Because It Is Light

Lango floated there, silently watching it all unfold. He could not move to stop it, for Rayan's "betrayal" at this precise moment had seized the perfect timing. If he acted now to obliterate Rayan under the authority of their contract, not only would the spirit of Light continue pouring into Neo, but it would also break his own final seal. Because in the seals placed upon himself, Rayan had originally assisted and participated. If that seal were broken as well, he would be permanently trapped at the level of strength he had used when previously fighting Neo. Originally, by continually elevating this body to adapt to the real world, he would have been able to gradually unfreeze and absorb his formidable soul power. Neo felt comfortable right now—immensely comfortable. So comfortable that both his body and soul felt warm and cozy, like soaking in a hot bath surrounded by swirling steam, everything just right. Then, he heard the sound of flowing water. Opening his eyes, a white membrane appeared in his vision, and on the other side of it, some kind of scene seemed to be playing out. This membrane was the instinctive defense of Neo's spiritual consciousness. However, Neo stepped forward of his own accord, entering the scene. A stream was flowing. Neo saw an elderly man in a white robe sitting on the grass, recounting stories of the Light to the children seated around him. These "people"—if one could call them people for now—had skin that held an unusual luster, and their bodies swayed slightly with every movement. Neo knew these were the soul bodies from the world inside the Gate. Karen had once described their appearance to him as resembling a type of gel. "This is where I first comprehended the Light." Rayan's voice came from behind Neo. Right after, he walked up beside Neo. He was clad in a white robe with silver hair, appearing middle-aged and plain, yet he gave off the weathered demeanor of an old man. "I thought you wouldn't come out. I only wanted to savor my memories one last time before my consciousness dispersed; I never planned to invite you to watch. Besides, weren't you afraid that after your spiritual consciousness stepped out, I might attack you?" "When I sensed the aura of Light emanating from you down at the foot of the hill, I knew you wouldn't attack me. Sometimes, a beam of light is worth countless explanations." "Actually, at first I only knew there was a priest of Light on this island. But I never imagined you would be this remarkable. In you, I sense the purest affinity for the Light." "Feelings can be deceiving," Neo said. "Light cannot." Walking forward, Rayan signaled for Neo to follow. "Rest assured, Lango won't attack you again, nor will the two of you fight any further. He won't break his final seal just to kill you—that is a price he cannot afford. He will definitely cut his losses. Just like the metaphor in that remark you made earlier—I liked it very much." "Which metaphor?" "A person who likes drinking ice water might occasionally claim his favorite drink is coffee. Lango will always drink ice water; he will never change." "Oh, that." "Did you hear what I just said? This is where I first came into contact with the Light." "Among these children, which one is you?" "I'm not among them. Originally I was, but because I came back to look at my memories too many times, my figure gradually faded away. Now there is no me left in the memory scene." "Fascinating." "Yes, fascinating, yet also very real. Often, when we look back on our past selves, it feels like looking at a stranger." "What's next?" "What do you mean, next?" "The scenes from your memory?" "Oh, this is all." "This is all? I thought it would be like a comic strip. Do you know what a comic strip is?" "We are communicating through soul consciousness right now. I don't know what specific term 'comic strip' refers to, but I can perceive the image of what you are describing. "I'm sorry, there are no more. "If you hadn't come out, I would have slowly walked through the memories of my entire life and watched them all once more. But since you came out, seeing this is enough. "Because I worry that after you absorb my spirit of Light, watching my whole life would have an adverse effect on you. An unfamiliar power sometimes naturally splits off a corresponding consciousness representing it. "That would be dangerous for you; it's not good." "Actually, I don't really mind that kind of influence. Over the past ten years, that's basically how I've lived." Neo understood that Rayan was worried he would suffer a "split consciousness," just like the changes he had experienced after devouring Philias's body. Rayan was trying to prevent such a thing from happening. "Why willingly bring unnecessary trouble upon yourself? I've spent my entire life inside the Gate; there really isn't much to see." "All right, then." Rayan sat down on the ground, and Neo followed suit. "Once, inside the Gate, I found some extremely ancient notes. In them, I read that in the world outside the Gate, our Church of Light was the foremost faith, its Light illuminating the world." "Mm, I know that inside the Gate, the Church of Samsara is the foremost faith." "Yes, that's how it is inside the Gate. But thankfully, although the Church of Samsara suppresses other churches inside, they never went too far. Or perhaps, over untold years, everyone inside simply grew used to it. "It was only until recently that the Church of Samsara inside the Gate began severely cracking down on believers of Order—even massacring them." "Heh," Neo chuckled. "Only later did I learn—oh, so Samsara outside the Gate was beaten to the ground by Order." Neo didn't pick up that topic, asking instead, "When did you learn that the Church of Light outside the Gate had already perished?" "Quite a while ago. You know, although the Gate of Samsara is closed most of the time, some news always manages to seep in. But I didn't feel sorrow over the demise of the Church of Light." "Because you felt no attachment to it?" "Because I felt it didn't matter." Rayan stroked his knee. "Because I can still see the Fire of Light in my palm." "I can somewhat understand your mindset." "What about you? In the world outside now, believers of the Light... oh no, are we called Light remnants?" "Yes." "How has your life been?" "Pretty good. Even when unhappy things happen, I still find ways to make myself happy." "Right, that's how it should be. Just like the gazes and smiles of those children. That storytelling elder was my first teacher, my guide. Though he remained merely a God's Servant until his death, a single sentence he spoke stays etched in my mind to this day. "He said that when he strained with all his might and finally managed to condense a wisp of the Fire of Light, he felt the true Light in the smiling eyes of us children. "Life can take many forms, but no matter what happens, we must actively pursue our own happiness. And when you can bring joy to others, in that moment, you yourself are the Light. "Does what I'm saying sound terribly cliché?" "A little, but I understand. You're speaking from the heart." "Yes, exactly. I'm about to disperse, so there's no need to speak falsehoods. If I can't even convince myself, I won't say it. Well, time is running out; it's almost finished." "I'm sorry. Because of my intrusion, you didn't get to review your memories one last time." "No matter how good old memories are, they are old after all. They will never compare to new developments. Just like light—only when it shines can one truly see it appear." "I will remember what you've told me. Actually, among the other Light remnants I've encountered, most of them are quite good people." "Of course." Rayan wore a matter-of-fact expression. "The Church of Light has already perished. Unless someone possesses truly pure faith, they wouldn't bother believing in the Light anymore." ... The last wisp of white light sank into Neo's body, and Neo opened his eyes. By now, the power binding his body had vanished. He stretched out lazily, fixing Lango with an unmistakable, provocative stare. Rayan floated before him—the sole remaining trace of his spiritual consciousness. Yet this presence was steadily disappearing, like a piece of ice tossed under the summer sun, destined to melt into water and evaporate completely. "Lango, did you see?" "I saw." "Lango, inside the Gate, we once shared the same wish, pure as our soul bodies. As a friend, I hope you can turn back into the Lango I once knew." "Some things cannot be changed. In this world, distinguishing right from wrong is simple, but acting according to right and wrong is exceedingly difficult, even unrealistic. "Just a few days ago, two commanders from our church immolated themselves before my eyes. "When we choose whom we want to defend and protect, have we ever considered that our choice has long since ceased to be about right or wrong, leaving only distinctions of faction?" Rayan answered, "That is the beginning of decay. When a church ceases to be guided by its god and begins to think purely from a selfish perspective, it means it is losing its divinity." "The world outside the Gate is vast. It is reality, far more complicated than you imagine, Rayan. A year has passed—can you sense the slightest possibility or trace that the faith of Light will revive? "Under the joint suppression of numerous Orthodox Churches, the Church of Light will only sink deeper into oblivion." "That is why we need gods—why we need a god to designate our path, haha." Rayan chuckled. "The Church of Light has perished, but if its demise can make the Light purer, I believe it is worth it. "Light... one should never describe it in terms of strength or weakness. "The blazing midday sun can never touch people's hearts like the hope of dawn or the languor of dusk. "You say you are defending and protecting—could it possibly be that this is also a form of betrayal and banishment?" "Rayan, whether we are right or wrong will take time to produce results and prove." "Then what do you intend to do?" Rayan asked. "I mean, next." Lango answered bluntly, "I will leave." At this point, the power he had gained from releasing that seal had mostly leaked away, while Neo had received a marked boost. The balance of power between them had shifted once again—a clear addition-and-subtraction change. "Don't leave!" Neo laughed. "I really feel like having a good fight with someone right now." "This island is currently in Samsara's hands, but I won't mobilize an army against you now because I see no need. Perhaps we can be friends now." "If I had caught you earlier and pinned you in that posture, I think I'd be somewhat interested in being friends now." "Is that a refusal?" "Could it possibly be an acceptance?" "Keep hiding, then, just as you did before—find a place on this island to hide." Lango's figure was enveloped in a mist of gray light. "If the army discovers you, I won't be courteous." "Don't run! If you've got the guts, stay and fight! Come on, let's keep fighting! Whoever runs is a rat! I despise people who run when they can't win the most—humiliating!" Lango left, and Neo did not try to keep him. The former was unwilling to continue pouring enormous, unrecoverable costs into a failed investment, while the latter knew very well that forcing the issue would only push his opponent to actively break the final seal and kill him. It was precisely because of this mutual restraint that their earlier fierce conflict dissolved into mere verbal bickering, like two hounds barking at each other through a fence. Though both knew the gate was unlocked, neither was willing to push it open. Once Lango's form faded away, Neo immediately cradled Rayan's consciousness in both hands and departed the spot. "You should release me quickly. I will disperse on my own at once. I share a soul contract with Lango; he can sense my location. It isn't safe—even if, from his perspective, killing you yields no profit." "He'll hesitate for a long time; we have plenty of time. People like him, I know them best." As he spoke, Neo carried Rayan to the mountainside. The view here was best, if one overlooked the vast expanse of warships below on the azure sea; of course, even factoring them in, one could say they added a touch of life to the vista before them, as that was precisely what this island lacked most right now. Neo sat down and placed Rayan's consciousness in front of him, just as the two had sat within that solitary memory scene. "The spirit of Light requires you to digest it slowly. Any transfer incurs loss," Rayan reminded him. "I know, I know," Neo cut in. "Don't worry, I hate waste more than anything." "Oh, then you must have something you want to say to me? Make it quick, then; I don't have much time left." "I have three things to tell you. Since you generously gave me your spirit of Light, I don't want to keep secrets from you. After all, if I'm the one taking advantage of someone, I don't care, but when someone gives me a favor willingly..." "Your conscience feels uneasy?" "No, you've already given it to me anyway; you can't take it back." "Yes, that's true." "I have three things to tell you. First: I am a very lazy person. Preaching, revival, missions, duty, responsibility—traits I personally consider very admirable—mean nothing to me. Do you understand what I mean?" "I understand. You will continue living your life the way you always have. Rest assured, I didn't refrain from setting conditions before giving it to you because I lacked time, but because I never intended to make conditions at all. "You are still you; just be yourself. Some people are fortunate—so fortunate that it makes me envious. While we are searching for the path of Light, light gleams on the ground wherever they casually tread." "Uh, you're laying it on a bit thick. Though I do know a fellow who matches that description perfectly. That guy is truly like that—always denying it, yet constantly tied and bound to it." "Let me guess, the fellow who drinks ice water, right?" "Right." "It seems you are quite fond of him. You mention him very often." "Because I consider myself a person blessed with great opportunities, and someone who works very hard. At times, I even thought of myself as a hardworking genius—until I met him. "Plays, operas—have you seen them? Do you have them inside the Gate?" "There are similar things—stage plays depicting stories?" "Yes, exactly that. I always thought that with all my jumping and dancing around, I had to be the lead on that stage. Then he walked on, and only then did I realize that thing called a spotlight wasn't broken after all!" "Haha, I understand. Then tell me the second thing. I'm gritting my teeth just to hold on and listen to you; I really just want to disperse." "The second thing is, I can permit you to enter my soul, my spirit, my consciousness. As for breaking the soul contract, we can figure out a way. Besides, a tenant of mine recently moved out to go traveling, so you can move right in under the guise of his distant relative." "I decline." "I'm not being polite, nor am I being sarcastic. Look at my face—this is the mark of my steadfast self. The negative influences you worry about won't happen to me, understand?" "I understand. But are we really that close? I don't even know your name." "Should I tell you now?" "No need, truly. Nor do I need to live in your soul. We aren't that familiar, friend." "True, we aren't." "So moving in would be meaningless. But by not moving in, I truly reside within you." Hearing this, Neo smiled and nodded. "I get it." "Then what is the third thing, my unfamiliar friend of the Light?" Neo hesitated, a rare trace of awkwardness surfacing on his face, before saying: "The reason I ended up like this is due to coincidence after coincidence. But in truth, what I believe in isn't Light, but Order. I am... an Order priest." Rayan fell silent. Seeing this, Neo took the initiative to speak: "I could have kept quiet so you could leave in peace, but I felt that wouldn't be right. I don't want to lie to myself either, so... I'm sorry." "Hehehehe..." Rayan chuckled. His consciousness was gradually dispersing, but his subsequent words carried a genuine sense of free-spirited breeziness: "No need to apologize. What does that matter? Do you know why the power of the Light attribute can be converted into powers of other attributes?" "Because..." "Light is the purest. It is meant to pierce through prejudice, pierce through factions, pierce through barriers, pierce through all obstacles existing and non-existing, and shine equally upon every place. "Because, "it is Light!"