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Depth of Sanity

Imagine a world where the essence of your heart determines your ability to wield elemental powers. Fiery spirits command flames, while calm souls control water. But what if some people with complex heart disorders possess multiple elements or unique themes? Such a mystery shatters conventional beliefs and sets the stage for an intriguing exploration of the interplay between hearts and magic. In the heart-pounding "Depth of Sanity," powerlessness becomes the ultimate advantage, setting the stage for an intense psychological battle. As the characters grapple with their vulnerabilities, a mysterious puppeteer orchestrates a mind-bending game where perception is reality, and every move holds life-altering consequences. Prepare for a rollercoaster of suspense as the true mastermind emerges from the shadows, reshaping the very fabric of sanity itself. Blunders aren't just mistakes, but sacrifices that could lead to unpredictable winning. Get ready to immerse yourself in an epic tale of a young boy's fight against destiny. In a world of magic and power, he battles his arrogance, choosing the path of righteousness. But his quest for change is not an easy one. He must use every tool at his disposal, including manipulation and even murder, to challenge the world's perception. With a god complex and a fierce existentialism, he takes on the most powerful forces in the land. This is a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat and challenge everything you thought you knew about magic, destiny, and the human heart. ----------------------------- *Worth reading as it contains the philosophy of life of each character, how they perceive the world and has poetry too. Warning!! (18+)

Whoami_ · Kỳ huyễn
Không đủ số lượng người đọc
14 Chs

Pig's Conflicts

That night, as Lucian peacefully slept in the horse carriage, an unsettling event took place. Somewhere amidst the darkness, a boy's mind teetered on the brink of madness, setting in motion a chain of brutal and indiscriminate killings. Exploiting the vulnerability of the late hour, when everyone's defenses were relaxed and the students lay deep in slumber, a new serial killer emerged.

Therefore, George initiated the theater by manipulating a droplet of water in his palm and molding it into a small sphere. With a vague recollection of his own identity, he entered the accommodation facilities, seeking out the leader of the affluent family who had tormented him.

The academy had organized student dormitories based on the districts they hailed from. Consequently, George found himself sharing a dormitory with the very group of children who had been his bullies. This presented an advantageous situation for George, as the guard stationed outside their dormitory was defenseless and oblivious to the looming confrontation.

George summoned a minute, circular formation of water and directed it into the nasal passages of the kids, ultimately infiltrating their brains.

He administered a liquid substance with organic properties into the child's lungs, causing them to drown and ultimately perish.

This method was replicated in the other children residing in that dormitory until only he remained standing amidst the lifeless bodies.

Employing such a strategy ensured that the victims would meet their demise without regaining consciousness. Had they awakened, George's life may have been swiftly extinguished, failing to meet Lucian's expectations. George, despite possessing limited magical prowess, executed this plan flawlessly, exceeding his savior's expectations.

It is worth noting that George, who was deemed unskilled and possessed only a minimal amount of magical energy, would suffer a complete defeat if engaged in a confrontation with any of the children. By employing this cunning method, George expertly eliminated all of the children without depleting his mana to the point of losing consciousness.

George takes his own life using the same method he employed on others, using his magical abilities to drown himself. This method ensures that George's vulnerability is disguised and he avoids being the primary suspect in his death. As a result, any future investigations into the mysterious occurrences at the academy will be inconclusive. This outcome aligns with Lucian's expectations, as it serves as a mockery towards the Unknown Creature who granted George his powers. The very powers that he once controlled now consume him in his final act.

In his last moments, George expresses gratitude towards Lucian for providing him with the idea to seek revenge, a notion that had never crossed his mind before.

Regrettably, Lucian did not share the method with him as he had claimed. Lucian simply added a drop of oil to the burning fire. Additionally, Lucian did not provide any guidance on how to transmit them to the realm of Death consciousness. This was because Lucian had seen beyond George's sinister nature.

With confidence, Lucian instructed George to confront the Death Eye by assigning him the task of surviving on a deserted island without any tools for survival. This approach was an attempt to suppress George's rationality. However, when sanity slips away, insanity takes control. Similarly, when the mind becomes consumed by the desire for revenge, emotions reign supreme.

Thus, emotions don't always follow logic. They are strong feelings that the brain suppresses and can be influenced by positive emotions. Emotions can be complex and often unpredictable, akin to an ocean with many unknowns. However, they can also be harmful and dangerous.

George peacefully drowned and passed away with a serene smile adorning his countenance, his heart at ease as a prosperous retired gentleman.

As the sun began to rise, a sense of panic filled the air. Rumors swiftly circulated through the academy, until they eventually reached Lucian's ears.

Lucian smirked. "It seems that my pawn made a successful move by sacrificing itself."

Lucian steps out of the carriage, maintaining a composed demeanor as he prepares to make his next move. "I should find Ethan, for further information about the result of the theatre I've created".Lucian steps onto the entrance gate.

"A 1st-year student?." a boy whispered to his friend. 

"He looks like a 1st class person." A group of boys conversed quietly with their peers. 

"Don't look into his eyes, unless you want to become a slave". A group of lower classes started to fear him. Sadly, without them knowing, Lucian isn't an evil that uses others like a dog.

Lucian strode purposefully through the corridors of the gothic academy until he came face to face with Ethan.

"Y-young master, w-where have you gone this entire night, all this night I didn't sleep looking for you". Ethan's expression shifted to one of concern.

Lucian noticed wrinkles on the back of Ethan's clothes. Lucian smiled slyly. 

"Don't be such a caring guy, Tell me everything about the rumor of the mass murder that happened this night". Lucian turned his gaze towards Ethan, his expression icy.

"P-pardon me for my action, it was that, there was a mass murdering happened last night, every kid in that dorm died drowning, and the body was related to asphyxia traits. I'm capable of telling the truth as I'm just a mere butler, not as a person mainly expert in the current situation, it was a closed room's murdering. The guard witnessed nothing outside the dorm, and the window of the dorm was completely in perfect condition, with no signs of breaking. Confidently, the suspect was a water magician, with the belief of still roaming around the academy". Ethan told Lucian everything. 

Lucian smirked once again, but this time his eyes shone like a jade stone. "yeah, the killer still roaming around the academy, but it's only his soul that was left." Lucian pondered within himself.

"I've also heard that all the 6 teachers are having a meeting in the hall, and sadly, young master... You should meet them by today in the hall, I'm sorry for the incapability to present myself under your name volunteer yesterday, a mere butler is nothing in front of them". Ethan felt sorry. 

"No, you did a great job... I wasn't expecting my pawn might lead me to this winning situation, I need this monkey's information after all...Leave the rest to me, you should be gone from my eyesight by now."Lucian's lips curled shaping a sly smile. 

Ethan left Lucian with a proud-looking old man." Y-young master complimented me once again, I'm flattered...no, as an old man, I should remain calm. B-but it was pure coming from the young master's mouth." Ethan flattered. 

"W-wait? Did he just say a pawn? A winning situation?... Hmmm... Maybe I've misheard him, well being an old man is a pain in the ass, what's the point is... Young master did compliment me". Ethan was happily talking to himself, feeling a sense of absolute bliss.

"A coincidence? It's like killing two birds with one stone... I should show my gratitude towards George's dead body later". Lucian smiled.

Despite being allergic to gratitude, George altered Lucian's ego. For Lucian, Gratitude is meaningless, it's only the expectations of further favors. The praise that is born from gratitude is pitiful for the human heart, a heart that is as fragile as a glass will be easily manipulated with kind words along with a kind microexpression.

Lucian walked calmly towards the crime scene, his expression tranquil. His hands rested casually behind his back as he strolled confidently, exuding a mix of charm and self-assuredness.

"Well, I do not like giving and receiving gratitude".

"The last time I've received an honest gratitude...was a year ago...if I'm not mistaken".

"A person who lives by gaining gratitude is the same as a dog, receives their needs for validation and the evidence of their existence, they will be as happy as mere dogs; Easily to be used, easily tamed, and easily killed".

"Therefore, rather than becoming a wolf than a dog, one need not for validation, only to survive is better to be feared than to be loved, it is better to be cunning than to be used".

"A reality to survive simply being feared will last longer than to be loved. Once a wolf makes a joke, the dogs laugh, it's not because the wolf is a funny being, but because the dogs fear what happens to them if they do not fill the wolf's needs".

Lucian sighed, finishing his self-mumbling.

Lucian arrived at the scene, which was packed with concerned, confused, and curious students. He carefully observed the area, hoping to spot any signs of George's carelessness that could indicate a potential suicide. Lucian believed that carelessness was often present at crime scenes, as fate seemed reluctant to hide the truth.

"A detective?". Lucian observed from afar on the crowds, as he saw a man dressed in a classic shirt, with a tie that had a Logo from the Magician Investigation Team (MIT).

Lucian's face displayed a look of curiosity as he raised his left eyebrow, while his hand poised on his chin, deep in thought, attempting to discern the intentions or thoughts of the individual in question.

Lucian was lost in thought while observing the guy.

"His looks were as sharp as the blade along with a focused gaze. Also, he was wearing a classic formal. He had a confident posture, observant demeanor, and lines on his face, maybe from stress or late nights on the job...also, he had wrinkled on the back of his back he was indeed a hard worker".

"A mid-30-year-old guy probably had some experience...Sadly, George did a great job".

"Poor detective...George giving no mercy case to him...".

"I'm indeed a good person, I'll give you another case...soon...yes, very soon".

Suddenly, Lucian smiled while leaving the scene.

"He isn't a pawn, he was indeed a knight...a perfect fork, not just the living up to my expectations, he is the absolute beneficial. Lucian smirked calmly as he spoke to himself, quietly voicing his thoughts.

After checking the crime scene, Lucian must meet with his teacher to determine his assigned class and establish himself as a disciple. The outcome of this meeting will determine the path he will take in the academy.

Lucian values the pursuit of great power above all else, even if it requires sacrificing his own emotions. He is willing to take a path that involves gathering many souls and causing bloodshed to become stronger. His goal is to create a world that aligns with his vision. He was evil, but his heart was indeed a saint.

"Looks like I should clean myself before I meet the teacher's council". Lucian felt an unusual sense of curiosity while being in a good mood.

Lucian entered the dorm and found it empty. He promptly took a shower, his demeanor calm and serene, reminiscent of the evening ocean after the sun had set.

Many believe they possess a comprehensive understanding of psychology, basing this on their knowledge and experiences. They liken the process to that of an orca, which learns from a prey's emotions, perceiving them as its own and using calculation and problem-solving skills to devise hunting strategies. Similarly, Lucian, armed with his knowledge of psychology, consciously examined himself and remained determined. He recognized that maintaining a calm demeanor was integral to concealing non-verbal cues.

Thus, achieving maturity at the age of 15, as his mother had suggested, proved to be more challenging than anticipated. Maturity primarily stems from one's life experiences rather than mere accumulation of knowledge. It is through these experiences that we gain a deeper understanding and empathy for others. However, for this individual, comprehending human nature alone does not guarantee maturity. Understanding such complexities can potentially lead to narcissism, egotism, or further complexity.

Learning about human nature and gaining knowledge can be both enlightening and empowering. However, it is important to maintain a balanced perspective and avoid falling into the trap of becoming a narcissist.

It's natural to feel a boost in self-esteem as you develop a deeper understanding of others and their behaviors that others may not likely notice. Nonetheless, it's crucial to recognize that no one is inherently superior to others. By being keen observers of microexpressions and non-verbal cues, we may inadvertently become blind to our flaws and start judging others while clinging to the false belief that we are the epitome of perfection.

This altered perspective and lack of self-perception can lead to the distortion of reality.

After Lucian finished getting ready, he left the dormitory. Due to the ongoing belief that a serial killer was still at large on the campus, all students were required to stay inside. Despite the situation, Lucian managed to stay calm.

"What a great day, I wonder if this academy had a coffee". Lucian smiled as he admired the serene surroundings of the academy on his way to the teacher's council hall.

Lucian arrived with a neutral expression, glancing at the door with cool detachment. Despite the potential for insults and disdainful glances, he remained unaffected. The negative reception awaiting him felt as insignificant as dogs barking in a cage.

Hence, for him, The monkeys in the room are embroiled in pig's conflicts- conflicts over reputation, power, authority, rankings, and the worthiness of one's existence. They seem to be waiting for their turn to take action but are mostly just making noise without actually doing anything.