The Moonlight Swordsman



"Who are you?"

"I am you; you are me."

"What is this place, then?"

The doppelganger Aizel scanned their surroundings before locking eyes with Aizel once again.

"This is the place we set up as a precaution with our power; this is the place where your first major upgrade will be held.

"Reaching Grade III is your first major upgrade, then Grade V is your second, and then Grade XI comes last.

"Every upgrade will unlock more potential in our power that we can use without drawbacks," Doppelganger said.

"So, I will be able to use more power.

"Hehe good good, there are so many things I wanted to try but couldn't because of the core," Aizel commented.

"Do you think you deserve it?"

"What do you mean I deserve it? I set up this right?"

"Yes, but do you deserve it? What are you even doing? Do you even know who you have become?

"If I had known I would become like this, I would have taken another precaution before using this step,

"Just look at you scum, enjoying your life while wiping some inferior being's asses, feeling excitement after seeing some insects fighting with each other,

"Making a woman shield, acting weak and timid, I can literally go on and on and still I will not stop.

"You are not worthy to wield my power; and until I feel like you are, I won't let you upgrade the core.

"I am the greatest being ever born; everyone is beneath me; grow up, scum.

"I am only unlocking your first portion of memories for the time being; I hope my personality will change. Now get lost."

A torrent of memories washed over Aizel as his eyes opened, overwhelming his mind with images from his life.

He saw flashes of his childhood—some memories still missing, but many more coming back to him.

He realized that he had hardly any friends, with Alora being the only constant in every memory.

He saw glimpses of his supposed mother spending time with him, taking trips to grand, opulent cities, and treating others with disdain.

Aizel's consciousness shifted to a grand hall, where he lay dozing off on a plush couch.

Suddenly, a group of guards burst into his peace, followed by a group of people who immediately fell to their knees, tears streaming down their faces and noses running.

They looked at Aizel's mother with deep worry, pleading for something in an almost desperate manner.

"Please Goddess, help us; the monsters have already destroyed many homes and cities. They are taking women with them while killing everybody; please save our town.

"They gave us the warning that we are next."

"Aizel, go and help these poor souls and help everyone."

Aizel rose slowly from his comfortable couch, stretching his arms out and taking a minute to gather his thoughts. With a deep breath, he began to make his way towards the exit.

"Wait for me, Aizel; I am coming too."

Aizel's consciousness turned to face Alora. She was no longer the tiny girl he remembered, but a grown woman of amazing beauty.

"You, guide us," Alora spoke.

"Thank you for helping us, your highness."

Aizel's surroundings abruptly changed, and he and Alora found themselves in the middle of a sea of creatures.

It was difficult to even call it a horde, as the sheer number of monsters was staggering. He could see different types of creatures, some clad in armor and wielding weapons, looking like generals commanding their minions.

"You brought some kids to save yourself? hahahahah…"

They laughed at the sight of two young teenagers standing before them.

"What the two of you can even do…"

"That's right…"

"That girl has some nice meat, let's share her tonight…

Aizel approached the horde of monsters with a calm and steady gait, his face expressionless as he surveyed the sea of creatures before him. He lifted his right hand and snapped his fingers with a resounding click.

*Burst* *Burst* *Burst* *Burst*

*Burst* *Burst* *Burst* *Burst*

*Burst* *Burst* *Burst* *Burst*

*Burst* *Burst* *Burst* *Burst*

....

With a simple snap of his fingers, every monster exploded like balloons, their blood and guts raining down from the sky.

Only a few generals remained, terrified and frightened as they watched their army be destroyed.

Aizel continued to walk towards them, and as he did, a barrier repelled the blood from touching him, leaving him completely unscathed.

He advanced toward the generals with a deadly stare, causing heavy pressure to weigh down on them and forcing them to kneel before him. His pitch-black eyes seemed to hold a hypnotic power, as if capable of devouring their very souls.

"What happened?"

"Why are you not barking?" He spoke

With another snap, the generals burst one by one.

As the scene shifted once again, Aizel found himself standing before his mother, who wore a gentle smile on her face. Her pure white hand caressed his cheek as she spoke to him.

"I am proud of you."

"I didn't do it for the people; it was just what you told me, so I acted. I don't care for any inferior being," Aizel said.

*pop*

As the memory faded, Aizel became aware of his surroundings once again.

He was lying in his apartment, tears flowing down his cheeks, softly touching the spot where his mother's hand had previously rested.

Aizel gradually opened his eyes and made his way towards the living room. Alora was still engrossed in the K-drama, and he approached her before suddenly collapsing onto her lap, causing her to jump in surprise.

Alora's gaze shifted from the K-drama on the TV screen to Aizel, who was sound asleep on her lap. A tender smile crept onto her lips as she softly stroked his head, taking in the peaceful expression on his face.

"So your memories started to appear once again. Sleep well, my Aizel."

Aizel awoke from his slumber to find himself on Alora's lap. As she caressed his head, she smiled gently at the peaceful expression on his face. He'd been asleep for a full 24 hours, and he glanced at her in a haze as he slowly rose up.

Suddenly, a look of disgust flashed across his face, and he spoke, "Go and take a shower first,"