Armor |S|| has been granted!
Luck Attribute -50%
Experience Gain -90%
Divinity Resistance -90%
I can feel my luck leave my body, the distance between me and the faraway divine entities furthering.
The gods, whoever they may be, completely give up on me as my nose bleeds.
I press my hands hard on my eyes, blinded by burning sensations.
The innards of my head melt.
The pain. Unbearable.
Unstoppable.
You've been chosen as one of the 72 Demon Lords to rule over the demons!
Race |Human |F|| has been promoted to |Demon Lord |S||!
For the perfect results in the survey, you've been chosen as one of the 7 Archdemons to rule over the Demon Lords!
Race |Demon Lord |S|| has been promoted to |Archdemon |SS||!
To suppress the pain, I bite my lip as hard as possible.
Forcing a smile right after, I lick the blood flowing down my nose.
Commencing Inauguration…
Commencing Pathway Selection…
Chapter 0. Walpurgis Night — Phase 0
"Chuan! Brother Chuan! Hold on! I'm calling the ambulance!"
"Uncle Chuan!"
"Unc—"
Best of luck, Player.
To die!
This…
This— This is bullshit!
Is this how I die?!
"Chuan—"
Chuan…?
Who is… Chan?
…
Ah… I…
…
…
Who is… I?
…
…
…
Opening my eyes, I'm greeted by a foggy space and a round table.
Seven other people sit around it.
With small horns on their heads, all except one appear human.
The exception, a rainbow-haired boy, the same angelic figure from the ad banner, catches my attention. He's the only one who looks different, not just in appearance.
The others are confused, scurrying their eyes across the space.
This boy, however, overflows with confidence. His hands are clasped before him as he smilingly sweeps his relaxed gaze across each individual.
Finally, his sunny eyes fall on me, his lips furthering down.
"Attention, everyone!" he calls with authority. "You seven have been chosen to become Archdemons."
All seven pairs of eyes fall on him.
"No!" he bellows, raising his brows. "You chose to become Archdemons of your own volition. You lot are the most evil scum among the millions."
"The lowest of the low."
Silence befalls.
Some listen attentively, uncaring about the insult.
Some hold to their confusion.
One even laughs.
What's happening?
I remember completing a survey and then an immense pain taking over me.
What happened after? Wait…
What happened before?
"My memories! Only fragments of who I was remain!" I shout at the rainbowhead, pointing a finger at him.
"Who are you?! What have you done to us?!"
I try to stand, yet I can't. I'm stuck to the grand obsidian throne.
I strike my fist against the gargantuan ebony table, the drum blitzing through the space like thunder.
"You motherfuc—"
"Patience, lowly demon." The very moment he raises his finger, my voice dies down. "Such a raw temperament. Lacking common sense, I see. Well, you wouldn't be a demon otherwise, you mongrel."
I open my mouth. No words come.
Did he just seal my voice or something?
Infuriating…
How dare he?!
Bloodlust courses through my veins.
If I were to be released, I fear I'd pop his head before getting an answer…
My thoughts are disrupted when I hear the blonde sitting to my right giggling.
I gaze at her piercingly, yet she only waves at me cheerfully.
"Anyhow," the rainbowhead yammers, clapping his hands. "Let's get started with the Inauguration Ceremony, shall we?"