What! I Got Reincarnated as a No-Name Character in the World of an Otome Game

Chapter 8 (Revised)

The sinister whispers persist within Rune's mind, their dark allure growing stronger with each passing day, yet he remains steadfast against their temptation. For a year now, he's battled against these intrusive thoughts, their relentless urge for destruction threatening to consume him entirely. But amidst this internal turmoil, there's a beacon of light: Christina, his unwavering anchor in this abyss of darkness.

In the past, Rune might have succumbed to the voices' sinister call, unleashing chaos upon the world. Yet, with Christina by his side, he finds the strength to resist, to push back against the malevolent forces that seek to corrupt his soul. How could he entertain thoughts of devastation when the one person who means everything to him still walks this earth?

Despite his disdain for the world's injustices, Rune recognizes that Christina may not share his sentiments. Moreover, amidst the darkness, there still exists beauty—Christina alone embodies this, a testament to the goodness that remains. Her presence alone is reason enough for Rune to reject the notion of destruction.

Furthermore, Rune holds onto dreams of a future with Christina and plans to traverse the nations together once the shadow of war has passed. These aspirations anchor him to the world, fueling his resolve to protect it rather than bring about its ruin. 

*****

As the image of Christina lay motionless on the ground, a pool of blood seeping out around her, Rune's world shattered in an instant. His heart seized, a numbing shock coursing through his veins as he stood frozen in disbelief. To witness the brutal snuffing out of the one he held most dear, helpless to stop it, was a torment beyond words.

The ensuing anguish was relentless, a suffocating wave of sorrow threatening to engulf him entirely. Amidst the chaos of his grief, the sinister whispers of the devil's voice within his mind grew louder, insistent in their temptation.

But Rune, consumed by rage and grief, found himself unable to ignore or suppress the voice any longer. Hatred burned fiercely in his sea-colored eyes as he broke free from the magical bonds that once restrained him. An aura of danger and darkness emanated from him, casting a shadow over the surrounding area.

The once-innocent orbs of light that floated around him now transformed, their luminous glow replaced by a sinister black hue. They swirled around Rune, coalescing into a menacing form, amplifying his already formidable presence.

At that moment, Rune stood on the precipice, teetering between the depths of despair and the call of darkness. With Christina's lifeless form before him, he grappled with the choice that lay ahead, knowing that whatever path he chose would irrevocably alter the course of his existence.

As Rune's mind becomes inundated with memories of Christina, a burst of manic laughter escapes his lips, echoing through the confines of the small cabin. Scenes of joy and happiness intertwine with the darkness of his current reality, blending into a twisted cacophony of emotions.

"Lux. Yes, Lux, I'm here," he mutters, his voice teetering on the edge of sanity. "No, I won't leave you, Lux. I refuse to let you go." His laughter grows more frenzied as he speaks, the lines between reality and delusion blurring before him.

Suddenly, Rune's laughter turns into a chilling chant, his words dripping with madness. "No, you're not gonna die. I won't allow it. I'll kill them all. KILL! KILL! KILL!" His voice crescendos into maniacal laughter, filling the room with an unsettling energy.

In an instant, Rune snaps, his mind fracturing under the weight of his grief and rage. Without warning, his body begins to contort and shift, twisting into a grotesque form beyond recognition. The air grows heavy with tension as an eerie silence descends upon the cabin.

Then, the stillness is shattered by the piercing screams of terror, echoing through the night. Whatever transpires within the cabin remains a macabre mystery, for all who could bear witness to the horrors unleashed within are silenced, their corpses left as a gruesome testament to the darkness that consumed Rune's soul.

"It's over... No, not yet," Rune mutters, his voice tinged with madness as he clutches Christina close, a twisted smile playing on his lips while dread lurks in his eyes. "I want more destruction... I crave it. I wanted to end them all. Yes... everyone. I'll destroy everything... the whole world."

His manic tirade abruptly halts as he senses faint signs of life stirring within Christina's still form. A flicker of rationality pierces through the haze of madness, and Rune's expression shifts from deranged to desperate. With careful urgency, he gathers her into his arms, cradling her gently as he races towards the nearest village in search of aid.

"Lux, hold on, please," he pleads, his voice trembling with fear and desperation. "I can't bear to lose you. I... I might lose myself if you're gone. I might become the very thing I fear... Please, survive." With each hurried step, Rune's resolve solidifies, driven by the terrifying prospect of losing the one he loves and the dire consequences it may bring.

***

As I gradually awaken, the sharp ache of pain pierces through the fog of sleep, reminding me of the injury I've endured. My limbs feel heavy and sluggish, reluctant to respond to my commands. Despite the discomfort, I find solace in the simple act of waking, grateful for another chance at life.

I attempted to open my eyes, but the pain intensified, refusing to lift at all. It's then that the memories flood back—the soldiers, Rune beaten and captured on the ground, the attack I suffered.

Realization dawns upon me; I can no longer see. I draw in a deep breath to calm myself, attempting to touch my eyes to assess their condition when a voice startles me.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you."

"Rune?" My words strained, my throat parched, but I managed to utter his name amidst the confusion.

"I'm sorry, young lady, but I'm not Rune," the voice replied, the scent of cigarette smoke wafting through the air. I wanted to protest his smoking within the range of the patient, but when his words sank in, a heavy dread settled in my heart, whispering fears of the worst—that my Rune may be gone.

"What do you mean?" I choked out, the dread tightening its grip on my chest.

"You know, young lady," he started, taking a drag from his cigarette before continuing, "That boy called Rune donated his eyes to you. It's a miracle you survived, but as for the eyes, the possibility of seeing is still unknown." He paused again to smoke. "That boy... there are some complications. I'm sorry."

What does he mean? Eye transplant? Rune's eyes? Complications? No. Don't be stupid. Please. The thoughts swirled in my mind, refusing to settle on any one conclusion.

"No... it can't be true," I whispered, my voice trembling with disbelief, unable to accept the devastating news that Rune was gone. I attempted to rise from my bed, but the pain from my injury nearly caused me to topple. The person talking to me rushed to my side, helping me steady myself.

"You better not move too much or you might get some complications. I'm not a mage that could easily help you out if that happens. You better take care of yourself, so as not to waste that boy's sacrifice," he said gently, his words echoing in my ears like a cruel refrain.

"Why did you have to do it?!" I screamed, my voice breaking with the weight of grief as the reality of his sacrifice finally sank in. Tears streamed down my cheeks, each one a testament to the pain gnawing at my soul.

'No! Rune can't die! He's too important,' I thought desperately, my mind reeling with disbelief. 'He was meant to be the antagonist. He can't die.' As the realization sunk in, a tidal wave of anguish engulfed me, my heart shattering into a million pieces at the mere thought of his absence.

"I apologize, young lady, but that boy insisted," the person interjected, his tone heavy with regret. "I told him, I'm not a mage who can easily perform such miracles. I warned him of the risks, but he didn't care. He begged me with all his might, driven by his love and devotion to you. His sacrifice, it seems, was his ultimate act of love."

His words struck me like a thunderbolt, each syllable a dagger piercing my already shattered heart. "How could he?" I whispered, the anguish in my voice echoing through the room. "Even if I can see again, I'll never be able to see him. Rune... why did you have to do this?"

TO BE CONTINUED