V2C2: A small setback

(I forgot to mention it, but they obviously take off the armors of the demons. Cleppe's soldier didn't change armor, but the other did, all have taken the heavy armor - the Knights' one being too heavy for them to wear .)

''Why are you lying ?'' Jean aked

''You should know it too. There are some things nobody should know.'' Emilie replied.

Looking at the message, Jean wore a complicated expression before continuing. ''This doesn't seem something to lie about. I mean, there might be some danger, but if you don't take some, how can you fight the inevitable? They'll always be danger in this world, and the only way for humanity to survive is to unite.''

''You just don't understand human's malice. Cleppe might be safe but… What about the bloody kingdom Serguine? Obviously, you wouldn't see too much horror, even in war, and that's because after the Gods come to help the human who was fighting each other for centuries when they were the weakest and poorest, a group of smart humans decided to create a small paradise. You can't change history, Jean. This human nature hadn't be dissipated by the Gods, only postponed, as great as the sacred energy is, it had been more useful for stopping each other from fighting than actually fighting off other species! But did you think all people would be happy with this decision? Of course not! Even if that allowed the great ones to stabilize their position for all eternity – with a small probability of a change caused by talent who wouldn't happen if they only had a bit of common sense – the majority want a place to change! And that's exactly what's the Serguine kingdom. A place where one can quickly gain much and then leave for another kingdom or empire. Then, nobody would dare take something from them, and if they want more, they could risk it in the Serguine Kingdom or any other thing humanity us as such. They haven't stopped human nature by making sure no one would lack the most fundamental resources, or by heavily punishing crimes, they just move it, hide it so that most would live a peaceful life. But if ever someone were to take over his dark side, then he could easily purge it! And humanity's boldness has various degrees, they create some transition city, even in Dhorkar! What if the greed of someone takes over in a perilous situation where no one can see? That's the same situation that happens every day but in the dark! Even the divine contract had been used badly, like what we've done. This is the truest proof you could find. So yeah, I fucking assume what I did. If birds die by fighting an inevitable enemy, men die to riches! The Army (the institution, not the military of countries) is the final way humanity decided to kill off or use the mad ones! Because they still need strength to fight the Demons. But be sure of something, even if we succeed in winning against them, humanity might be split into 2 groups, one who'd want to honor the help the Angels gave us and share the world with them… and the other who would always find reasons to gather riches! You just can't stop it as riches mean life and life is the ultimate goal of most !''

''… I don't think the world is as bad as you make it feel. The worse is that I feel you're honest. Even if we don't have the same opinion, I respect you. Still, I need to tell them.''

''… There's no turning back anyway. Once humans know of something, you can't continue to hide it from them.''

''The first message was «Room number 1: "To the exit" - a room that tests your greatness and cooperation against dangers. The fewer people there are, the more rewards. But be careful of your karma.», while this one is: «Room number 3 ''The last test.'' - Completing the test will allow you to leave here alive. Still, dangers are numerous and you have the right to stay here in security. If you do go, you'll need to survive until the door opens. Rewards might be attributed according to the number of people still alive.»''

''So… we can actually stay there?'' Someone asked.

''This sure changes a lot of things,'' François said.

''No, that doesn't.'' Emilie replied ''We can't trust these messages.''

''Why ?'' Someone asked dispiritedly.

''Jean, let me confirm something.''

''Hmm? What it is ?''

''You do have an artifact on you, right?''

''Yes.''

''Haven't you notice something strange?''

Realizing something, Jean hurriedly answered. ''That's right, I can't use my artifact.''

''Then you should know that no normal ancient zone can suppress an artifact.''

''Well, this doesn't seem like a usual one.''

''Still, this rule is a major one and can't be changed. So, the question is: why doesn't it work? All rules can only be overcome by something greater than they are. But what is greater than deflecting the most basic rules of the universe? Nothing. So, an artifact can only be suppressed by another. Given its strength and its capacities, I guess this is one of the 13 epics artifacts. Now, the only question is: who's side does its owner belong to? Angels haven't arrived yet, so it's either a demon, a human, or a third party. We shouldn't risk it. If this artifact can indeed modify things inside the ancient zone, he can't change it completely.''

A short silence was created that François broke.

''My point is still active. Things still change because as we know this, we know their goal might not be to escape but kill us all.''

''I've reflected on it, but I don't think it was worth it enough to tell you the whole thing.''

The conservation stopped and they began to prepare for tomorrow's test.