My (Monster?) Hero Life

Chapter 114: Fragmented

Kace gaped in shock. Essentially Sylvan was telling him that his personality or midset was fragmented. He had always felt as though he had fully embraced his new life but maybe not. He was curious as to what each light represented though.

"Do you know what each of them is?" Kace asked, even though he was not hopeful.

"Of course I do. Since each of us lives in the same place, how could my new neighbours not give me their 'greetings'." Sylvan replied, making the word greetings sound like it was not friendly at all.

"Then, could you tell me?" Kace was surprised at first. Since Sylvan's words made it seem like each part of him had its own consciousness.

"I could, but it wouldn't do you any good right now. You have no way to defend yourself mentally yet. As proven by how easy it was for me to drag you here." Sylvan replied, making Kace feel inadequate.

"So that's a no then?" Kace inquired, not willing to let it go so smoothly.

"In time, it will be revealed. When you are ready. Now I wish to rest. So scram will you." Sylvan sounded like a grumpy old man when he growled these words.

Before Kace could argue some more, he felt a strange force expelling him from Sylvan's Island. He was launched back into the void that he had previously travelled through. He looked again at what was now all four spheres of light with a hint of longing in his eyes. The sickly green coloured one was definitely the smallest now that he could compare it to Sylvan's purple consciousness.

'Seems like you'll be the first to go. Though I'd like to know what you are precisely before that happens. For a split second, he felt as though a ravenous gaze had landed on him. His attention was drawn to the crimson sphere of light that had the largest domain within his mind. A shiver ran down his spine as he thought about how it made him feel. 

It seemed almost inhuman. He did not dare to look away from it as he floated backwards. While staring at it, a strange thing occurred. A crimson claw extended from the sphere and for a moment, Kace was afraid that it was aimed at himself. However, what actually happened shocked him even more. 

The white sphere formed a sword and attempted to ward off the claw. There was no sound as the two clashed time and time again. Eventually, the claw slipped past the blade and slashed at the white spear. The part that been struck detached from the body of the main sphere and slipped off into the void.

Like a predator awaiting its chance the claw lunged out and took the fragment in hand, before retreating back inside the crimson sphere. The white one shuddered before filling in the gap that had been created, becoming smaller and dimmer in the process. Meanwhile, the other one became a few shades darker and slightly grew in size.

'Is this what Sylvan meant when he said they would be absorbed?' Kace wondered as he watched on with astonishment. 'That crimson one seems especially aggressive. I'm not sure if that's a good thing, though.' Kace felt another chill run down his spine at that moment. As though the crimson sphere were staring at him again. Like it was trying to send him a message.

In the next moment, Kace felt his consciousness return to his real body. As his eyes flickered open, he was surprised to find himself kneeling on the floor with his hands cradling his head. Perhaps what was even more shocking was the fact that Sonja was poised to cave his head in with a mace. As she looked into his eyes though she appeared to be relieved as she lowered the deadly weapon.

'It would have been a shame to kill him for becoming possessed so soon.' Sonja thought with a hint of gratitude that he could return safely. She carefully helped him to his feet as he seemed to be a bit wobbly. Despite this, Kace felt as though his senses had improved since returning from his inner mind. His eyesight, hearing and sense of smell all seemed to be sharper. 'Is this the effect of what the crimson sphere did?'

"Did you get the answers you were looking for?" Sonja asked before he could dwell on it.

"Yes, and no," Kace replied as he considered how much of his experience he should share with her. "He answered some but left me with a lot of new questions."

Sonja nodded her head in understanding. Although she was curious as to what it was like to be bound to one of these weapons, she knew it was most likely a very personal thing. She was not so ungraceful as to pry into something like this. Just the fact that her new disciple was safe for now was enough for her. 'It seems as though you've managed to gain quite a lot from my generosity, though.'

Sonja had to admit to herself that she was indeed jealous of the start that she had provided for him. When she had still been a hero herself, even she had a master who trained her. Though he never spoiled her like she had done for Kace. She clicked her tongue as she wondered if she had gone overboard a bit. 'Let's put him to the test now then, shall we?'

"Come on, there's still plenty of time left for you to receive some training today," Sonja said with a slightly malicious tone as her pretty face warped into one that looked excited about being able to inflict some pain on someone. "After all, I can't have word going around that I'm going to easy on you. You know?"

In all honesty, Kace felt beat from dealing with Sylvan. It was as though a lot of his energy had been sapped right out of him. However, despite this and his injuries still recovering, he was indeed looking forward to learning from her. That, and trying out his new equipment.