We arrived at the statement.
I was surprised to see Junhan standing on the podium, her posture better than before. This time, she wore a dark robe that made her look like a hunter. The stage was grand, and the audience were loud.
So she was the commander? I wondered what that made Harry.
The crowd was mumbling words of curiosity. She took a deep inhale then exhaled before uttering.
"There is something on the moon."
The crowd's mouths shut at the spoken words.
"One of our comrades, Benedict Leyendecker—"
Benedict?
"—is currently stuck on the moon. Just a few moments ago, we had finally managed to contact him, only for our connection to be severed in just a minute."
There was a dejected sound that reverberated through the crowd.
Commander Junhan continued.
"That one minute we had with Dominion Knight Leyendecker was, unfortunately, not enough.
"What I am about to say may be odd for most of you. And I am certain most of you won't understand what I have uttered. But I will remain brave and say it anyway. We are all comrades here. And I'd prefer to not keep this a secret."
The audience nodded in a way that made it seem like they were confused.
There was silence before Junhan said something indescribable. She was right. The crowd including me really didn't understand what she said. What she had spoken contradicted the first words she said but she did not elaborate any further.
She said…
"There is no such thing as a moon."
-
After the statement, Junhan approached me and gave me a key to my room. She had said, "You are always welcome here. This room will always be open for you." I was thankful for her and Harry, even though Harry was a little shit sometimes.
Attic followed me to my room. He skipped as we walked. I stared at him, unsure if I should tell him to go away. I really did not want to take care of a child, especially not in the middle of doomsday. Well, I felt a little bad for him at first. He reminded me a little of myself.
We arrived at my room— which was more like a neat prison cell. There was no unneeded furniture and only a bed, sink, toilet, and a window. Whoever founded The Federation was a tad minimalist, weren't they? Just a tad.
When we entered the room, Attic immediately fell asleep on my bed. I wouldn't have minded much if I wasn't tired. I sighed.
This was the most peaceful moment I had after killing the monster child. I'm still not sure what it was but I didn't bother to ask.
I was too afraid of the answer.
I thought for a moment, staring outside the window. The moon seemed larger and closer to Earth, so I thought about what Junhan said.
"There is no such thing as a moon."
She hadn't explained further. She claims that that was all this Leyendecker had managed to tell them before the connection was severed.
I'm not sure I believe her. Nevertheless, I had no choice.
It was a somber night. I could only hear the snoring of Attic and the bloodshed outside. Time was ticking and people were afraid of the unknown. They were afraid of what would become of them. Attic killed his mother and I killed a child. It was strange, I killed a newborn and he killed an adult. That's one thing we have similarities on.
Did I deserve this peace after all that?
I grabbed my phone and began to download some songs to calm myself. Queen was a popular choice of bands nowadays.
Johnny was right. I am a killer.
So, what can I do with these bloodied hands?
I had a feeling I knew the answer.
I kneeled in front of the window where the moon remained still.
The least I could do was pray.
I clasped my hands together and closed my eyes.
I pondered for a moment. Will god answer me despite what had happened, despite my tone? I don't claim to be a kind person, and I'm not one to believe or worship in a god. I am the type to follow my instincts, no matter good or bad. Will god answer me then?
Despite my doubts, I prayed.
The first round will begin tomorrow. I am certain if I survive, I will steal the lives of many.
The moon and sky were a dashing red. I peeked at a glimpse of the moon.
But I am just as desperate as the rest of humanity.
As I prayed, I understood a handful of things; that I am a sinner, my hands frigid, and my knuckles bloodied. I am aware of my sin.
I prayed to no god in particular.
"Praying?" A voice of a female had said behind me.
I had forgotten to shut the door. I looked behind me to see a woman, short yet slender with long platinum blonde hair, and ethereal green-grey eyes. She had a body built for sin but her voice comforted me like the moon's reflection on a beach.
"I was," I replied, putting my hands down and standing up, unknowingly approaching her.
She barely entered the room.
"On your knees."
"Woah there, lady. I don't even know your name," I joked but she stared at me with such pitiful eyes that my face flushed in embarrassment.
"Knees, now."
I abided in such pathetic fashion and plopped to my knees, the moon before me again.
"Pray. Let the angels know of your name."
"Angels? Not gods?"
She paused for a moment.
"No. Not gods. Anything but gods."
I prayed again. This time to angels. I prayed, not expecting an answer. The angels must be tired of slaving for gods, weren't they? A god that doesn't fulfill promises, a god that doesn't respond to prayers. I know that more than anyone.
I don't know how long we prayed in silence, not looking at each other. I wondered if she was a hallucination as when I looked back, she was gone. I haven't even asked for her name.
I can't even remember her face.
[Round 0 - Main]
[Kill a living being to join the rounds. The rest will die.]
Time left before the first round:
[15:17:44]