I am me!

Perspective : Conrad Garnier

In this precarious situation, my freedom and even my life itself were at stake. I couldn't find any loophole, as everything she had told me seemed authentic. However, I couldn't help but wonder, why me? How did I end up in a seemingly impossible predicament, and yet there I was trying to scheme my way out of an inevitable future that had been all but guaranteed.

As she confidently spoke of my future, a tiny flicker of uncertainty crossed my mind. Was it just my imagination, or did I detect a tiny trace of doubt in her confidence?

Yet, Her expression remained unchanged; it seemed unlikely that she was deliberately acting this way. It's as if she's confined to a certain demeanor, as if it's all she knows.

Yet, through her eyes, I catch glimpses of her true emotions, albeit subtly. It's not overt, but rather nuanced, allowing me to assess her mood. However, it's also just obscure enough to sow seeds of doubt about its authenticity.

I began investing from the beginning, why did she wanted me?

What was driving her relentless determination to persuade me?

Was it truly worth all the effort? I knew all too well that I was far from the ideal candidate for the task she was trying to entrust me with. It was a duty to protect the lives of others, nonetheless. If it were up to me, I wouldn't even trust myself to guard a treasury, let alone the fate of the entire universe.

Alright, for a brief moment, I must admit that I entertained the idea of being the perfect candidate. Perhaps, unbeknownst to me, I possessed some inherent aptitude for the role. However, what truly baffled me was how she could be so convinced, to the point of confiding all the secrets of the universe in me. How did she reach such a level of certainty that I would accept this offer, even deeming it inevitable? beside me trying to decline it at every living second.

As if its something I would be exceptionally good at it, as if I was the perfect choice.

Wait! that doesn't make any sense.

There is always a substitute available, and every task can be executed by anyone given enough time for learning and practice.

Which landed me again in square one, where only one question rang in my mind,

"Why me?".

The only logical explanation that dawned upon me was the possibility of being the sole candidate for this task.

Perhaps it wasn't about excelling at it, but rather about having a unique quality or ability that only I possessed.

As this realization settled in, all the puzzle pieces began to align. It became clear why she never addressed me as a mere "human" or "mortal," as one would expect from a being of her stature.

Instead, she consistently referred to me as "Nyxandrath."

What even is Nyxandrath?

As I began to understand, more questions emerged in my head, the most immediate one was that, she referred us as "Watchers" not "Watcher".

As in plural.

Indicating that It couldn't be just one entity, maybe like a legion of it.

I needed to learn more, understand the hand that I have been dealt with.

Only then I could devise a perfect strategy.

First, I started by presenting my perspective, wanting her to understand my hesitance in becoming a Watcher.

I said,

"I don't know what to say."

"It's all so sudden."

Continuing, I expressed,

"This is the beginning of my life, my freedom."

"I mean, I am only 19 years old, and you're telling me I'm now dead."

Based on her reasoning and explanation of the importance of a Watcher's duty, she made me realize its significance.

I said, "Yes, I understand... the worlds are in danger."

"You need a Watcher."

Then, I presented my reasoning, aiming to make her believe that I wasn't the perfect fit for the job she was offering me.

"But what incentive do I have to protect them?"

"I am yet to experience the world for myself."

"My life as a free man had just begun, and now you're telling me it has ended."

Continuing, I added,

"I don't have any attachment, any love for this world or the living, for that matter."

"What makes you think I would genuinely devote not just my entire life, but all eternity to guard them when I don't really care for them?"

Finally, I concluded, "I'm rather a poor choice for this job if you think about it, right?"

I knew I had concluded that perhaps I was the only option, but it was still a hunch, and I needed to be sure about it.

I pressed further,

determined to uncover the truth.

"For that matter, I haven't seen any other watcher or any other being besides us."

She replied, revealing her Magic spell.

"Nyxandrath, that's because it's a confined space created by me inside Umbricor, solely for the purpose of conversing with you without interruptions."

Undeterred, I continued with my reasoning, forcing her to reveal what she was trying to conceal.

"So, what do you say?"

I wanted to make her believe that I wasn't plotting anything.

I wanted her to understand that I wasn't denying her request, but rather highlighting that I might not be the best fit.

"I'm not denying the request you made to me."

"I'm a man, and I always keep my word."

Once again, I repeated,

"But... are you sure I am the best fit for this task?" She replied, confirming my suspicion.

"Nyxandrath, there are no other candidates. Your kind is very unique and rare. We haven't encountered one in a few millennia."

"The last Nyxandrath who received the mantle of the watcher has now become an eternal."

She confirmed my hunch, but her persistence in making me give up my life and become a Watcher remained.

Growing desperate, it was no longer about denying her request, but about not allowing my mortal life to come to an end.

I continued,

"So, as I said, I don't have any love for the world because I haven't experienced it."

"Enjoyed it."

"I don't care if the Wraiths invade my world."

"And therefore, I am not the best fit."

Then, I paused for a brief moment, took a deep breath and said,

"Wait."

With a newfound goal, I began to question,

"What if I experience it?"

"What if I start to love my world?"

I continued, attempting to convince her.

"So, I'm telling you that, why don't I become a Watcher after my death?"

To clarify, I added,

"Not this one. After I am satisfied with my life and grow to love my world and its people."

"My true death."

"Then I would have some bloody incentive to guard the living for all eternity".

She replied, acknowledging my true intentions and the validity of my reasons.

"Nyxandrath.... I am aware of your true intentions here, and yet I acknowledge your reasons are valid".

She continued,

"Your future has changed, something I didn't foresee."

"Granting you Watcher status now will lead to that outcome, which I haven't yet comprehended."

She continued, accepting my condition, but cautioning me.

"For that, I accept your condition, but remember, you cannot escape your duties and the responsibilities that have been given to you."

"And after your life is over, you shall become a true Watcher."

She asked, seeking my understanding.

"Do you understand?"

I replied, respectful and mindful of her status.

"Yes, your majesty."

As she sent me back to my body in the mortal realm, she said,

"Until then, farewell."

I don't know if I'm being too confident, but somehow, I managed to extend my life. I debated with a being one might consider a god, and through valid reasoning and careful planning, I convinced her to adhere to my conditions. However, I wasn't entirely sure what fulfilling my duties and responsibilities entailed. What did I have to do? But at least, I was glad that I had escaped my predetermined fate.

Because I am me, and I would rather risk total annihilation of my damn existence then have someone supress my own will, take my freedom.

Not by any person.

Not by any curse.

Not by any god.

Not even by myself.

As I slowly opened my eyes, the throbbing pain in my head subsided, and I found my head resting on Regina's lap. By the looks of her furrowed brow and the worry etched on her face, it was evident that she had been concerned about my well-being. With a comforting tone, Regina broke the silence, her voice filled with relief,

"Good you are awake."

Seeking reassurance in return, I asked her with genuine concern,

"Regina, you are all right?"

She nodded, her voice carrying a mix of gratitude and vulnerability,

"Yes... you saved me."

Memories flooded back as I recalled the grisly scene. My hand trembling, I realized how I had used my sword, ending the life of that grotesque creature. And then it happened—the gust of an ominous wind swept past me, triggering an echoing cry, haunting and melancholic, reminiscent of a small boy. It was in that moment, overwhelmed by the weight of my own actions, that darkness engulfed me, and consciousness slipped away. Shaking off the lingering disorientation, I questioned her, my voice filled with curiosity,

"Where are we?"

Regina's response held a touch of awe,

"We are inside that building we saw... Turns out it was an old monastery. It was the only building that wasn't crumbling, so we sought shelter here." Curiosity piqued, I inquired further,

"How much time has passed since I was unconscious?".

Regina's voice conveyed a sense of temporal insignificance,

"Not much... hasn't even been two hours yet."

A realization struck me—time must flow differently in the Mortal realm as compared to Umbricor. Interrupting our introspection, Elkdrack's boisterous voice rang through the air, his urgency evident,

"OYE! GUYS... found something... you wanna have a look at it."

Patrick, ever inquisitive and by Elkdrack's side, responded,

"What is it, Elkdrack?"

With a calculated pause, Elkdrack shifted his gaze and posed a question to Patrick, tinged with hints of greed,

"For how much do you think this will sell in the market?".

Patrick thought for a moment before responding, his voice laced with an air of speculation,

"I would guess about 30 gold or so."

Naturally intrigued, Regina and I exchanged a look before making our way towards their discovery, eager to uncover what had captured their attention.

As my eyes fell upon the object in question, scattered across the monastery floor like delicate, small blue pearls, an inexplicable curiosity stirred within me. It was a sight so unfamiliar that the resemblance to pearls seemed uncertain, leaving me confused.

Elkdrack, challenging Patrick's estimation, interjected with a touch of excitement,

"Ohh come on... that's gotta be higher than that."

Seeking clarification, Patrick posed the question on everyone's mind,

"What is it, actually?"

Elkdrack, his voice tinged with uncertainty, replied,

"I don't know, some sort of diamond maybe."

Regina, her tone laced with intrigue, responded,

"Haven't seen a diamond of that shape or texture."

Patrick analyzed the situation and concluded, examining the objects more closely,

"It's more like pearls."

Regina, noticing the uniqueness of the discovery, remarked,

"But once again, haven't heard of Blue pearls."

Dismissively, Elkdrack retorted,

"Ohh, don't be a downer. Maybe it's some new kind of pearl."

With unwavering confidence, Elkdrack proclaimed,

"I can see it. This will be revolutionary. I am gonna be filthy rich."

Turning his gaze towards me, Elkdrack acknowledged my presence, an undertone of mischief in his voice,

"What's up, Conrad?"

Observing a flicker of uncertainty in my expression, he probed further, his curiosity piqued,

"Do you have something you want to say?"

Then, with a mischievous glint in his eye, Elkdrack posed an enticing offer,

"Want a share of these babies? Can only give you one, mate... Maybe two."

Shaking my head, I declined his proposition, voicing my contentment,

"No... I don't need it."

Unable to suppress the torrent of questions swirling in my mind,

I finally mustered the courage to confront Elkdrack, seeking answers that had haunted me since I witnessed the events in the midst of battle. Leaning in closer, I posed my question with a mix of fascination and disbelief,

"I want to ask you something... I saw your head being chopped off... How are you still alive right now?"