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Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.
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It is always entertaining how guilty he looks when he didn’t mean to hurt you, Stewart Cantel said, as they watched Jason leave the room.
I have a large piece of metal sticking out of me. Perhaps we can wait until later to find the humor in this situation? Shade thought.
When did you get to be so serious? Stewart asked. Victor would have made a quip about the injury before I could say anything.
Yes, well, might I remind you that I am not Victor. Shade grimaced. He hated talking about whoever he had been before the Blood Mage Yandarian had done whatever it was he had done to block all of the parts that made up Victor Deus’s personality. Sometimes at night, Shade would sift through the former High Commander’s memories of the times that the man had met Victor and try to compare how much of himself he saw in the young boy. Victor had seemed so sure of himself to the former High Commander; he was quick with a smile, and eager to learn.
You aren’t so different as you think. His voice took on a paternal tone inside Shade’s head. You are two sides of a coin, shaped by different experiences. I think Victor will like who you are.
I just keep thinking that I’ll be thrust aside and kept in a mental box somewhere once he gains his freedom.
Then you do not know Victor Deus. Vitiosi surprised them both as he spoke. That part of his mind had been quiet through the past few days of training.
What do you mean? Shade asked, his curiosity piqued.
He is not one to discard things that are useful.
Ah, you noticed huh? Stewart Cantel said.
When did this start happening? Shade tried to see if there was something he could do to strengthen the area that separated them, but it seemed like the more he focused on that area, the more he noticed it decaying.
I think it has been happening since I was put in here. Cantel said. I noticed it within a few days. It’s a slow process. I figure I’ll have at least a few months more as I exist right now, and then…” The former High Commander gave a mental shrug.
Then what? Shade asked, but realized that someone was standing in front of his body.
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I can see where he is coming from, but it isn’t about the winning or losing so much as how you win or lose. Cantel said.
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He’s right, Stewart Cantel said. Nim and I were fairly evenly matched when we played, but neither of us managed to beat the Arch Magus. Your father is the only one who I know of who has come close.
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