Chapter 21: My Lord, What Do You Mean by Freedom?

  In this world of existence and being, everything competes for one thing: survival in a cruel world. Though perhaps "cruel" is not the right word—after all, the origin of cruelty is ourselves, not the world.

  Since the moment we open our eyes to this realm, we are faced with a truth. Whether we accept it or deny it, nothing changes, because we are always moving toward it.

  To survive, one must eat. And where does food come from? Heh heh... from energy! A clear and simple truth. Only a complete fool would fail to grasp it.

  The sun freely grants us its life-giving energy. Plants convert that energy into a new form—one that allows them to grow, reproduce, and ensure the continuation of their kind. All the while, they battle each other in silent struggles for resources, competing or even uniting to ensure their survival. And once again, it all comes down to energy and resources...

  Other beings feed on these plants to obtain energy, giving rise to a new tier of living creatures—consumers who feed on producers. Heh heh... the tale grows more sorrowful still with the emergence of another class: the apex of the food chain, beings with greater access to time and energy.

  It is encoded in the very genes of all living creatures to pursue energy for survival and reproduction. It cannot be altered. Without it... would life remain?

  With energy, lifeless elements gained vitality. With energy, truths were changed and laws rewritten. With energy, life endured and reproduction was secured. With energy, positions shifted and the poor became rich. With energy, the superior arose—and so, the defeated and the victors emerged. One devours, and one is devoured. All for energy... even if they remain unaware of it.

  It was energy that gave meaning to proteins, sugars, fats, and genetic material. Energy that sustained the life of cells. And again, it all returns to energy... simply shifting, changing form and location endlessly.

  Is not the movement of particles itself proof of the truth of energy?

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  Yes. Now, I am the master of that energy. So am I not the one who sits atop it all, controlling every chain?

  ---

  In the endless darkness, beams of light gathered, forming a radiant face.

  The humanoid visage spoke, addressing the grand being before it: “My Lord, is it truly right to release them once more? How long has it been? The lifespan of a hundred stars? Or a hundred galaxies?”

  The dark being turned to him with tired eyes and responded: “Elowhim, know that there is a reason behind every one of our acts. Until its time comes, nothing shall be revealed. We hope that on that day, we shall witness the light of liberation. Yet we know well that, should they become aware of us, hiding once more will be most difficult—we may never know rest again, except in dreams.”

  Elowhim bowed and sought forgiveness. And once the voice of pardon echoed, he dared to ask: “Forgive my boldness, my Lord... but what knowledge did you grant that young one?”

  The dark being, with a harsh and silent voice, replied: “We gave him what all know and are dimly aware of—but since they never pursue it in thought, they always ignore it, save for the wise among them who do not tire of pondering the nature of existence. Indeed, we showed no favoritism—only they, through their own meager minds, believed themselves wise and powerful. And so their pride became the cause of their downfall. Whoever grows arrogant in their own knowledge is but a fool—just as those who deemed themselves wise fell into the pit behind the ignorant.”

  With eager flattery, Elowhim praised him: “Mighty one, before your throne even the great are hidden—there is no place for boasting in your presence. O Lord, might you grant this humble servant even a droplet from the sea of your knowledge?”

  The dark being fell silent, simply gazing at him. When Elowhim met that cold, piercing gaze, his hands trembled, and regret overcame him.

  “My Lord, punish me—for I am unworthy of your mercy—”

  Before he could finish, the dark being turned into black smoke and gradually vanished before his eyes. With a voice choked in remorse and sorrow, he whispered:

  “May the crimson tongue that beheaded the braggarts burn… O my Lord, what did you truly mean by freedom? Freedom from what chains?”

  ---

  For days, Primer processed and absorbed this vast knowledge. On the fourteenth day, he finally mastered it. More than knowledge, it felt like experience—like absorbing someone else's memories and digesting them.

  He slowly sat down on a stone, trembling and drained of energy, staring at the blood spilled on the ground, lost in thought.

  Suddenly, an idea struck him. He raised his hand and cast a spell to gather the blood. The blood formed a black-crimson sphere, which Primer then transferred into his inner realm.

  Joyfully, he began checking the creatures within his realm and ensured their well-being. But upon returning to the real world and observing the creatures there, his eyes widened and his body froze.

  He saw something he never expected in a million years.