The Strongest Brother in Thought

A blood-red river flows, and the stench rides the wind.

In the center stands a single majestic throne, stained with blood, out of place in that brutal scene.

The man drives a blood-rusted sword and spear into the ground and sits heavily on the throne, his whole body soaked in blood.

“You have fulfilled one of my wishes as it is. I shall reward you. What do you desire?”

Even at the god’s question, the man says nothing for a long time, then suddenly speaks.

“I want to go back.”

“You wish to return? Do you not regret everything you have achieved here?”

At those words, transparent tears fall from the man’s eyes.

They were tears thought to have dried up over a hundred years of blood, betrayal, and slaughter.

But at the end, it seems even he is seized by emotion.

Or perhaps not. Perhaps he has simply been broken beyond repair.

“I miss my home. I miss home so much.”

“If that is your will, I shall respect it as well. But remember, in the end, you will return to me.”

A bright light flashes, and the man loses consciousness.

When he opens his eyes again, the world has become completely different.

“You have returned, to your home.”