Chapter
3 – Rejection of Desire
We have to end this soon. The
number of fleshy creatures and the increasing intensity of the voice will soon
overwhelm us. Because of this, we’ve decided to activate the overdrive function
of our mechs to dig into the planet’s surface, covering each other while we’re
doing so, and radioing over to our allies who are landing on the planet what
our plan is. They join us, if they can manage to survive the initial onslaught,
and even when they’re with us, the number of flesh creatures and the planet’s
surface forming into tendrils fight back against them, killing some in the
process.
“Destroying us will only result in
getting rid of your only chance at happiness, your God can’t provide,” the
voice says.
Remember what my parents taught
me…remember that they love me…
“Our god gave us the supernatural
and technological means to turn our planet into one being made of hundreds of
millions. There’s room for you and your friends if you allow us to overtake
you.”
My squad and I are deeper inside
the planet. We tear through guts and jutting appendages as the inside of it
tries resisting us; however, our laser rifles, transformed into laser swords,
are preventing them from healing and carving a burning hole into the center.
Our shoulder-mounted miniguns and shield canons are out of ammo, and our swords
and mechs are starting to overheat.
“I’m not sure if our mechs can
handle much more of this before they go nuclear!” Ro says.
Considering our situation and what
it would take to finish this fight, I struggle to think of any other option but
one.
“You’ll never feel happy again if
you do. You were so close to having it today, but it’s not too late to stop and
let us have control to give it to you. Take control of your life for the first
time,” the voice says.
I grew up never really caring what I
wanted beyond the options laid before me. Why should I care now? The people who
raised me, loved and cared for me, and gave me the best life they could give,
and allowed me to choose between various virtuous professions, and this is the
one I chose. They raised me to be a selfless defender of Earth and servant of
God, and that’s what I’ll be!
On the radio, I say, “This is a
message to all forces from Griselda Emundatio! I am going to overheat my mech,
causing a nuclear blast that will destroy this planet. Retreat to Earth while
you can!”
“No, can do, ma’am. We’re
squadmates, so I refuse to leave your side,” Ro says.
“I’m giving you an order, Ro! Get
out of here!”
“One singular nuclear blast won’t destroy
this planet. You’ve seen it regenerate. You need more than one.”
“How about three? I’m not leaving
either,” Colina asks.
More people give their support over
the radio, saying that they’re not giving up until the job is done and Earth is
secure.
“Everyone…Ro…Colina…I’m sorry,
there’s no better option,” I say.
“I was a scum of the earth villain
before this. I didn’t expect to live happily ever after again anyway,” Colina
says.
“I’m a defender of Earth, my friends,
and my family. As my God gave His life for humanity, it is only right that I do
the same,” Ro adds.
I struggle to hold back my tears,
the voice tempting me to stop, no longer audible. In an instant, I feel the
weight of my body and mech disappear as I appear far outside of the planet and
watch it blow to bits and its remains burn to ashes. Around me, I see Ro,
Colina, and the others who sacrificed themselves to save Earth. Above us, I see
a portal of light with two hands with wounds on them reaching out to us and
pulling us in with its gravity.
“Come to me, and embrace your rest,
my good faithful servants,” I hear a voice from the light say.
“Heh, I guess we’re all going to
Heaven,” Colina says.
“Come on, Griselda. You should go
first,” Ro says.
“We’re a squad. We’ll all go in
together,” I say.
Everyone is brought into the light,
where I feel joy and peace, unlike ever before. What my parents and superiors
said was right. Self-denial is the road to Heaven, and a joy better than any
happiness can provide.
The End
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