exsilium | I. A Message [audio]

[ Ever since that brief meeting within the courtyard, several questions plagued Cao Cao's mind. He had hoped to find the information on his own with the Initiative's help, but they weren't very...helpful in his opinion. Besides the whole notion of them using sorcery to unravel the United Earth's influences through a series of smaller skirmishes, Cao Cao wasn't certain as of how this war could possibly be won. From what little he's managed to understand, the enemy outnumbers them greatly and there's great dissent amongst the transports here.

Still trying to understand his role in all this, the King of Wei decided to act. He never used such a device before. These "tablets" as they call them were nearly two-thousand years ahead of his time. Though with some luck and minor concentration, he managed to operate one. He was still far from proficient with this odd device, but at least he got it work.

Now staring into the blank screen of the tablet, Cao Cao speaks. ]

Just how many generals sit amongst us? How many soldiers and how many strategists? If this is a war, then shouldn't we treat it as such?

[ He paused momentarily in hopes of hearing an answer, but nothing was said. So he continued. ]

I've won wars before but nothing resembling this kind of scale. Gathering the information necessary about my foes was never so daunting as this. Virtually nothing is known about the United Earth or their method of combat. I'm aware that they hold the most influence in this realm, but how so?

[ Mengde wondered if their were other factions out there who hoped to rebel against their federation. He wouldn't be surprised if there were, but they assist them? Surely this war doesn't fall upon the shoulders of a wayward few.

That would be suicide. ]

In truth, I see no victory in sight but I refuse to die a martyr's death.

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I am my own lord and none of my generals are met with hostility for their efforts.

[ Mengde replied with a slight frown tugging his lips downward. ]

Then you would die for an unworthy cause?

[ The King of Wei quickly asked in hopes of winning an answer from this stranger. ]

[Berserker found himself smiling despite all odds. He was either truly speaking to a general or a madman simply making the claim.

It was a smile that said that it didn't care for his status--just that his own answer was, in upon itself, amusing.]

'Unworthy'? Of course not. I'm merely a sword. Just as quickly as one blade may be raised, even more may fall in droves.

[ Aren't all great generals always "madmen" in the end? Cao Cao's no different. The barest hint of a smile forms upon his face, but it's not a welcoming one.

It's more of an unannounced challenge more than anything else. ]

Then lend me your sword in this war.

[ His smirk widened tenfold. ]

If death is imminent, then I won't rest until the United Earth crumbles before my feet. They will remember my name and hate it.

[He had been tempted. The knight of betrayal knew loyalty only on the battlefield. The problem had been--]

I would take up your offer for my amusement alone had I not been drafted already, stranger. [Intentionally, he didn't ask the man's name. Somehow, he felt, asking for himself would ruin any effect.]

My ladies are new to such things so I cannot, at all, dismiss myself of them. You will have to wait for my next life to wager such an offer a second time.

[ Cao Cao chuckled somewhat. It would seem that they both forgotten to introduce themselves. That's somewhat amusing. ]

The next life, you say? [ A playful hum left him as he thought about that offer. ] I'm not eager to see the Afterlife, so I fear we won't meet again easily.

[ He paused briefly. ]

That is unless the United Earth manages to find a way to finish us both.

I would not be so certain of such a peaceful end for yourself here. As it stands--this land does not enjoy leaving men to the embrace of the Almighty.

[He didn't worry terribly about it, himself. He knew that if he died and came back that it would be suitable to continue his punishment.]

Is that so? Then even in death we cannot escape the plight ahead of us.

[ He sighed deeply. The King of Wei wasn't the least bit amused with his current arrangements. ]

Furthermore the reason to fight and win this war, isn't it?

I have no ambitions of my own to speak of. I am merely measuring my own punishment and obeying as necessary. To discuss 'goals' would be antithetical to my existence.

[Suffice to say, Berserker's pound of flesh was hardly yet paid. How did one account for punishment to apologize for a country's fall?]

[ A long pause was had between the two before Mengde spoke. The King of Wei didn't know what to make of this warrior's claim. ]

Antithetical? [ He almost scoffed. ] How can that be so? Life itself is made from goals, isn't it? We draw breath now in hopes of living, and we fear death because we want to live.

The goal there is life itself. Surely you still have some ambition left, but it's clouded with doubt and misery.

[ He sighed somewhat. ]

But fear not. Your obligations to your master comes first, doesn't it? Therefore, don't tarry far from the task given to you.

A man in the sun cannot relate to a man of darkness. Whichever land you must surely be a lord of cannot be the same as the place of death I have made my true home.

[His fingertips spread and Berserker regarded the sky, ignoring the drizzle above in return for staring at the clouds.]

It is not obligation. I've decided to be an instrument. 'Purpose' is hardly ambition. A hammer may forge a blade or split a man's skull. 'Ambition' is something for men.

Then I truly pity you.

[ Mengde fell awfully silent once the nameless man continued to speak. It's difficult for him to make sense of Lancelot's words, but Cao Cao would probably feel the same if he had known the reason behind the knight's somber creed. ]

Your spirit is broken and cannot be mended easily. I hope for your sake that you find the solace that you desire.

If you knew my crimes, you would only support such a thing.

[He couldn't imagine pity. Only disgust and loathing. Pity was something meant for men below their station. Berserker couldn't envision himself in any other place--so, he believed himself deserving of his position.]

In such a thing, there is no solace that I may obtain. Until I no longer exist, my punishment must continue.

I. A Message [audio]

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