Silence was the majority of the void.
[Silence] rarely appeared yet was omnipresent. His form to the world was usually the colossal Leaking World Silent Puppet. But the amusing thing was: any life that witnessed this form was typically assimilated into one of His silent puppets — muted for eternity, never again able to describe their Benefactor's magnificent visage.
So in a sense, He had never descended. At least, few traces remained in the mories of the living.
There were exceptions, of course. A certain fortunate soul protected by [Fate] had morized the Puppet's appearance. Not that he cared to recall it often.
And it was in this soundless, silent domain that the chaotic white eyes opened once more.
[Folly] never shared. [Silence] never expressed. When these two t, they should have simply passed each other by, neither acknowledging the other.
But few existences in this universe could dodge [Folly]'s question. That sa opening rang out again in the silent expanse:
"Do you think your foolish act will have an answer?"
"..."
"Why is the universe foolish?
Why does [Void] fear?
Where did I hide my authority?
And what did [Deceit] promise you?
Surely you don't think that by staying silent, I can't find answers from you?
[Silence], don't think a feigned attempt at assimilation can wash your hands of involvent. I know you're in league with [Deceit].
It seems [Void]'s secrets have grown too nurous... generating fear even in you."
The chaotic white eyes stared hard at the Silent Puppet, but the enormous figure was perfectly still — like a soulless husk, showing not the slightest reaction.
[Folly] frowned slightly and gave it a sidelong glance.
"You disdain mortals' lack of wisdom, and so you refuse to open your mouth to enlighten them.
I know your pride far surpasses mine. So the thing that could make even [Chaos]'s endga afraid...
[Origin] has already descended once, hasn't He?"
"..."
"Fool unaware of own folly."
Seeing the Puppet still unmoving, the white eyes left a trail of contempt and departed once more.
No sooner had [Folly] left than [Deceit] arrived.
When those familiar starlit eyes opened in the silent domain, the Silent Puppet — which hadn't twitched an inch monts ago — retreated half a step in what passed for "a show of respect."
He wasn't afraid. He just wanted to leave.
Out of sight, out of mind. [Folly] was botherso too, but being a fellow [Chaos], [Silence] understood Him. As long as He stayed unresponsive, the other would eventually leave.
But this thing before Him now...
"Heh~
Why do you reek of [Folly]?
He was here?
What did He ask?
Forget that — what did you say?
You didn't go blabbing our little secret, did you, mute?"
"..."
"What, trying to flee?
Take one more step and I'll tell everyone you know [Void]'s secrets. Try ."
"...?"
'Who exactly is keeping whose secret?'
'If you spill it, who loses more?'
'I dare you to— ...ugh, forget it.'
The enormous Puppet's form twitched. He placed the half-retreated foot back down.
This wasn't practicing self-will or offering devotion to the supre. It was synchronizing with [Deceit]'s fear, reinforcing the confidence within His own heart.
That's right. [Silence] really was in the Fear Faction.
Just as [Folly] had guessed, He knew too many secrets — so many that fear was constantly fernting within Him.
[Deceit] also knew this companion, who had walked the path of fear for so long, could never turn back. So He spoke freely of His discoveries, utterly unconcerned about being overheard.
Because this was [Silence]'s domain. He would silence every word that shouldn't reach the outside.
But He didn't expect the very first sentence to plunge Him into silence yet again.
"I think [Corruption] may have a problem. A big problem..."
...
The void. The Fire Passing Hall.
Today's silence perated the universe. Even the Torchbearers felt its influence. The three people in the hall stared at one another wordlessly, their expressions varied.
Fang Shiqing, who'd just arrived, looked in shock from Qin Xin seated behind the desk to the uneasy figure standing before it. She blinked several tis before regaining composure.
"What are you talking about? Leaving? Why leave?"
She stared at the figure, brow tightly furrowed:
"The Torchbearers will never abandon a comrade. If you're facing a crisis, speak up. Even if Qin Xin can't solve it, surely the Fla of Hope can?"
"..."
The figure stood with head lowered, enduring the chastisent without a word.
Fang Shiqing's face hardened. She turned to Qin Xin:
"One of them won't talk, fine. Have you gone mute too?
What could possibly force soone out?
Qin Xin, since the Torchbearers' founding, there has never been an exit chanism. Are you serious about what you said today?"
"..."
The heavily armored Qin Xin leaned back in his chair, knuckles rapping the desk repeatedly. After a long pause, he sighed: "It wasn't
who said it."
Fang Shiqing froze, then her expression grew even graver. She turned back and said coldly: "Then it was you. Why do you want to leave?"
The figure attempted a smile, but seeing Fang Shiqing's stern face, pressed their lips together: "I'm no longer suited to be a City Defender."
"Suited or not is for everyone to judge — not for you to conclude through self-denial."
Fang Shiqing stood with arms crossed, furious at the lack of fighting spirit, like a dean lecturing a student. She knew this wasn't how to treat a comrade, but this situation infuriated her. There was even a flicker of fear in her heart.
They'd weathered the most fragile tis. Why, now that things were getting "better," would division appear in their ranks?
Was the path of passing the torch destined to be fraught with hardship?
But giving up wasn't in Fang Shiqing's nature. She pressed on:
"Even if you're not suited for City Defender, what about City Builder? You could transfer."
"My principles don't align with the City Builders."
"?"
Fang Shiqing's breath hitched. Her eyebrows shot up. She rolled up her sleeves, clearly ready to throw hands. The figure backed up a step, lips firmly sealed, refusing to "apologize":
"It's the truth! City Builders value pioneering spirit. I don't have that courage."
"Then explain how City Defenders, who emphasize steadfastness, aren't suited for you!"
"It's
who isn't suited for the City Defenders..." The figure corrected her phrasing, then muttered softly: "Everyone is committed to protecting beauty. But I think only protecting beauty in this world isn't... In short, vice and wicked desires never yield the road for beauty. re guarding isn't enough to save this world!"
Fang Shiqing laughed in anger. She glared at this familiar yet unfamiliar silhouette:
"Then what do you want?"
The figure clenched a fist, eyes turning resolute: "I want to purge the things that aren't beautiful. Sweep them all into the trash. They don't deserve to enjoy beauty. They don't deserve to live in its shelter."
"You want to pass judgnt on others under the Torchbearers' na!?"
The figure raised their chin, absolute in their resolve: "I won't dirty the Torchbearers' na. So I've decided to leave."
"Request denied. The mont you chose to consult , your decision lost its force."
Qin Xin rapped the table, steadying the dazed Fang Shiqing and settling the matter in one stroke.
"I'm a heartless boss. I'm short-handed right now. So I won't let you go.
City Defenders guard the good. City Builders seek the new. You want neither? Then we'll call you a City Breaker.
The world changes constantly. The Torchbearers can't fall behind.
If you want to lance the world's festering wounds, then go ahead. Go try to tear down the walls that can no longer bear their weight.
Torchbearers' hands don't avoid blood. They avoid pointless blood.
But rember: never let desire rule you again. And never let the arrow called 'good' in your hand earn you a na of 'evil.'
Today's eting is adjourned. Everyone, back to work.
I'll find a new Fire Seeker for the City Breaker role. But until the new Fire Seeker is in place, you may not recruit any City Breakers."
"But there's one who—"
"I said: you may not recruit any City Breakers.
If he truly wants to join us, have him consider the City Defenders or City Builders."
Qin Xin's figure vanished from the hall. The remaining two exchanged glances and fell silent once more.
"Sister Qing, I..."
"No matter what, you remain one of the beautiful things I've witnessed with my own eyes. I believe in you. And I believe in the City Breakers."
...
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