Shadow Slave

Human homes were like a titan. They were full of countless things. From the floor panels to the smallest trivialities, each thing had been designed and created by someone. The materials used in the creation of the things had been produced by someone else. Vehicles that someone had assembled transported them over roads that someone had built.

The amount of effort and life hiding in each human home was staggering. The scale of it was so inconceivable that Mordret could only compare it to something he was more familiar with - an abomination so vast that its mere existence was a calamity.

But really, the waking world was so much more than that. The only creature it could truly be compared to was a god.

'A dead god, maybe.'

Humans were like ants, but he could easily imagine them as carrion worms wriggling as they feasted on a divine corpse.

He could imagine it vividly.

"Honey! Come eat!"

Mordret was looking at the world through the child's eyes.

He put down his toys and ran to the kitchen. He climbed on a chair and grinned at his mother. He made a face at the plate full of expensive, naturally grown vegetables and pouted.

He allowed himself to be coaxed into eating some.

'...I can't taste it.'

Mordret felt a slight disappointment as he studied the mother's face. She was looking at him with a smile. Her eyes were brimming with affection.

Being loved by someone was a novel feeling. But what would it feel like to love someone instead?

and caring for the kid. Would it feel rewarding? Would

an easy way

Mordret stifled his curiosity and

listened to the news. There was a propaganda report

en route to the Southern Quadrant, the heroic warriors of the First Evacuation Army are continuing to consolidate their forces on the continent. Just a few days ago, the relocation of refugees from the impregnable siege capital of Falcon Scott was successfully concluded. Under the valiant leadership of Saint Tyris

mention of a familiar name. Sky Tide was still alive, it seemed. He was satisfied... among all the Saints he wished to kill, she was

But she had also indirectly helped him escape.

won't have to

human child. He experienced the heat of summer, the warmth of being cared for by a loving mother, the delight of playing with friends, and the excitement of learning letters

all fun, but he quickly

other would have loved it,

mood turn dangerous at the thought, he chased it

the kid that he never felt sad. But he was not completely emotionless. There were things he could feel: satisfaction,

And hatred, of course.

his traitorous father and Asterion,

No sense in thinking

attention back on the

stupid, as expected from a child. The child only saw the mother's smile, but Mordret saw what was hidden

Worry. Fatigue. Loneliness. Fear.

days of idle observation, he left the child and hid within

face when she was with

changing. The distant war was already affecting the daily lives of the citizens... her friends, her neighbors, her family - everyone was tense, as if

people had left with the First Evacuation Army. Even more enlisted and sailed away with

from her immediate circle being