Ephemeral: A Journey To Find The Meaning Of Life

Chapter 17: Anger Swallowing Healthy Intellect.

In this world, there are some people who are given the right to power. Using power wisely is a good thing, but there are some people who use it arbitrarily. Power can make a person act at will. The owner could view those around him as beings inferior to him. When they can't get something they want, they'll take it by force.

A leader who looks small on his people will be seen as small by his people. Power can make a person respectful, but it does not guarantee that someone will believe in you. Sacrificing the people for great ambition is a cruel thing.

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"It's good that soldier Luke, you're growing so fast."

First of all, I will explain the current situation. Two months have passed since the war broke out. I joined as a soldier of the Kingdom of Maligneit. The man who had just been the commander of the second division of the military forces belonging to the Kingdom of Maligneit, his name was Lars Beekhof. For some reason, I must immediately enter the first division army.

Due to the current state of affairs, many volunteered to join the war. Most of the food was given to the military. I continued to perform well while I was a soldier. The reason I want to immediately enter the first division is, because the first division is the troops fighting directly in the battle area.

"Luke, you've always been great as always"

His name is Aarst, he is my first friend since joining this military force. Someone who has a sincere smile and a gentle nature. Easily adapt to the surrounding environment.

Aarst told me he wanted to end this war immediately. There was a woman waiting for him to come home, the woman was named Belka. After the war ended, they dreamed of making a family and living happily. And so, I offered him something.

"Hey, Aarst. You better stop now, you won't survive." My speech.

Aarst couldn't believe what I said. Actually I know it's words that lead to belittling someone, especially for a man.

"I'll prove it to you, just look at it later!" Aarst.

I'm sorry, Aarst. But that's the best thing I can offer you.

Survive a war and return to meet someone we love. It was an honorable and very beautiful thing to happen. But, I'm thinking in a different way right now.

When you died in a war, but managed to bring home a victory. Right, you will become a hero and will continue to be honored for sacrificing your life in this war. But, will the person who has been waiting for you at home be happy? No. gabe. They will cry in front of your grave with regret for not being with you at that time.

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Jorgun and Caris are currently searching for Helen, the Elves, and my parents. They do it on their own will. I am ashamed of them for not doing anything at this time.

"Luke, Beruem, Aarst, and Yores. You will take the test before entering the first division forces" Lars said.

Finally today arrived as well, the day that I will enter the first division army to fulfill my goal. The test this time was to enter the underground ruins that had been provided by the military.

Aarst was very enthusiastic about this test. He was happy to take the test to enter the first division army. This place is not too far from the kingdom. Every obstacle that exists is created by this kingdom that is adapted to the idea of the new King.

The original underground ruins were a rare thing in this world. Even its existence can be counted with the fingers. Contains amazing obstacles and rewards in it.

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Aarst, Beruem and Yores felt that this exam would work out easily. But I feel like there's something strange. If this is indeed a test, why is it so easy and there are no challenging obstacles. That was when, I felt an extremely overwhelming aura of presence. I feel tight and hard to move.

"Everyone, let's just go back. Something is not right!" My speech.

"What's wrong with you, Luke?" Ask Aarst.

I tried to convince Aarst that something was wrong at this moment. I felt a very dangerous aura ahead of me. Aarst tried to calm myself down.

"Are you scared, Luke? Ahaha!" Beruem.

Goddamnit! you have absolutely no idea what's ahead there.

"Hey, don't be! Luke's never been like this before. If you act like this, there must be something wrong actually." Aarst.

They still did not believe what I said and continued on their way. Aarst also tried to convince me to stay in this exam. With a heavy heart, I agreed. Because, I'm so curious about what scares me so much.

I was a little sorry for saying such a nasty thing to Aarst back then, so I apologized to him. After everything that happened, he still helped when I was afraid of that aura.

"I understand what you mean, Luke. But I am the one who determines this. I'll do my best to get home safely." Aarst.

You're right, Aarst, maybe my thinking was wrong all along. We found a big door in front of us. It seemed like it was the door to meet the main waiter of these artificial ruins.

"Let's get this over with, Luke. We'll go into the first division together after this!" Aarst.

"Yes!" My answer.

That's what happened before I saw you dead in front of my eyes. The monster inside these ruins was a large Orc capable of wielding a sword. Aarst was killed by being pierced by a sword. Beruem and Yores try to fight the Orcs. However, they were finished off by that Orc in the blink of an eye.

Is this what you call a test? It's like a progression to reducing the human population!

I understand now, why there are no new soldiers in the first division. This place is not a test to get into the first division army. But the place to reduce the population level by killing, on the grounds of very limited resources at this time.

My mind is completely empty. The orc kept on walking towards me and would kill me if it did not try to dodge. I was filled with anger, like a fire that would burn the entire forest.

"Oh, hahaha! I get it now. So that's how you think, Verdal."

L'm... No matter anymore.

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