I. A Message [audio]

[ningwofuren]

[ 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.

Comments

[ningwofuren]

[ 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.

[of_the_lake]

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.

[ningwofuren]

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.

[of_the_lake]

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.