Chapter 16 - Lingering Echoes
This parchment held lines of coding, but some of them didn't make any sense...
What was Luden doing with this?
---
">> Attempting to load save file...",
">> ERROR: Character data not found.",
">> WARNING: Memory corrupted.",
">> Searching backup...",
">> ...",
">> Backup failed.",
">> Timeline contaminated.",
">> World state: LOST.",
">> Identity: UNKNOWN.",
">> Reconstruction: IMPOSSIBLE.",
">> Possessing Host."
---
A sequence for an attempted save file loading... signs of memory corruption, and the line possessing Host...
Did Luden know that I was coming?
Since this is a code, he must've executed it somewhere himself but I don't think writing it on parchment will do the job.
The second paper:
---
def salvaged_identity_sequence():
messages = [
">> SYSTEM OVERRIDE INITIATED...",
">> Bypassing corrupted memory...",
">> Isolating identity fragments...",
">> Locating fragments...",
">> Reconstructing...",
">> [ERROR] Data mismatch detected...",
"»» MISSING INPUT"
">> [FORCE SYNC] Memory resonance engaged...",
">> Name: Da###### ", "»» MISSING INPUT"
">> Class: Li####### (Unclassified)", "»» MISSING INPUT"
">> Status: DECEASED",
">> HISTORY : ERROR", "»» MISSING INPUT"
">> Restoring connection to the world.. ERROR.",
">> Compiling lost memory ERROR...", "»» MISSING INPUT"
">> Personality data... LOST", "»» MISSING INPUT"
">> System Log: 'ERROR.'", "»» MISSING INPUT"
">> Welcome back, ERROR." "»» MISSING INPUT"
---
The more I look at it, the more I'm at a loss—there is a lot of missing input in this parchment...
Was Luden about to fill them? If so, what was he gonna write in them?
System, can you execute these codes?
» [System]: Initiating...
» Loading... » Commencing...
That was a mistake...
» [Warning]: Sanity Dropping...
» 120/180 » 47/180 ↓
...My vision glitched again, everything was back to red...
There they were... countless bleeding eyeballs lurking in every corner of the room. On the teddy bear, the ammunition, even the furniture. And one, massive and pulsating, floated directly in front of me.
I shut my eyes in terror.
A loud, sharp ringing in my ears.
But I know he's right there, I see him every time my sanity starts to slip.
The original Luden.
---
» [Failed]: load save file
» [Failed]: character data not found
» [Failed]: memory corrupted
» [Failed]: backup failed
» [Failed]: Identity: UNKNOWN.
» [Failed]: System outdated...
» [Warning]: I cannot process corrupted codes—
» [Error]: » [Error]: » [Error]: » [Error]:
» [Error]: » [Error]: » [Error]: » [Error]:
» [Error]: » [Error]: » [Error]: » [Error]:
» [System]: Abandoning Sequence—
» [Warning]: You lack the sanity capacity to initiate this command.
» Cost 777
---
I should be intrigued by that cost, but something far more horrifying caught my attention.
I heard a distorted choir, their voices satanic and otherworldly, they were children singing of my sins, whispering to me that God was coming for me...
I covered my ears, curled up instinctively.
They told me that the same God was furious at my blasphemy...
I felt my skin split open as it makes way for more bleeding eyes to emerge...
I was already broken, horrified to my core.
---
"Look at me, murderer," Luden said. His voice was calm—unnervingly so.
But the world around us warped and trembled, as if I were being transported to hell.
Murderer? I don't remember ever killing anyone…
Or maybe I do.
Are you describing yourself, Luden?
"Me?" He tilted his head.
"No. I'm describing you—he who has committed every sin."
I don't understand what he means, but the guilt I felt was heavy, like a wave ready to drown whatever's left of who I truly am beneath.
His footsteps came closer. I couldn't bring myself to open my eyes.
I was terrified of what I'd see.
"I know your true name, mortal," he whispered.
"Or should I say… I know one of them."
Don't cross that boundary... Luden...
The choir's blasphemous hymn rose to a deafening crescendo, a dissonant harmony that scraped against my mind.
The weight of guilt grew unbearable.
I wanted to run.
"Don't run," he said.
"Not yet. You've yet to atone, for sullying this tower."
...A pause.
...Then, like a curse whispered through the void.
"Right, Țepeș?"
"Or..."
..."Do you prefer, Incendarius?"
---
You don't know what you're talking about...
I snapped, those names, none of them were mine.
I rejected them all, I pushed myself upright and stared directly into the heart of madness.
But fear didn't last, replaced by disgust and an unrelenting anger.
I moved, without hesitating, I gripped the wand of elegy tighter, imagining it driven deep into his neck.
"I expected more maturity from someone who's lived four lifetimes," Luden muttered, just as I charged.
I lunged at him.
But before I could make contact.
---
» [System]: Stabilizing in...
3...
2...
1...
» [Notice]: Successful...
» Player, I successfully managed to adapt against the corrupted code...
» You may open your eyes now...
...
.....
....
...
.....
.....
» [System]:... Take your time...
---
I stayed like that for hours, curled up on the cold floor near Rayleigh's bed, my arms wrapped tight around myself.
I'm being childish, perhaps I am.
The red glitching had faded, but the afterimage remained; it was etched deep into my memory.
I know I'll see it again.
...I need to get out of this world...
---
I heard a creak of the door but I didn't bother checking who it was because only one person has the keys.
There were two of them, based on the footsteps, they must be girls, my hearing was sensitive.
...
...
If they see me like this, I might as well dig my own grave.
I've already decided to exploit their trust. The least I can do is not look pitiful while doing it.
---
Immediately, I stood up despite the burden, took the notepad Rayleigh had made for me from the table, and pretended I was reading it while sitting next to her bed on the floor.
Because I'm a well-educated banshee...
A girl entered...
"Rayleigh... you didn't tell me that the banshee is gonna be here..." It was Adelaide... She sets several baskets filled with ingredients down on the kitchen counter.
She wore a black trench coat, which only made her pink hair even more eye-catching.
Why does my heart hurts everytime I see this woman...
She's cautious of me...
But she's not afraid...
I kept my composure, reading the notepad like an intellectual.
...Then there she is...
"If I told you he was gonna be here, then you wouldn't have come!" Rayleigh shouted as she entered the room.
» [System]: Sanity Stabilizing...
» 54/180 ↑
Sanity... It's heavily dependent on mental state... It's a difficult stat to manage...
I guess, I'm much calmer after seeing them...
"Hey, Lud! Good afternoon! Oh, you're reading the notes—that's excellent!"
Afternoon? I looked toward the window—
It was already getting late...
---
"I decided to study the whole day, learning about this place and its history." I said, casting a brief glance at the notepad in my hands.
"What else did you learn, Lud?!" Ask Rayleigh enthusiastically.
"I learned—" Checks the notepad. "The way the university works—" checks again.
I'll just read it...
Ahem—
"Orlan University is the only formal educational institution within the Kingdom, serving as the foundation of all education and career paths in the kingdom..."
Rayleigh hung her rifle and her brown leather coat, while Adelaide sat on a chair, listening to my ramblings with utmost amusement.
"What else did you learn, Lud?!" yelled Rayleigh as she walked towards the bathroom, leaving me alone with Adelaide for the time being.
I read more of the notes.
Adelaide kept watching me; she's bewildered, but I held my ground.
Because I am, after all, a well-educated banshee.
"I learned that students begin their studies as early as age seven! And for seven years, they receive a well-rounded curriculum, training in academics, physical development, and foundational skills!"
"Correct!" Rayleigh's voice echoed from the bathroom. "What else, Lud?!!!"
I lent my gaze to Adelaide, who had her elbow on the table, hand supporting her chin, as if she were evaluating me...
"At fourteen, students undergo a qualification exam. If they pass, they choose one of three specialized branches and continue their education within that branch." I declared.
But then... To my surprise, Adelaide spoke.
"Go on, what are the three specialized branches?"
Her pinkish eyes were judgmental as she knew I was just reading the notes, but there was a hint of intrigue beneath them.
Ahem—
---
"For students aiming to become citizens contributing to society through non-military, non-combat roles, they go with the Griffith Branch."
Adelaide kept listening. "Rayleigh can't hear you right now," she said, gesturing with her expression—telling me to keep reading.
What a sophisticated woman.
"For students who wish to serve in the army and assist with national defense, they go with the Lion Branch. These students are granted a weakened Blasphemy Crest without undergoing the Ascendant trial."
I'm almost done...
Adelaide chimed in, "There's one more branch, some say it's the most important one nowadays. It's also the reason we're here."
She had such a mature voice, it came off as unintentionally disciplining me through her tone.
"Those who seek to become Ascendants and scale the Tower choose the Phoenix Branch."
"Only those who pass the Ascendant Trials—each tailored to one of the five Blasphemy Crests- are granted a Crest through a ritual known as Calibration, and these individuals are formally acknowledged by the Tower."
"On which point, they'll be able to see the entity called the 'System'"
I finished...
Rayleigh's handwriting was elegant, so reading was a breeze.
But I can see the system and even interact with it, but I shouldn't be able to view my stats or item information without a Blasphemy Crest. And yet, I can.
Normally, only those with a Crest can scan such things, but this body… this banshee… can do it, even without one.
---
"Say, banshee, what are the chances that you'll eat our souls right here and now?"
...
..."What?"
Adelaide's question caught me off guard. I wasn't quite sure what to reply...
"Isn't that what your race does? I heard banshees prefer young children, pure women, and even elves."
"Though, I must say... You're a male banshee. That's interesting, I've never heard of that before."
I see, she could be a potential ally. I might as well start fixing my reputation while I can.
"Adelaide, is that your name?"
"Indeed, banshee, it is."
I prepared to speak, "I've never once eaten a soul, nor have I ever planned to."
Luden... as far as I'm aware, has not done that.
Yet... why do I doubt it?
"Hmmm… what about you being male? How did that happen?"
So it begins.
This won't be easy to explain.
"All I remember is… my banshee mother took my human father against his will."
As expected, she didn't take that lightly, "Oh... That's horrible..." the air around us was awkward...
"They're both gone now, Adelaide."
"…I see. That's…" She trailed off, unsure how to respond.
I couldn't bring myself to meet her eyes. It was too much to bear...
---
"So... you're half-human? Very interesting." she calmed herself down, finding some similarity between us.
"I am."
"What are you planning? Living here in human society... I've even heard you're eager to climb the Tower." She asked more questions.
I'm more than eager to entertain it.
"I take it you know I was the one who saved Rayleigh and her father?" I asked, cautiously.
"Indeed. She told me everything."
Since she already knows, clearing my name should be simple.
"Her family took me in, a banshee—fully aware of the risk," I said quietly.
"Adelaide... I'm truly grateful to them."
Adelaide's expression finally softened. She looked like she wanted to ask more, but then Rayleigh finally finished fixing herself.
"You two are talking?!" Rayleigh exclaimed.
She couldn't believe her eyes, as if she were seeing a... Miracle...
"I suppose I misjudged you… This banshee isn't so bad after all." Adelaide's comment put me at ease. It felt like the first step toward being accepted.
"That banshee has a name, Adelaide," Rayleigh said with a playful wink in my direction, standing up for me, in her own way.
Adelaide let out a soft chuckle. "I haven't forgotten, don't worry."
She rose to her feet and, with a graceful motion, invited me to do the same.
She was preparing to introduce herself formally.
"Luden."
It felt... strange hearing my name from her lips.
"I'm Adelaide Syrenge," she said, poised.
"I aspire to become an Ascendant."
"It's a pleasure to meet you," she said, gesturing a handshake.
I took it.
"Likewise," I replied.
Rayleigh was both proud and pleased of this development.
"Care to join us for dinner? We're making chicken curry." Adelaide offered, and I noticed Rayleigh was already preparing the ingredients.
I smelled the spices even from here...
I would love a chicken curry right now...
---
» [System]: Sanity stabilizing...
» 78/180 ↑
I see...
I need them...
Chapter End.