Chapter 849 Aurora

"I thought that no one could use abilities in this place," said Arthur with interest as he circled the woman, who seemed terrified of him more than the rest. "Yet, you claim to see what's within my heart?"

"It's not an ability," said the woman, maintaining eye contact as she followed his gaze. "This is a gift that I have and a curse that I suffer from. People call me crazy, but you don't think I am."

"I have seen enough to believe that there is all sort of things in this world," replied Arthur as he stopped moving and looked at the chains. "So, how can you see hearts?"

"The same as you seeing colors and hearing sounds, just another one of my senses," said the woman with fear. "And I know what brought you here. You want to bring this empire to the ground, right?"

"Only to build it anew."

"That's a lie, and you know it. You came here for revenge, first and foremost. The emperor has robbed you of your life, and his son has robbed you of your naivety. So many brave men followed you for good causes, while yours are selfish."

"You are quite chatty for someone who's about to piss their pants," said Arthur with interest. "Relax. I wouldn't kill you for words you said."

"Eragon would," said the woman, making Arthur stop and glare at her. "That is the gaze people looked at me when I told them truths they didn't like."

"And yet here you are, alive and well," said Arthur as he sighed and sat down. "Eragon would kill you, but I would not. So you can at least be sure of that, right?"

The woman was silent and nodded, and Arthur gestured for her to sit down too. She did, with fear and hesitation, as if she could see things about Arthur that even he did not know. The two stared at each other before Arthur smiled.

"Two can play this game. I can be insightful about people, too. You might listen to hearts, but I listen to existences. Yours could fool themselves, while mine is the truth."

"Hearts are subjective and closer to reality than the truth. It doesn't matter whether something is a lie or not as long as someone believes it. We are what we believe ourselves to be, Seika."

"…do not call me that."

"That is your favorite title, is it not? Those you held dear called you this before you chose to leave them. It might be this reason that you awakened Eragon here and not in Alka."

"Do you feel almighty, knowing everything about people the moment you encounter them? I have a friend like that, but he always failed to see through me."

"Yet, I succeeded. I might be almighty in that regard, right? Being the only person who could see the outsider for what he is, not who they want him to be."

"And who is the outsider you see?"

"A dangerous man that must be killed."

Arthur was silent as he stared at the woman. He would have thought that she was threatening him if he felt any hostility. However, she attempted nothing, only sitting before him, naked and bare.

"You are brave to say that while knowing I can kill you with a single finger. It seems you trust me even more than you think," Arthur said as he waved his hand, but the woman didn't flinch. Then, however, the ground behind her exploded, causing dust to rise.

"I have lived long enough because of one thing: curiosity. Everyone wants to know themselves, even though everyone is too afraid to look. You wouldn't kill me unless I threaten your safety or those you care about."

"Then, elaborate on what you mean with that sentence. Why do I need to die?"

"You are innocent until now. However, no man should be given so much power because whatever choice they make would hurt the whole world. And, if you decided that it is undeserving of living, then we would be doomed."

"Then, I must be killed to avoid that choice."

"The Omniscient Vessel fails to foresee a future with you in it, so who could tell what choice you would make?" said the woman with her eyes reflecting his image. "You are… dangerous and must be killed to avoid giving you a choice."

"Indeed, the world would have been peaceful if power did not exist and we did not reach for the stars," said Arthur with a smile. "We would have loved one another and harmed no one. Is that what you want to say?"

"Love and harm will exist as long the human spirit survives, but less hurt and more love would be in a world without power. Your existence is an anomaly, just like the Nameless."

Arthur was silent as he understood her point of view. If there were a world where powers did not exist, and mana was not utilized, it would be a lot more peaceful than this one. That might be the closest world to peace.

However, everything that comes after 'if' is the furthest thing from reality. We would have all lived happy and fulfilling lives if this and if that.

"If I died, would the world turn peaceful?"

"…it would fall into chaos."

"Then, my death is not the first step but the last," said Arthur with a smile. "This has been a useless talk, as far as I'm concerned. I expected more from the witch that could read hearts."

"Three people are living in one body. One wants to save everything, and the other wants to destroy everything. However, none of them get to make that decision. You can."

"And, who am I? I am not the outsider nor Eragon. Arthur Silvera is the name my father gave me, which belonged to him, in a sick attempt to attain glory and become worshiped."

"You are the Seika."

"The beloved by who?"

"It does not matter. Do you remember what I told you?" said the woman as she smiled for the first time. "We are who we want to be, and I can only read that. You want to be the Seika she loved again, and first, you must find her."

Arthur smiled as well before he stood up and held the chains that bound her together. He tugged on them, breaking them apart. The woman fell to the ground as the restraints dissolved, making her confused.

"If I must die, then kill me. Until then, help me make the world a better place," he said while taking out a black cloak to cover her naked body. "Serve me well, witch of hearts."

"You didn't ask about my crimes," said the witch with confusion. "I know that you asked the rest and could tell their lies. I don't understand; what made you release me without asking?"

"I never thought of myself as right or wrong, but merely myself. You could be a villain, but as long as I have use for you, you will fit in my guild. Would you serve me?"

"And if I refuse?"

"We both know that you would not," Arthur said before descending from the mountain. "We need to go and see the last prisoner."

"As you command, Seika," said the witch before following after him with a smile. "My name is Aurora, Witch of Hearts. It would be a pleasure to serve you, Seika."

Arthur did not reply, as he didn't free her out of pity or awe. However, he knew that someone as capable as her could see through him was a threat. Therefore, Arthur couldn't leave her with his enemies. Thus, he made her a friend.

"Do you know the Witch of Icy Islands, Anabel?" asked Arthur as he remembered another legacy he once found in the Holy Crown Trial. Aurora was surprised and nodded.

"She was my mother's companion," said the witch with surprise. "How do you know her, Seika?"

"I guess you have to look into my eyes to see what I'm thinking about," said Arthur with a smile while the woman followed him. "She became the legacy owner of a friend I once had. You reminded me of her."

"Witches are rare creatures who are spiritual rather than physical. Many chose to be legacies instead of passing down their powers to their children."

Arthur knew all about witches from Gala's life, shown to him by the Spirits King in his realm. Her mother gave her the crystal, which made her a witch, and she died in the process.

"You should have known that I would release you if you were honest with me," said Arthur as the two reached the last mountain.

"I only know that you are an eccentric man, who values truth more than anything," said Aurora as she stared at the mountain's summit. "My opinion, however, stays the same. I vow to serve you because you are a dangerous man."

"Whatever helps me reach the ending of this story."

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