The Villain's Story



"Huh?"

Elijah was confused, he had entered a luxurious lobby instead of the next floor.

[Surprised?]

He grew alarmed at the sudden voice of the tower. It was everywhere!

It was louder than before and was coming from all directions. It wasn't just in his head anymore. He looked around the room, his blade in his hand.

Was it a…reception?

[Yes, The reception area of the Imperial Palace. A grand and opulent space that celebrates the fusion of artistry and music in the most extravagant manner. Does a sense of awe wash over you?]

Asked the tower, eloquently. Its voice was different again. Now it seemed like the voice of a human, well-versed in etiquette.

"..."

[Surprised?]

Asked the tower again, Elijah simply sat down and took a rest.

[Why?]

Questioned the tower, as it was unable to understand the intentions of Elijah.

[In a place of such grandeur…Do you simply sit on the floor?

The Imperial Palace's reception hall is a masterpiece of architectural grandeur! High-vaulted ceilings adorned with intricate frescoes stretch majestically overhead, depicting scenes from myth and legend. These ceiling paintings are illuminated by the soft, golden light of crystal chandeliers that hang like frozen cascades of stars. Why? Is it not enough for you?]

It expressed its confusion.

[The most comfortable sofas known to man…and you simply sit on the floor?]

I found it difficult to understand Elijah.

"..."

Elijah refused to answer his questions and simply circulated his mana.

[You are peculiar. Both of you.]

'Both?'

The tower's remarks confused Elijah. Just what did he mean by both?

[These walls are lined with an extensive art gallery… showcasing an unparalleled collection of paintings, sculptures, and artifacts from across the ages. Richly colored tapestries drape the walls, each telling a story of a bygone era, of an empire that spanned centuries! Priceless masterpieces by renowned artists adorn the space, their vibrant colors and intricate details capturing the essence of each subject with breathtaking precision!... Yet you find none of it interesting?]

It was baffling.

Its eloquent voice shivered for a moment, unable to comprehend Elijah.

[Why?]

Asked the Tower again…

Does Elijah not find any joy…and peace from this? From the result of his own complications.

[Ah I know!]

It came to a sudden conclusion.

Does he like music perhaps?

Using its powers, it created an array of musical instruments in the corner of the reception hall. A Grand piano, with gleaming ebony and ivory keys, became the center of its creation. There were several ornate harps with golden strings situated on the side of the piano. A quartet of violins crafted from rare woods rests upon a velvet-lined stand, their elegance matched only by their harmonious potential. The instruments began to move, and a melodious harmony resounded throughout the reception hall. Even though there was no Musician…The instruments played themselves with great mastery.

[Now…do you like it?]

But still, Elijah was silent. He simply circulated his mana. His eyes were closed.

[I know you can hear me.]

It knew the tower knew it was being ignored. I hated it.

How dare Elijah ignore him…the reader of his stories?

It was humiliating. He was feeling exactly like how a devoted reader who always commented would feel when the Author, who used to reply regularly stopped and ignored him.

It was infuriating.

[Why?]

It asked in a not-so-pleasant tone, clearly angered.

"Does it matter?"

Finally, Elijah answered. After being silent for so long, He answered like that.

The tower was unable to understand…until.

"It's gone…what does it matter now?"

[...]

Ah, now it is finally understood.

It didn't matter because it was gone huh?

[So you think it's gone?]

Asked the tower, a light laugh resounded in the atmosphere as the harmonic melody stopped/

[Are you sure about that?]

Urged the tower, hinting at something.

Elijah opened his eyes.

[Ah…so the hero finally pays attention.]

The sight in front of him changed, instead of the grand reception he was now in a bustling metropolis.

[What do you see?]

Asked the tower excitedly. What reaction would Elijah give?

"..!"

Ah, it was Speechlessness!

[The flames of purification cured them.]

Narrated the tower. It excitedly stared at Elijah's shocked face.

[Do you know…they even wrote a poem about you.

They rejoiced as the flames of purification washed over them…cleansing them of their sins and finally…giving to them the gift of peaceful death!]

It joyfully relished Elijah's expressions.

[Would you like to hear it? The result of your deeds?]

The smiles of children filled his view, a plethora of emotions, stimulated by the tower engulfed Elijah.

[In shadows' grip, the Empire stood,

A realm of might, once great and good,

Its banners once unfurled with pride,

Now shrouded in a darkness wide.]

The tone of the voice was depressing at first.

The tower eloquently recited the poem written by the Empire…about Elijah, its hero.

How they tried.

[A plague emerged, a creeping blight,

A disease that stole both day and night,

From Hamlet's small to the grandest hall,

It spread its reach, consuming all.]

The power of the Shadow Bornes curse.

[The knights once clad in armor bright,

Now battled death's relentless might,

They fought with fervor, hearts aflame,

Yet fate had etched a different name.]

The story of how the knights fought till their last breath, even if their very vessels were devoured by their own.

Elijah was being overwhelmed, as the tower recited the poem…The tower was doing something!

[As sunlit fields turned ashen gray,

The Empire's strength began to sway,

With each new dawn, a battle waged,

But hope grew faint as death assuaged.

A hundred battles, fierce and bold,

A struggle fought, tales yet untold,

Through endless nights and haunted days,

The Empire fought in myriad ways.]

"What are you doing to me?!"

Asked Elijah, as he fell to his knees, the power of words compelling strange emotions in him. But the tower continued, paying him no heed.

[Physicians sought a healing hand,

Alchemists concocted potions grand,

Yet as they toiled, the plague did spread,

Its shadowy tendrils never dead.

The walls that once held steadfast, tall,

Now trembled, watched the Empire fall,

No armor could its heart encase,

Against the specter's cold embrace.]

This was the poem of despair written by the empire…but it would soon take a more joyful turn.

For the hero that saved, made his entrance.

[A hero emerged, with a heart of blaze!]

The tone was now joyful…not it was filled with pride.]

The story of Elijah now came with a splendid light.

It was the result of his deeds, never ever seen before in the history of all trials.

The tower could not just simply walk it off…now could it?

[A hero rose to save the day,

With flames of hope, they purified,

Empire's legacy, glorified!]

The scene ended…and the tower's voice left a deep impact on Elijah.

[Now…fill your head with pride and show me a story worthy of your legacy.]

It wielded its power and a golden light encased Elijah as he was transported to the next series of floors.

[You ended an empire…But now how would you end an entire world?]