NOVPUB"You're sick," Samar said with disgust. "You say that you regret killing Wyntor, but in the same breath, you say that you also would do it again if it leads to the same outcome."
"Will you kill any number of innocent people just to make any progress in your fight against this so-called true enemy?"
"How can a utopia be built on the bodies of innocent people?! You are using the good of mankind to further your own goal, just like Aegis and all of the corrupt rich people you killed in the upper layer!"
"Are you happy with killing innocent people?" she asked.
"My happiness is of no concern," Nick answered. "I dedicated my entire self to this cause. My personal happiness has no consequence."
"But are you happy?" she asked.
"No," Nick answered, "and I never will be."
"The path I walk does not lead to fulfillment or happiness."
"I am a soldier in a war-torn city. I only know how to fight. I only know how to reach the collective goal. My methods are debatable, but they are effective. Thanks to me, humanity finally has hope."
Samar looked with disgust at Nick. "Do you even hear yourself? You're a Hero! You're not the Champion of Light! Do your delusions of grandeur know no bounds?"
"I am telling the truth," Nick answered. "Denying my own importance will only damage humanity."
"Do you believe I feel accomplishment when I think about my importance? Do you think I feel like I'm better than anyone else?"
"No," Nick reiterated, "I feel pressure. Humanity's fate rests on my shoulders, and that burden is heavier than you can imagine. If I make a mistake, millions of people will continue to suffer for millennia. If I fail, humanity might never recover."
"As long as I am alive, humanity has a shot at true freedom. I am not living for myself but for everyone else. I do not want to sacrifice the people I am close to. I do not want to see the Left Arm or the Technician die."
"And yet, if it is necessary, I have to sacrifice them.Everyone put their hopes and dreams in me, and letting everyone down would be the worst thing I have ever done."
"I must lead humanity to freedom! The world has put me down this path, and I have to walk it to the end! There is no other choice!"
Samar looked with skepticism at Nick.
Nick talked about how important he was while also saying that he didn't like being that important.
It sounded delusional and narcissistic.
And yet, Samar didn't feel like he was lying.
Samar remained quiet for several seconds.
"I require proof," she answered.
"You will see the true enemy when you become a Hero," Nick answered.
"I require more immediate proof. I don't need proof of this true enemy. I need proof of your importance."
"You said you're working with the Left Arm and the Technician. Connect me with the Left Arm, and I will ask her myself for clarification."
"That is difficult," Nick said. "I can connect you to the Left Arm, but she can't speak freely."
"There are ways around that," Samar said. "If you want me to trust you, you have to trust me first."
Nick took a deep breath.
If Samar said something about the true enemy, this entire operation could blow up.
"It is important that you do not say anything sensitive. Do not mention the true enemy or humanity's fate in any way," Nick said.
Samar nodded. "I won't."
The next moment, Nick connected his Barrier to Samar's and contacted the Left Arm.
"Report," the Left Arm ordered.
Samar could hear the cold authority in that voice.
She had never spoken to the Left Arm before, but she didn't doubt the Left Arm's identity.
"This is Samar Melfion from Crimson City. I am connected to you via the Barrier of the special Agent," Samar said.
"State your business," the Left Arm answered.
"Your special Agent is currently personally standing right in front of me, and I need to verify some of his claims."
"There are other people involved in a mission we are currently discussing,which tangentially relates to Crimson City. There are people part of this mission that outclass him in rank, but he states that, without him, the mission can't possibly succeed." Ṟ
