Chapter Forty One: The Spoilage of the Word

And out of that hopeless attempt has come

nearly all that we call human history --

money, poverty, ambition, war, prostitution

classes, empires, slavery -- the long terrible

story of man trying to find something

other than God which will make him happy.

C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity

Today as always, men fall into two groups:

slaves and free men. Whoever does not have

two-thirds of his day for himself, is a slave,

whatever he may be: a statesman,

a businessman, an official, or a scholar.

Friedrich Nietzsche

xxx

"What does he wanted this time? Tell me."

"The same. The old methods."

"Is this another case of spoilage?

"Yes. Yes it is."

"What is it this time?

"I cannot tell you. I am truly scared now."

"What do you mean you are scared? You can back out anytime if you want. This is the case, right?"

"Unfortunately, no."

"What?"

"I have no other choice but to obey him."

"How come? Is your life in danger, then?"

"Yes. Absolutely. But I cannot tell you why."

"Why can you not to tell me the circumstances? How did he gain power over you?

"Because I agreed to it."

"I do not understand."

"It was a long and tedious process. He talked me through it, his words are flowery, competent. His voice was soothing, almost hypnotic. It was very therapeutic to hear. And then all of a sudden, it happened. I agreed to a trap. I fell into an abyss I cannot escape."

"I will help you. Tell me how."

"There is no escape, do you hear? I do not want you to be a slave, too."

"You know you can count on me."

"But not this time. It is extremely perilous."

"Which word did he want to render worthless this time?"

He wanted to expand the definition of emptiness by spoiling this word. It is becoming scary now. I think he had a sinister plan, and he is close to succeeding."

"What is the word?"

"Hope."

"Did he trick you into this situation? You think?"

"Yes."

"Did you consent to an Agreement?

"..."

"Tell me what happened."

"..."

"Please?"

"I cannot. You will never understand. There is a battle inside me so chaotic that I cannot explain myself. Several changes are happening inside my soul. I think it's both Alchemic and Metaphysical."

"We need to ask the help of a Metaphysician, then."

"No!"

"What do you mean no?"

"There will be consequences!"

"Then so be it."

"The consequences will be severe."

"Then we can face it together. You do not have to do something that you do not want to do."

"This is the start of my path to slavery. Run away while you can! He is too powerful for the inseparable bond to be resisted. Only fools will challenge such a thing."

"I am already a fool since I've met you. Spatial threats are nothing to me, anymore. I am brave enough to do this.

"No. Do not dare attempt such foolishness. Heed caution. Flee while there is still time."

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This Chapter is sponsored by Fendi men's watch.