Once Human, Now a Parasite

"Do you think he’s entered it?"

"The trial has began so it’s safe to assume so . "

The youth was tapping his finger on the table, while he was restlessly trying to find a comfortable position while looking at the large monitor, which displayed an empty waiting room .

The contestant were teleported to an isolated space, which was the 34th floor, a dimension unique and different for each individual . In it, they’ll be pitted against an enhanced version of their past enemy . Arthur arrival on the 34th floor is one of the main reasons the Red Tower was built and, unlike the rest, he didn’t get to fight... no, he experienced a whole different thing .

"In the past you always said it, right? ’Each person has a truth that cannot be told even to themselves . ’ Do you think the end of this cycle would be any different?"-Wolfram

"It has to be different..."

"You, Arthur, and I, do you think it’s destiny or something else? Is it right to call it a coincidence? Can’t it be the work of a higher being? Something or someone we can’t fathom . Beyond our comprehension . "

Hearing this, Leiu chuckled and replied: "Perhaps there is, who can tell? Do you want to pray? Beg? You think that would make a difference? This is not the first time we’re going through this events, maybe we did pray in one of the past cycle but so what? Our very presence here mean that it didn’t work! It never will!"

The Nameless Knight got up from his seat and walked in front of the joker, his finger pointing at the latter’s chest, slowly pushing him to the back .

"What are you trying to say, Wolfram? I should have faith? Because it’s not faith that allowed me to obtain power . It’s desire, so don’t pray and do what you must! Let it end... for our sake . "

When he finished saying his piece, he passed by the dumbstruck Magician and exited the room .

*******

Confused, Arthur looked around, instantly recognizing this unforgettable place . The shimmering sky was as beautiful as ever and the quiet atmosphere brought him a refreshing serenity .

His gaze fell on the bench which he sat on with Lucy in the past, at the night of their marriage . Truly, it felt like yesterday, making the parasite emotional for a few moments .

He snapped out of his daze when a fragrance entered his nose, it calmed his beating his heart and purged his thoughts .

Arthur saw a man sitting next to a table near the empty bench . Surprisingly, the man looked exactly like his human appearance and he didn’t feel odd like Claud, for example .

"Come and sit . "

He motioned for Arthur to get closer and pointed at a wooden chair right next to where he’s sitting . Arthur obediently did as told, not knowing what exactly is happening, his mind was filled with questions he withhold for the time being .

The man poured some tea for Arthur and put the cup in front of him, neither saying anything and simply studying the parasite’s face .

"Here, drink . "

Again, Arthur did as told and sipped some of the tea, which tasted really magical, easing his emotions yet again . Only after looking around did Arthur ask:

"What is this place?"

"What do you think it is?"

The man, who had the same face as his, smiled and replied with a question .

"This is one of the courtyards of the Ma Clan..."

The man drank some tea before speaking again: "Indeed it was, however, now it’s but a memory inside your head . It’s vivid and eternal . "

"So what is this about? Who am I supposed to fight?"

"No, you won’t be fighting anyone or anything . You’re here to listen... and understand . "

"Listen?"

The man nodded his head, took another sip before clearing his throat, and asking:

"Tell me, Arthur, do you think you have achieved enough?"

The questioned man tilted his head, not knowing what to say exactly . He stared back at his own face for an inordinate amount of time before muttering:

"I achieved nothing . "

"From what I’ve seen, you did quite the opposite . Whether it’s your fight with the Divine beasts, your struggle in Riarravar or the war against the White Specters . Each time, you do more than you’re expected, which is why you end up in a very bad situation, usually beaten half-dead . Don’t get me wrong, I’m not criticizing you, quite the contrary, I’m proud of what you have become . "

Arthur raised his hand and interrupted the man from speaking any further .

"I don’t understand, just who are you to tell me you’re proud of my actions?"

The man wasn’t angry, his lips arches upwards as he looked back at the parasite .

"I look, sound, and think like you... isn’t it obvious who I am?"

He gulped down the rest of the tea before taking a deep breath and adding: "Let me clarify, then . I am you, your inner consciousness, your soul, and your body . "

"You’re me, and? Is there a reason for me to be here?"

Noticing his impatience, the man chuckled and calmly replied: "Of course there is . Our meeting is predetermined and, dare I say, necessary . "

"Necessary?"

"There are things you need to know about what’s to come . I’m sure you know a few things already, like how you’ll go to the past to do many things . Just like it happened, it will happen again, without any errors . The motive remains the same but the result is always subjected to change . "

"What do you want from me?" Arthur spoke with a louder tone, his face slightly frowned . He was never a fan of these mysterious encounters and this riddle-like type of talking .

"Calm down, I’m doing this for you, after all, we’re one and the same . "

...

While Arthur was conversing with himself in that memorable courtyard, Lucy was facing the very same wingless earth dragon who attacked her and Arthur back on Astria . It was when they were heading to the Nemia Academy . She didn’t personally fight it but the tower registered it as one of her past enemies, moreover, it greatly boosted its power and slightly its appearance, making it bigger than more frightening to look at .

As for the old man Zodiak, he was surprised to see his drunken father appear before him . Contrary to his real ragged state, the father looked sober and was even wearing an armor .

’Tsk! It’s just twisting things however it likes . ’

He inwardly cursed the Red Tower and retrieved a talisman from under his sleeve, ready to get rid of the danger right away .