Arc of the Souls Chapter 111: Arc 3, Chapter 34 - Trust Has No Meaning

Read chapter 111 of Arc of the Souls by Noyr on NovelPedia.

[ 10 minutes earlier ] “Dangit... please... hold on!” Maduk sprinted towards the rear end of Diamat Square, where the Soul-Core ships remained stationary... and where they came from. He held Marin with his left arm while his right hand rested on the hilt of his Signature Weapon. “You... can't die... yet! Marin!” She wasn't responding to his desperate pleas. Maduk didn't know how to heal... He's a Power-Type. How could he heal Marin if he didn't know a lick about how it even works? Oh, the thought of losing someone precious... family... his wife. He couldn't afford that. His heart pounded in his chest, adrenaline fuelling his body as he dashed toward the ships. “Damn it... damn it! Numa, save us!” he shouted, hoping that the very Goddess that he believed in heard his prayers. But deep down, he knew it was futile. They were in enemy territory. His legs gave up while his shoulder felt lighter than usual. “Huh?” He glanced to his left to see that Marin... She was on the ground. Maduk's eyes widened in panic, his heart skipping a beat. “No... No no no!” He didn't even realize that he dropped her onto the ground. He immediately knelt next to her, his hand reaching out to shake her, to try and bring her back. “Marin! Please, wake up! Marin!” His voice trembled, the reality of the situation setting in. He could feel the tears welling up in his eyes. “Please... I can't lose you too... Not like... thi- ... ... ... ... ... ... “Do you remember me, Maduk?” Her soft voice filled the silent space between them. “I- W- Who... who is speaking!?” He turned around, seeing a beautiful woman in a black robe, with a gold necklace wrapped around her neck. Her blonde hair shone like silk in the sun while her vibrant blue eyes pierced into his very being. “You don't remember me, do you?” She spoke softly; her hands remained at her sides. Her robe flew gently as a light breeze caressed her hair, revealing more of her pale skin. “No... I...” He looked back at Marin's body, still bleeding on the ground. “Wha... Who- Who are you!? What is happening!?” he stammered, confusion evident on his face. He wanted to grab his sword, but he felt so powerless... He couldn't do it. The woman raised a hand, a calming gesture. “Now now, don't fret... Marin's dead anyways... There's nothing you can do to save her at this point. But that doesn't mean you're completely out of options, Maduk Numa.” “What do you want!? Where are you!?” Her smile turned into something sinister. Maduk could see it on her face. The smile turned even more sinister. A grin that could be used in a horror movie... This was a demon clad in beautiful Testharian skin. Nothing more. “I can save Marin, you know? I can resurrect your wife! But there's just one condition.” “W-what do you want!?” Maduk's desperation was clear as day. “Heheh... All I want from you, Maduk... Is a promise.” “A... promise?” “Yes, a promise.” She chuckled, stepping closer. Maduk was frozen in place, his body unable to move. “Submit yourself to absolute entropy.” Her voice became eerie, a low growl coming out of her throat. “For He wishes it.” She spoke like a snake, her words slithering into his ears. Maduk realized who she was talking about. The “Him” that has terrorized Testharia. Him. The destruction of Zephite City. The Slaughter of the Innocent. The assassin that tried to kill Asheera Eria. Conflicted. Again, he was conflicted. A person with great power offered a hand to resurrect his wife, the only person who ever cared about him... His heart pounded faster, sweat beaded down his forehead. This wasn't an offer he could refuse. Or else... he'll never see her again. What choice did he have? But... would this mean his downfall as a person of justice? Would he have to... give up everything that he stood for? This could be the start of a downward spiral that he'd never recover from... But he couldn't let Marin go. Not now, not ever. Even if it means going against the people that saved him... Asheera, Sachiel, and the Testhari