Halo had wondered if the people in this world were real. But his brief conversation with Noah was enough to dispel that doubt. The bizarre request spoke volumes.
His request affected Halo in multiple ways, sending his mind racing with fragmented thoughts. But no matter how often Halo demanded to know why and who his target was, Noah stayed silent.
"Spend some time with me. When the time is right, you'll know."
Halo could have refused this request, nearly countless people were inhabiting this land, after all. But even though killing was a monumental task, he agreed before his mind caught up with his mouth.
Maybe the promise of clothes and weapons as payment mattered more than his target's life.
***
The estate had literally been conjured from thin air. Noah and his best friend had established it ten years prior, creating a neutral ground that connected various territories throughout the Voiceless region of the Lost World.
No official designation marked it as safe land. Not like the territories on the gaming map or the recognized sanctuaries.
Still, four Knights stood united in purpose, protecting this estate until time claimed it.
Their vigil transformed it into a haven where weary Awakened and Knights could escape when duty's weight became unbearable.
Many found what they couldn't leave.
They'd found home.
While they navigated the estate's grounds, Noah was procuring supplies for the Silent Hill journey ahead, and a troubling observation began to form in Halo's awareness.
Many people seemed to have abandoned their purposes entirely, taking up residence in this ticking bomb as if it were permanent.
This world's attacks came without warning. Sinners could budge in without warning, and even fighting them behind a screen, Halo was certain of how formidable most of them could be.
How had they managed to hold them off for a decade? How strong was Noah really?
"Sin Fragments… that's the currency here. You know what a hundred gets you? A top-tier car back in my world. Nuts, huh?"
Noah's enthusiastic smile contradicted the menace he'd worn moments ago as they stood inside a clothing shop.
Halo barely flinched as he tried on black attire similar to his current uniform. For some reason, he hated the idea of wearing anything different. And he could get a matching set for his clone.
Noah's words still held some interest, but he was done wondering. He needed to finish this, get to Silent Hill, retrieve the Magnus Blade, and find the hero before the gods made things worse.
"What about the weapons?"
Halo adjusted himself better in his new clothes with his remaining pair in a bag. It had a high neck, long sleeves, and slightly puffed sleeves resembling a turtleneck dress. It had a wide, flowing lower half, mimicking his previous hakama-style jumpsuit.
Noah began negotiating with the vendor to trade for the Sin Fragments. A brief argument erupted as the vendor tried to refuse payment, but Noah wouldn't hear of it. Meanwhile, Halo watched the exchange with a bewildered expression.
When the situation finally settled, Noah turned to Halo.
"You like that dress. Good choice. You look elegant in it."
Halo shrugged.
Noah began leaving the shop, and Halo followed suit.
"What's your dormant skill? I'll find something that works."
Halo exhaled.
Halo wasn't sure if it remained the same as the last time he saw his dormant skill, but knowing his own prowess, he knew what his safest bet was.
"I'm not sure… I've got a little of everything. But I think I lean more on agility."
Noah turned to him, wearing a confident smile. "Ah, so you picked it up from a Sin Fragment, huh?"
Halo met him with silence as they casually made their way to the last end of the estate toward a small brick building.
"You'd do best with dual daggers. Light, easy to handle, and they won't mess with your balance."
As Noah spoke, they entered the building. Two individuals passed them on their way out. Inside, an old blacksmith worked, his body drenched in sweat as he hammered a blazing metal bar.
Each strike sent a sharp ringing through the room, and the heat soaked Halo in sweat within moments.
But despite the scorching heat, Halo's attention was drawn elsewhere. Lining the walls were horns, legs, and skulls of fallen Sinners. Mostly from Perverted Sinners, the creatures are a rank above Toddler Sinners.
These weren't decorations. They were arranged in deliberate patterns, as if waiting to be chosen.
"That's Paul. He's a Knight, and his purpose is to make weapons for ten thousand people."
Halo's mouth fell open in shock.
The thought made him fear his own future purpose as a Knight. Noah was responsible for protecting this land itself. And Paul?
Though there were atrocities involved that Halo couldn't yet comprehend, the sheer weight of serving thousands of people terrified him. He was too nonchalant for these services.
What nightmares awaited those ranked even higher?
Despite his bewilderment, none of his thoughts showed on his face.
Paul turned in their direction. "Noah? Long time no see. How did I get so lucky?"
"We need a dual dagger…" Noah said with a smile and approached as they began to chat with smiles.
Halo remained at a distance. He knew their smiles were forced, yet somehow they carried on.
How did they come to terms so easily with this world that had lost yesterday's innocence? And when had he come to terms with it himself? Why had it been so easy?
This world was sinister, and everywhere reeked of blood. Though this was a fitting place for a person like him, he pitied them. To be born and bred in this world was suicidal.
"These are ruins from Sinners," Noah said, gesturing toward the Sinners' parts that decorated the walls.
"The truth is, most weapons here are carved from the shells of Sinners… their deaths feeding our survival."
Noah shrugged his shoulders.
"The rest? You only earn them through purpose… or by tearing them from Beast and Demonic Sinners."
Paul smiled. "He won his blade, Dragon, from a Beast Sinner itself. Tell me, isn't that remarkable?"
Halo smiled awkwardly.
He didn't know how strong Noah really was, but after hearing he'd actually defeated a Beast Sinner, he began to realize the gap in their strength. After all, he'd even struggled against a Toddler Sinner.
But still, was Noah's Flaw so daunting that he'd seek help from a weakling like him?
Paul and Noah exchanged a few words, their laughter echoing between the walls, before Noah turned to Halo and gestured for them to leave.
Halo was confused for a moment. He hadn't received his weapon.
"He will forge it in no time," Noah said with a cheerful smile.
"Now, let me show you the true treasures my estate has to offer."
He said and enthusiastically grabbed Halo by the arm and began dragging him out of the shop.
Halo scowled and fought against Noah's grip, but the more he struggled, the more it felt like willing torture. Too strong.
Halo didn't mind exploring the estate. He'd already been doing that. But this strange man had just asked him to kill someone, and now he was acting awkwardly cheerful, as if it were his last day on earth. What was wrong with him?
Before long, Halo found himself giving in to Noah's painless torture. Noah showed him everywhere but the sanctum.
The estate didn't have as many dedicated drunks as Halo's world, but within the tavern, even the holiest souls sought escape from their reality. They drank, gambled, and tried every meat the estate had to offer.
Halo, who started reluctantly, lost himself in the fun before long. This time, it was as though his Flaw ceased to exist. He smiled as he had never before.
Until the night overtook the light. Until their fatigue kicked in. Until their money ran dry.
They both lay sprawled on a table, barely keeping their eyes open, when the fun came to an end.
Noah's eyes were already closed, but Halo, despite the amount of beer he gulped down and his dense fatigue, couldn't bring himself to sleep.
Two nights in this world, and he was yet to taste sleep. But something else needed his attention. While Noah rested, he would learn about this world from others and try his luck. He might locate the hero somewhere in this forsaken estate.
Without a moment's hesitation, he sprang to his feet.