Treatise Of A Failed Knight-Chapter 225: Kindred Spirits

"You are here, Knight."

When I enter the room, I notice that Kalakuta is seated on a simple mat, having a humble demeanor and a calm smile.

His presence no longer seems overwhelming, and there is no savagery in his countenance.

His ebony skin glistens like gold, or perhaps bronze, and his long braided hair cascades down his face without any string holding them together.

He wears a fur robe that covers his body, but parts of his bulging chest and strong arms are still evident, and I can see the scars they hold.

The room is simple, although vast.

I imagine this used to be one of the Imperial Quarters, since we now dwell in the Imperial Palace.

’It seems he got rid of all the designs and simply left it plain...’ My thoughts calmly trail in observation.

Although I notice his gaze on me, and I know he must have noticed my keen observation of his quarters, he doesn’t say anything to explain himself or what he has done with the place.

He simply basks in the silence and lets me come to my conclusion.

"Please, sit."

He points to the space opposite him, where a mat is also laid out flat. Its design is simple as well, and the quality is certainly not inferior to the one Kalakita sits on.

But, it’s still a taxing thing for me.

I prefer comfortable seats or sofas, but it’s not like I can complain about that at the moment.

I take my seat.

Once I settle down, silence envelops the room for a moment. I keep my face down, staring at the ground, while I feel his eyes on me.

’Why did he call for me? Information on the other Great Nations? But the other two should know just as much as I do, and they will certainly be easier to convince.’

While mulling over these things, I hear a soft grunt from Kalakuta.

"Why do you keep your gaze low?"

"Hmm?"

My expression twists in confusion.

"Why do you not look me in the eye? I am a human like you. I have the same flesh and blood that you do. We share the same ancestors per the tale of creation. So why do you feel alienated from me?"

’...?’

"Look at me, Knight."

I sigh and obey, raising my gaze until I meet his own. Much to my surprise, it is rather tranquil and friendly.

I see no iota of enmity within it.

’Is this really the same guy that killed me twice and would have killed me once more?’

I can’t help but ask myself this.

It turns out I wasn’t seeing things when I first entered the room. The friendly demeanor of this man is certainly no fluke.

In that case—

"Why did you call for me?" I finally ask him the question on my mind.

All I know at the moment is that the Trial Sequence wants this outcome. If it didn’t, I wouldn’t have regressed so close to the shore, and I also would have regressed once all three of us were caught.

There is certainly something here for me.

’But whether it is killing Kalakuta in close proximity like this, or taking back the Northern Empire from the inside out, or whatever else, I simply have to wait and see.’ I suppress a frown and wait for his response, which he takes a few seconds to make.

"Why, huh?" Kalaluta murmurs, a complex expression on his face. "I suppose I just wanted to ask you a few things."

’I see. Extracting information, huh?’

"What do you think about freedom?"

"... What?"

The question catches me off-guard the moment I hear it.

What? Freedom?

Why would he ask me such a thing?

Regardless of my thoughts and feelings on the matter, I must answer. Since there are no evident stakes in terms of what a ’correct’ answer should look like, I decide to simply share my own honest thoughts.

"Freedom, true freedom, is the ability to pursue whatever it is you desire. I don’t think there is such a thing as freedom in the absolute sense. We are humans in the end, and there are things which will remain impossible for us to do until the end of time. But... freedom should entail the ability to—

"—To try."

Kalakuta nods and completes my sentence for me. His grin grows broader as a dazed expression slowly starts to form on my face.

"Humans do not possess the strength to carry large boulders or breathe flames from their lips. But certain humans in the past desired to do this, and whether through accident or intentional experimentation, they developed Potions that allow us to achieve such effects. Isn’t it fascinating? Whatever we deem as impossible should not limit our ability to try."

I nod in agreement.

Humans cannot fly, but there surely exists a Potion formula that solves this problem.

But if we did not have the freedom to try to achieve these things, or pursue them without hearts, would humans ever discover them?

The answer is no.

Thus, Freedom is an ideal... but it also breathes innovation into the world.

To those who dare to dream, they will surely change humanity’s standards of what is truly possible and what should remain in the realm of imagination.

"I believe everyone is born with this innate right. The right to freedom—to pursue whatever it is that they desire without the restrictions of others."

"...."

"But this world we live in rejects that notion and instead insists on roles and limitations for everyone. There is a ceiling for wealth when it comes to individuals who aren’t Nobles. There are certain occupations you cannot gain without approval from a superior. Corruption and all manner of superficial restraints continue to fester in society because certain people truly believe they have a right to more freedom than others. All are born free, yet some are more free than others."

"...."

"I... reject such a world."

My eyes narrow as I stare at him with a hint of surprise but also intrigue.

This man... just what is he driving at?

"I was born as a slave of the Empire, and I spent years of my life working hard to earn my freedom. I wasn’t the only one. I watched my friends and family die many times over. I survived because of my unique physique, carrying the burden and guilt of their lives and deaths. I was lost back then. I fought in wars. Slaughtered my brothers and sisters just to gain the recognition of my so-called superiors. But one day I realized the truth: these people are human too. They aren’t better than me. But I had believed that for so long because the world had told me that they were. Many people live like this. They are under the rule of dictators and corrupt leaders. They let others make choices that affect them and continuously live their lives according to the machinations of others. They truly believe that this is their fate, the extent of their life’s potential. But... I wish to show them that it doesn’t have to be this way."

"Is that why you started this war?"

Kalakuta shakes his head.

"War is always a terrible thing. War has always existed. I am merely participating in it, using this vile language of theirs to fulfill a truly noble cause."

I keep my sights on Kalakuta as he speaks.

It seems like he truly believes in the words he is speaking.

Honestly, you don’t get to see people like this very often—adults who still view the world in such a manner and truly live their lives in the pursuit of such an ideal.

Not only for themselves, but others as well.

As children, we all have a certain arrogance in our thought processes.

Everyone believes they can change the world.

But it is rare for an adult to hold onto that ideal, especially after seeing the ugliness of life.

’He mentioned being a slave before, and having a desire to reform the world. He seeks true freedom for all...’ My thoughts grow solemn as I truly consider his statement.

If that’s the case, then—

"What is your end goal? How do you envision the ideal world where freedom exists for all?"

Kalakuta smiles once he hears my question.

I have thought of this many times in the past.

He must have also thought of it.

I smile.

’So tell me your answer.’

"I wish to bring down all the existing governments in this world. They are too corrupt, and they control the lives of others, selling them a false reality that they ought not to live by. Why must people work all their lives for others just to receive sustenance when there is sufficient land to yield food for everyone to eat? Why must all the great resources of the world be hoarded by a small elite? Why can all not enjoy the vastness of the world?"

"I see..."

"We should all be able to do what it is that we want to do. Or, at the very least, be able to try. If a man seeks to eat, he should be able to eat if he tries to. If he wants to travel, so far as he is willing to put in the effort, he should be able to achieve his objective and go wherever he wishes. If two people love each other, they should be able to consolidate their union if they so desire—irrespective of who they are. But the world we live in is too perverse to allow such a thing."

I agree.

At least, to a large extent.

How many people have starved to death in this world? Was it that they didn’t want to eat?

No.

But they simply could not.

They either lost their jobs and became homeless, or they suffered certain disabilities that made them incapable of providing for their own sustenance due to being useless for those they work for.

What about travel?

There are many restrictions in terms of where one can go in this world.

Why?

Why should such limitations exist?

Were we not all born into this world as rightful citizens? Are we not all humans? Why then am I restricted from entering a certain land?

Why can I not leave my own borders?

These are all good questions.

Freedom...

To obtain such a thing is akin to having grand wings and soaring the world with the ability to traverse every obstacle in your path.

Choosing your own direction and staying true to your choices without room for resistance.

This is the ideal.

Reality, however, is different.

’Ever since I was plunged into the world of the Leviathans, I have come to realize how foolish my past ideals were.’ I sigh deeply, a look of sadness on my face. ’I was never going to attain freedom as a human. Even if I worked hard and strived towards that goal, I would only obtain an illusion of it.’

Freedom—true freedom—belongs to the Leviathans.

They are the ones who move the world.

’But maybe things can be different in this world. From my knowledge, it doesn’t seem like there are any Leviathans in this Trial Scenario. Since it’s like that, I suppose this is all a human issue that can be solved by human efforts.’ I feel a stirring inside me.

A calling.

That thing I was never able to achieve in the real world... Is it possible to do so here?

If I truly try... Can it be achieved?

"Knight... I will admit that you are exceptional. Based on what I have heard about you, your strength is certainly unreal and mysterious—just like mine."

"You want me to join you?"

"Yes." Kalakuta states plainly. "Join the Freedom Fighters. Become our brother and help us liberate this world."

For a moment, I enter into silence.

To be truthful, I never expected this outcome.

I didn’t think Kalakuta would be this kind of person and would remind me so much of myself. His resolve is strong and he possesses the strength to act on it.

I want to believe in this man and his words.

For you see...

... We are like kindred spirits.

"Fine..." I let out a sigh while smiling.

"I will join you."

I never had any loyalty to the Northern Empire or any of the other Nations anyway.

I simply want to complete my Apotheosis.

Since this is the route that the Trial scenario is taking me on, I believe my choice is the correct one.

Besides, if I follow Kalakuta, I can still succeed in my ultimate goal. 𝕗𝚛𝚎𝚎𝐰𝗲𝗯𝗻𝚘𝚟𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝕞

—The Great Bridgeworks.

’It will facilitate ease of travel and transportation. If Kalakuta succeeds and the world is plunged into an era of uncertainty, the construction will become a necessity to achieve the freedom he desires.’

Most importantly, I believe this conversation has given me a new perspective regarding Kalaluta and the Freedom Fighters.

They aren’t the villains.

Kalakuta is not the antagonist I thought he was. That means it isn’t necessary to eliminate him for the sake of Tyrrion and Enrydral.

Since he is a named character, he is relevant to the story.

"May I ask why you have made this decision?" Kalakuta asks with a continuous smile on his face.

Perhaps he is surprised by my sudden change of heart, considering my identity as an Imperial Knight.

Maybe he doesn’t yet trust me.

None of those matter.

I have decided.

"Your words have moved me. I truly believe in the same ideals of freedom that you do, and more than anything... I want to see this world prosper. If following you will achieve that, then I will gladly do so."

Kalakuta lets out a loud chuckle at this point.

"Well said, brother. But you got one thing wrong. You are not following me... neither am I following you. We are all free. We all follow the path we walk on. It just so happens we are traveling on the same road, towards the same goal of freedom."

I smile and nod at his words.

"True."

"Thank you, brother." Kalakuta places a hand on my shoulder and gives me a sincere smile.

I nod and return his sentiment with my own.

"Of course!" Brilliance sparks in my eyes as I feel a surge of youthful determination gush within my soul.

"Let’s change the world together... brother.".