The Last Shepherd

When the curtain was drawn back, the stage scene had transformed into a dilapidated street. Lingering flames flickered on the ground, the pavement was riddled with holes, and building walls were crumbling. A sign lay on the ground, its top charred black, bearing the words:

Blackthorn Security Company

This is Tingen, in front of the Blackthorn Security Company, the site of that disaster.

--The performance seemed to use a reverse chronological order, first depicting the story after the funeral, and then starting to portray what happened that day.

Blood, thick smoke, broken bricks, flames. Amidst the chaos, Luther saw several people lying on the ground. Klein and Captain Dunn both had fatal wounds, their faces frozen in shock and anger. Leonard had fallen unconscious after his body slammed violently against the wall.

At this moment, there was no one standing at the scene.

This appears to have occurred after Ince Will launched the attack, killing everyone and taking Saint Selena's Ashes.

What about myself back then?

Luther's gaze searched the stage from below the stage, and then he heard a low, faint murmur of pain.

On the ground opposite Klein and Dunn lay a Distortion body. A horrible hole had been torn open in his chest, and through it, a mangled heart was faintly visible. Several thin muscle fibers extended from the sides of the hole and connected, seemingly trying to heal the wound.

However, the wound was too large, and the body's owner was already beyond saving, with little ability to repair himself.

"Cough, cough, whew, whew."

On the stage, Luther, on the verge of death, gasped for breath.

His body was Corrosion the Flesh of Ms. M and her henchmen, he drank Sequence 5 Potion, suffered a direct hit from the [Sun Charm], and was even ambushed from behind by Ince Will. He was on the verge of death, or rather, it was a miracle that he could still maintain a sliver of life after all that.

Unfortunately, even a miracle is nearing its end.

"Bang!"

"Bang!"

On the stage, Luther's mangled body collapsed one after another, exploding into small bursts of Flesh fireworks.

"Hmm"

His eyes were filled with madness, and he let out a painful growl, trying to struggle, but he couldn't stop his body from collapsing. Having just drunk the Potion, he had lost a lot of Flesh and blood and suffered fatal injuries; he could no longer maintain his body's normal function.

The Ritual failed!

Luther is about to lose control!

The Potion was rampaging through his body, vying for control with his remaining Flesh. He would be transformed by the Potion into a crazed Monster, devouring and killing everything in its path, bringing despair and destruction to the city of Tingen!

"Grass"

On the stage, Luther murmured unwillingly. He wanted to resist, but his body was already out of control, sliding faster and faster toward the edge of losing control.

He couldn't even kill himself!

"Bang!"

Seven faces reappeared on Luther's body; they were Ms. M and her men. They had suffered severe injuries but had recovered through the connection between their Flesh. Now completely controlled by the Potion, they were fighting Luther for control of his body.

Filth, blood-red color spread across his body, gradually eroding Luther's form as several human faces advanced. Once his body was completely taken away, he would become a completely out-of-control Monster!

Luther was plunged into immense pain. He poured all his energy into his body and, almost instinctively, began to struggle and fight with Ms. M.

However, by now, he was almost completely exhausted. Faced with the Corrosion, he could only resist little by little, and then retreat little by little. His Consciousness was completely blurred, and he probably wouldn't be able to hold on for much longer.

"Tap tap."

Just then, a black-haired, blue-eyed girl rushed up from the side of the stage. She had a delicate and beautiful face and looked somewhat like Luther. She was his sister, Cecilia.

With a worried expression, she quickly searched the scene and soon found her brother and his mangled body.

"Elder brother!"

Cecilia screamed and tried to rush over. But Luther's Sequence 5 body was on the verge of going out of control, emitting a terrifying mental influence that made it impossible for her to get close.

"Luther, brother, I'm sorry I'm late."

Seeing her brother's current state, Cecilia's deep blue eyes welled up with intense sorrow, and she could no longer hold the dagger in her hand, which clattered to the ground.

On stage, Luther, who was in a daze, was completely unaware that his sister had appeared, and was only engaged in a tug-of-war with Ms. M.

"Ms. M, it really is you."

Cecilia saw Luther's transformation and the human face that appeared on Luther chest. Although she didn't recognize the others, she easily identified Ms. M, who held the dominant position. Turning back, the inverted Cross drawn in blood was still clearly visible beside the overturned carriage.

She looked back and forth at everything, her eyes seeming to have gained some insight.

Below the stage, Luther suddenly felt a terrible premonition.

"What a clever child. You've grasped the situation so quickly, realizing that Ms. M is using your body to ascend to the Shepherd." His other personality murmured softly beside him, their voice hazy, seemingly tinged with unspeakable sorrow and admiration. Ms. M had once told the siblings about the Shepherd ascension Ritual, and now Cecilia understood that her brother was currently unsupported and powerless to resist.

The performance continued, and Cecilia looked at Luther, whose body was gradually collapsing and who was unable to contend with Ms. M. The sadness in her eyes gradually disappeared.

Her expression hardened.

"Cecilia, stop!"

Below the stage, Luther felt a chill run down his spine. Suddenly, something occurred to him, and he jumped up and shouted at the top of his lungs!

But Cecilia completely ignored him and picked up the dagger from the ground.

"It's no use, she won't hear you, this is just a replay of what happened."

The person, who closely resembled Ms. M, shook their head.

"Get out of here!"

But Luther didn't care about anything else. He shoved the woman next to him and rushed onto the stage like a madman.

"Bang!"

A transparent wall appeared in front of the stage, blocking his path. He screamed and pounded the wall with his fists, but he couldn't break through it at all, and could only watch as his sister continued to move forward.

Cecilia picked up the dagger, flipped the blade, and pointed it at her chest.

At this moment, a serene smile slowly spread across her exquisitely beautiful face. It was the calm and composed expression of someone who had faced death with equanimity and was determined to sacrifice themselves. She was willing to offer herself as a sacrifice, to become part of the Shepherd, to ensure the success of the Ritual, and to save her brother from losing control and dying.

"Brother, we've already talked about it."

Her voice trembled as she said, "Promise me, live on."

"Stop!"

"Cecilia, please, stop! I beg you!"

"Damn it, don't do this! You better live!"

Luther, screaming hoarsely from below the stage, stared wide-eyed as Cecilia gripped the dagger with both hands, raising it high—

"Puff!"

Blood splattered as the dagger plunged heavily into her delicate heart.

As if all the vitality and beauty of a young girl were bursting forth at this moment, she slightly raised her slender body, her face showing a sorrowful and poignant expression.

"I will become Shepherd, for you, my brother."

With that, she took a step forward and rushed toward Luther's collapsing body.

The two easily merged together.

"Cecilia?"

As Flesh merged, as if sensing something, Luther on the stage suddenly spoke in pain and confusion.

On his body, fresh Flesh became a powerful force, like a fresh army, rapidly driving away Ms. M and her forces. The Degeneration, Distortion crimson and several human faces faded quickly until they huddled in a corner and were completely swallowed up.

The girl's exquisite face floated on Luther's body, then slowly sank. Luther's Flesh gently enveloped her, protecting her to the deepest part of her body and soul.

Having accomplished all of this, Luther's body had exhausted all its Spirituality. He began to shrink and wither, eventually becoming a charred corpse, with only a sliver of life remaining locked deep within his body.

The curtain slowly closed, and the performance ended.

"Cecilia."

Below the stage, Luther lost all his strength and slowly slumped down. He stood there blankly, muttering to himself.

"Clap, clap, clap."

A burst of applause erupted from the Spectator behind them, first a single clap, then a chorus of applause. Captain Dunn, Ms. M, Sirius— all the Spectator stood up, cheering and applauding, expressing their appreciation for the wonderful performance.

"Cecilia!"

Luther cried out in despair, but he could no longer hear his own voice. The entire theater was filled with thunderous applause and cheers from the Spectator, and his personal sorrow was drowned out by the immense joy, becoming insignificant.

The curtain slowly rose, revealing an empty stage. Everything that had just happened seemed like a mere performance, as if the actors had already left and were chatting and laughing backstage, preparing to go out for a late-night snack or some entertainment.

That's what happened that day.

Unbeknownst to her, his split female personality had already approached, sighing, "When you awoke and Consciousness you had devoured Cecilia, you immediately fell into despair and anguish. Cecilia sacrificed herself in this way, making you your Shepherd. It can only be said that the Pathway of the Shepherd, due to the madness of the ultimate True Creator, was destined to be one of despair and suffering."

"Then I'll kill them."

Luther said softly.

Only after the words left his mouth did he realize the excruciating pain, the burning anger, and the unbearable agony.

Who did you kill?

The red-haired, golden-eyed woman asked.

"Kill the True Creator, Mr. A, everyone in the Aurora Order, and all the Lunatic who believe in this evil god!"

He said.

"Boom!"

Flames rose in the theater, spreading rapidly and burning fiercely. The flames were dazzling, and the tongues of fire Greed licked everything in the theater.

"I will end this Curse Sequence, I will slay the damned True Creator, I will replace him, I will become the Hanged True God!"

Luther shouted wildly, and as if in response to his roar, the fire surged and expanded. The Spectator, however, paid no heed, continuing to cheer and applaud, letting the flames consume them and letting Luther's high-pitched roar echo endlessly.

"I want to be the last Shepherd!"

Backlund, East Borough.

Mr. A looked at the disintegrating Flesh in front of him, and Luther's face floating on the surface of the Flesh.

The face, etched with despair and pain, was murmuring softly.

Praise be to you, my Lord.

Luther said.

"That's right, that's right! That's exactly it!"

Upon hearing Luther's words, Mr. A trembled with excitement. "Call upon Him! Praise Him! Only the Lord is the salvation of all! You finally understand the greatness of the Lord!"

He felt relieved and joyful; another lost Lamb had found its way and turned to the Lord's embrace. Although the other had previously blasphemed, the Lord is merciful and loves all people. As long as he was willing to believe in the Lord, He would forgive all his sins!

"Did you hear that, great Lord!"

He opened his arms and shouted loudly towards the sky.

"Boom!"

A mad, lofty, and terrifying aura slowly descended, and the imposing figure, drawn by Luther's words, turned his gaze here once more.

Mr. A humbly prostrated himself, feeling the Lord's will approaching, until he arrived above Luther, entered Luther's body, and began to transform his perception.

The "Black Knight's" Blade of Flesh and Spirit was blocked by the Tide within Luther's body, but in return, the Tide also temporarily disappeared, no longer able to protect Luther from the spiritual Corrosion of the True Creator.

As if involuntarily, Luther began to pray:

We will become Shepherd, for you, my Lord.

Mr. A couldn't help but smile; this was the prayer he recited when he became Shepherd, and he knew it very well.

Luther continued:

"To seize power from your hands, to Curse your name and your spirit."

Mr. A's smile froze.

What are you saying?

He asked Consciousness.

But Luther did not stop; instead, he continued to pray:

"I will raise the banner of eternal rebellion, and with my rage as a blade, I will tear you apart and desecrate you."

"Shut up!"

Mr. A roared in disbelief that, even at this point, the other party was still defying the Lord's will!

"Until your Divine Kingdom Destruction, until your Filth blood falls from the sky like rivers covering the earth, flowing endlessly!"

On the surface of his Flesh, Luther's face, which had been in a daze and out of control, suddenly opened its eyes, filled with utter hatred. He could feel that the will of the True Creator was filling his mind, trying to control him and make him a faithful follower.

Fuck you!

Luther sneered and cursed, speaking loudly in Hermes:

"The Fool that doesn't belong to this era,"

"The Mysterious Ruler above the Gray Fog,"

"The King of Yellow and Black who wields good luck!"

"Please come down, please help me destroy all of this!"

Cecilia is dead, so nothing matters anymore!

The Fool, the Fool is at odds with the True Creator, the powerful and mysterious Fool!

Take it all, my soul and my life, it's all yours!

Join me and wipe out all these damned creatures!

"Blasphemer!"

Mr. A's scream came from the other side, and in his mind, the murmur of the True Creator was filled with rage. But Luther revealed a tragic and Distortion smile. Because he felt it, almost at the same time he finished reciting the prayer, another profound, great, and mysterious being descended upon him.

The Fool has arrived.

Thank you to reader QWWQ for the 500 Qidian coins!