Page 3573

Well.

On second thought, he knew exactly how someone could believe that. He was suddenly reminded of his youth--of that special breed of proud, malicious ignorance that seemed to possess everyone around him in those days.

‘Anti-knowledge,’ he’d called it. Not just the desire to remain ignorant. No. It went a step further and sought to destroy the knowledge of others, too. To humiliate them for even having the gall to pursue said knowledge in the first place.

There was nothing in this universe that Morgunov hated more than that.

And his confusion, his disbelieve--they melted gradually away.

Replaced in their entirety with rage. The kind he hadn’t felt in countless years. The kind that threatened to overtake every cogent thought in his mind.

It was all he could do to contain himself. If the two of them were not already trapped, he would have killed Germal instantly. No games. No toying with his food. No experimenting with some untested invention. No saving his real trump cards for later. Not even any capturing for future study.

This creature in here with him--whatever it was--it needed to die.

“...You’ve fallen quiet,” said Germal.

Morgunov said nothing.

“Kehe. It seems I’ve accomplished the impossible.”

Morgunov knew he needed to steady himself. He’d allowed his emotions to rise too much.

He knew that.

And yet he didn’t entirely care. The thought occurred to him that, yes, if Germal could really read minds, then the bastard could be reading this, right now. That he--no, it--could’ve even known ahead of time exactly what to say in order to provoke this very reaction.

That it could’ve all been a lie, said for no other reason than to get under his skin.

If so, then Morgunov could admit: it had worked. And this bastard was going to regret it with every fiber of its being.

But for some reason, Morgunov felt like that wasn’t the case, either. That really was how Germal viewed the world, wasn’t it? Perhaps that was even how all the Primordials viewed it.

Which would certainly explain why the Void decided to rip them from this plane of existence.

Because they deserved it. And worse.

“Is it my turn, now?” said Germal. “Have I answered to your satisfaction?”

Still, Morgunov almost remained silent. But after a moment, he found enough poise to say, “Yes. Go ahead.”

Page 3572

“There is no morality in this world, save that which we above decide,” said Germal. “And you, cedo, are no ally of Chaos. You are, in fact, the furthest thing from it.”

Morgunov paused. Hmm. There was a lot to unpack there. “What makes you say that? I’ve been spreading chaos all over the world my whole dang life! Go on, ask anyone!”

“Ah, but now it is you who is using misleading language. You spread ‘chaos,’ yes. But not ‘Chaos.’ In fact, for all your knowledge and experience, I suspect you hardly know what true Chaos is.”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa. Easy with the insults there. You’re not seriously trying to tell me that I’ve secretly, unwittingly been an agent of Order this entire time. Because frankly, that has to be the silliest darn thing I’ve ever done heard!”

“You truly do not understand? How short-sighted. Yes, you may not be of the Furies, but you incite them to move. You spur them on. Inspire them. And frequently, you do much more than that, don’t you? You often allow them to live when you could easily end them. You even feel remorse on the rare occasions when you put one down. And of course, some, you teach directly as your students. Help them refine and grow themselves.”

Morgunov had a lot to say, but he remained silent, because it seemed like this guy wasn’t done yet, and he wanted to hear the rest.

“The mere act of inventing--don’t you see? That, too, is making Order from Chaos. Taking the natural, beautiful Chaos of the world and twisting it into inert knots. That is the ultimate goal of all your efforts, whether you realize it or not. Whatever amount of Chaos you might bring--it is incidental and fleeting. Soon chased away by Order. You claim to be a gardener, as we are, yet you do nothing but plant and grow weeds.”

Morgunov could stay quiet no longer. “Excuse me? Weeds? You think inventors, the brilliant and beautiful minds of the world, are weeds? The people who spend their lives advancing technology, pushing the boundaries of human knowledge and potential, usually at great personal risk to themselves--those are the ugly things you want to uproot?”

“Ah. Perhaps you do understand.”

And for the first time in many, many years, Morgunov was struck dumb. With utter incredulity.

How could anyone believe something so obviously moronic?

Page 3571

Germal chortled again. “Ah, but in that case, it should honestly be I who is thanking you. Without your intervention at that time, I am not sure that I could have returned to this realm.”

“Oh yeah? Well, you’re welcome, then. But you sure have a funny way of demonstrating your appreciation! Tryin’ to kill me ‘n all!”

“Kehe. Don’t act like you were not already planning to come after me again.”

“That’s hardly fair! Just because I’m planning something doesn’t mean I’ll follow through with it! Do you know how many things I have left on my to-do list?”

“A real shame, that. Anyway, have I answered to your satisfaction? I wish to take my turn, now.”

“Hmm! Almost! Just one little thing I want clarification on!”

“Yes?”

“If you’re all beings of Chaos, then what’s your beef with me, huh? I’m a reasonable fellow. In fact, I would’ve expected us to be on the same side! I happen to love Chaos! Everyone knows us Abolishers are big fans of the Void, of which Chaos is merely one aspect!”

“Calling yourself reasonable has to be a bigger lie than anything than I have ever uttered.”

“Now you’re just being hurtful. Sure, my enthusiasm can get away from me, on occasion. But I genuinely think that you and I could have arrived at some quite amicable terms, many years ago, if you’d just tried to reach out. Explained your position a bit. Heck, maybe we still could! Wouldn’t that be neat?!”

“You would have almost certainly tried to capture me.”

“Well, yeah, of course I would have! But I’m tellin’ you: we would have eventually arrived at a place of friendship!”

Germal fell briefly quiet again. “Keheheh...”

“Somethin’ funny?”

“You do bring something out of me, Demon. I’ll grant you that.”

“Oh? Happy to hear it!”

“Unfortunately, that was not a compliment.”

“Aww.”

“I am tempted to play your game here. To indulge your offer of friendship, even. And continue this exchange elsewhere. But no. You are too dangerous to leave alive.”

“Mm. Heard that before. Real shame, coming from you. Was hoping you’d surprise me. Spice things up, somehow. But I guess in the end, you’re just another of those morality-obsessed do-gooders, eh? Despite so much evidence to the contrary? Talk about a letdown!”

“A morality-obsessed do-gooder? Now that is an interesting interpretation. Kehe. I fear you are still quite confused, my ‘demonic’ friend.”

“Am I? How so?”