[78] Stepping V

After dealing with the Cardinal who had brought nothing but misery, Ash sat on the edge of the stage. His body felt heavy, as though the weight of his recent actions was crushing his spirit. His back slouched, and his eyes were hollow as he stared at the hands that had just taken a life, filled with an indescribable feeling.

"Ciel…" Ash called out, his voice sounding empty, almost like a whisper in the silence.

[Master...]

Ciel's voice echoed softly in his mind, full of concern and empathy. Although her tone was calm, there was a clear note of worry in her voice.

"Is this really the right thing to do?" Ash murmured, his voice trembling. Deep inside, he felt an overwhelming doubt, creeping in every time he was faced with actions that seemed to contradict the principles he once held dear. Since arriving in this world, he had been determined to bring light—to spread goodness, to improve morality, and to create a better future for all. Yet the violence he had just committed made him question that purpose. Was the path he chose truly right? Was he really bringing about good, or was he merely spreading more darkness?

[No...]

Ciel's answer came with certainty, devoid of any hesitation, reaffirming what Ash might have already known deep down. Ciel, an extension of Raphael's wisdom, did not mince words. She was the voice of logic and morality, and in this moment, she did not shy away from pointing out a harsh truth. Her words pierced through Ash like a sharp blade, adding to the weight already crushing him. Ash sat in silence, contemplating Ciel's words, feeling a whirl of emotions—regret, sadness, and a sense of being lost. He wondered if his dream of a better world could be achieved through the violence he had just committed.

[Actually, you acted based on your emotions,] Ciel replied, her tone soft yet firm. [Every step of this journey, you've taken for the present, for what feels right in the moment. However, if you observe, your clones—how they face the world, how their perspectives have evolved—it all shows that everyone has the ability to make choices. But choosing the right decision, especially in critical situations, is the greatest challenge for most people.]

Ash listened quietly, Ciel's words flowing through his mind, revealing truths that were difficult to accept. He knew that often his actions were driven by emotions, by a strong instinct to protect and improve. But there is a difference between following instinct and making wise decisions.

"So, what exactly are you trying to tell me?" Ash asked, his voice a mixture of confusion and curiosity. He stared ahead, but his mind was swirling, searching for a deeper answer.

[What I'm trying to say,] Ciel began in a gentler tone, [is that your actions should be guided by long-term vision, not just by present emotions. When you decide to act, remember the bigger goal, the goal you set when you first came to this world. Emotions are part of being human, and they make you strong, but don't let those emotions cloud your judgement or steer you away from the path you want to follow.]

Ash pondered Ciel's words deeply, feeling the weight of responsibility growing heavier on his shoulders. He sighed heavily, realising that the road ahead was still long and full of challenges, but he had to proceed without hesitation.

"You're right," Ash said firmly, though his voice sounded heavy. "I shouldn't have any doubts about what I did. Doubts only make me feel guilty, even though this was the right thing to do. In this world, the justice system is far from stable, and the actions of these people disgust me. So, this is fitting justice."

Ash stood up straight, looking at the bodies scattered around him with a cold gaze. In an instant, he summoned the flames of Uriel, and with a graceful yet decisive motion, the fire consumed all the corpses, cremating them without a trace. Ash felt no need to pray for them, for those he believed had lost the right to mercy.

After completing the task, Ash turned and walked towards the prisoners—non-human children who had been confined in darkness and fear. Gently but firmly, he began freeing them one by one, ensuring that none were left behind. Their terrified eyes gradually changed to ones of hope as they realised that their nightmare was finally over.

Ash knew his task was far from finished. This world was still filled with injustice, and many souls needed his help. But for now, he felt he had done what was necessary—bringing a glimmer of hope into the suffocating darkness.

---

Alice was found among the captives, still in relatively good condition, although her face was pale and her eyes filled with fear. However, the sight that greeted Ash when he looked further was horrific. Dozens of other children, unfortunately, were already too late to be saved. Their small bodies bore signs of stab and burn wounds, marks of the torture they endured during the horrific ritual carried out by those mad fanatics.

Seeing this, Ash felt his earlier actions were entirely justified. Such cruel and inhumane acts could not go unanswered. He not only felt righteous in killing the perpetrators but also believed that justice had been served for these innocent children.

With a heavy heart, Ash gathered the small bodies that had lost their lives. He ensured each child was treated with the utmost respect, despite the tragic circumstances. Then, using the sacred flames of Uriel, Ash cremated them, releasing their souls from the final suffering they experienced in this world.

Before leaving, Ash uttered a solemn prayer for them, hoping that their spirits would find peace in another world, far from the cruelty they endured. He knew that this prayer might not be enough to erase all the sorrow and guilt he felt, but it was what he could do to offer them a final honour.

With Alice still trembling in his arms, and with mixed feelings of satisfaction and sadness, Ash stepped out of the dark hall, carrying what remained of hope.

"Brother Ash… there's one more!" Alice called out with a trembling voice, her gaze fixed on something else.

"Hmm?" Ash turned, following Alice's pointing finger.

"Over there, in that corner," Alice pointed to a cage hidden in the shadows. Quickly, Ash moved towards it, his instincts urging him to act swiftly. Using his magic perception, he detected a faint sign of life, nearly extinguished.

He tore away the black cloth covering the cage, and the sight that greeted him made his blood boil. Inside the cage lay a young girl, perhaps around ten years old. Her body was extremely thin, showing signs of prolonged starvation and torture. Her blonde hair was dirty and tangled, covering her unfortunate face. But what was most shocking were her eyes—or rather, where her eyes should have been. The girl's eyeballs had been gouged out, leaving behind horrific, bleeding wounds.

Ash felt a burning anger rising within him. His hands trembled as he saw the suffering the child had endured. The thought of how cruel these perpetrators were filled his mind, and the anger and disgust he felt turned into a desire to destroy the source of all this evil.

"This cannot be allowed," Ash whispered with a hoarse voice, full of rage. He gently lifted the girl's frail body, ensuring not to cause her any further pain.

Although her body was weak, the child was still breathing—shallow and weak breaths, but enough to make Ash determined to save her.

"Rest easy," Ash whispered to the girl, even though he knew she might not be able to hear him. "I'm going to get you out of here. You'll be safe."

With a mix of desperation and determination, Ash carried the girl in his arms. Behind him, Alice followed, her heart filled with fear and disbelief.