Era of Players: Death God

Desire, What is it?

The general knowledge will say.

Desire is a feeling that drives us towards something we want or need. It's a kind of longing for something that will bring us satisfaction or enjoyment. Here's a breakdown of desire:

*A feeling: Desire is an emotion, a state of mind that can range from a mild wanting to a deep craving.

*Goal-oriented: Desires are often directed at something specific, whether it's an object, an experience, or a particular outcome.

*Motivational force: Desire can be a powerful motivator. It can push us to take action, to work hard, and to persevere to get what we want.

There are different ways to describe the intensity of desire:

*Wish: This is a general longing for something, maybe even something out of reach.

*Want: This is a stronger feeling than a wish, suggesting a more specific need or goal.

*Craving: This is an intense desire, often for something physical or essential.

Desire can be for many things, like:

* Basic needs: We desire food, water, and shelter to survive.

* Material possessions: We might desire a nice car or a new phone.

* Achievements: We might desire success in our careers or hobbies.

* Relationships: We desire love, connection, and belonging.

* Experiences: We might desire to travel or try something new.

Understanding our desires is a big part of understanding ourselves. It can help us figure out what motivates us, what makes us happy, and what we want out of life.

In conclusion, taking into account all the aforementioned points, Desire can be best described as A primal instinct within all living beings, often suppressed by those who pride themselves on rationality.

In some ways, it was seen as the most disruptive force in life.

-Ding--ling!

But the fool rejected such claims.

Desire gave birth to ambition, and its liberation of it gave meaning to one's efforts.

What worth was there in a life that only stifled its desires?

"Come to think of it, you still haven't repaid the debt you owe me from last time."

"And you, you ruined my chances with the girl I had my eyes on... right in front of me!"

"Arrgh! It's all your fault! Why do I have to suffer like this?!"

"That's rich coming from you! Why do I have to rot in this miserable place with the likes of you?!"

Even with troubles following, at that moment, none of it mattered.

As their pent-up desires boiled in the grimy alley, the fool stoked the fire with her performance, erasing their rationality.

Leaving behind worries, concerns, and conscience.

"Die, you bastards!"

Even the sound of flesh tearing and the cries of lost humanity were drowned out by a performance so intense and addictive.

"Ahaha~!"

As desire blossomed, replacing consumed rationality, a crimson flower bloomed on the stage.

A once-hidden smile of joy began to emerge on the fool's face, moving as if dancing.

"The humble fool sings~"

She declared with a brighter smile than ever before.

She illuminated the frenzy, drawing forth a joy that outshone even the moonlight.

"Singing the song of one's life"

Through this heightened spirit, reminiscing about her memories, she plucked at the strings.

"A beggar born from chaos, grasping at the salvation offered. A street thug, drunk on victory, becomes a hero, then a king, whose journey I've witnessed and remembered..."

A reflection on a life lived long, a series of fleeting images, a fairytale written from the perspective of a hero, a biography from the eyes of another.

What it was called didn't matter.

Naming it was a luxury in a song meant to amplify the merriment of the celebration.

"Yet, transforming it into a merry tune, fearing the passage of time, it lingers in this world longer than memories, passed from mouth to mouth~"

Even those unaware of the song felt the excitement, sharing in its resonance with each other...

Even without awareness, hoping to leave their mark in this world.

"Oh King, I am your fool~ As I sing this song, I also reminisce about the glorious days we spent together..."

-Ding-ling, Ding-ling!

"...So even at this moment, I hope that the emptiness you feel, shaped by those memories, will be filled, and a smile will grace your lips once more."

As the lyrics faded, the hands plucking at the strings lost their strength.

The silence that followed was a stark contrast to the previous chaos, a silence that was deafening.

Just one person.

Among the blood-soaked bodies, only one man regained his senses, his face filled with terror.

"Ah, aah...."

Was that fear directed at himself?

Or was it for what he had done in this scene?

"...You're trembling."

Either way, it was unnecessary.

Thinking so, the fool placed her slender fingers on the strings of the lute she held.

"In a place where you should be enjoying yourself, why do you worry?"

"No, please..."

"Let it go."

-Ding-ling~

"Please, I beg of you..."

"Release it."

Ring-ring~ling~ring!

"Ah, aah!!!"

"If it can't be undone, and you lack the courage to face it, then running away can also be the right answer..."

Sweet whispers intertwined with the music.

Feeling his mind being consumed, the man was left with only one thought.

"Eh! Hahaha!"

Yes, this must be a dream.

If not, burying it would be enough.

Doing so would solve everything.

Wow!

The weapon in his hand eventually pierced his own throat, severing the last thread of life.

As the convulsions of his fallen body subsided, the woman, drenched in blood, began to smile wider.

"Hehe."

As if to replace the applause that should have followed her performance.

"Ahahahahahahahaha~"

Her voice grew stronger as she laughed heartily, arms outstretched, gazing at the lifeless faces before her.

The worms had perished, their reason buried.

Yet, their faces held pure delight.

Even in death, having followed their desires without concern, their end was marked by undeniable joy.

"See? Why suppress it? No matter the life, its culmination should be filled with joy and exhilaration.''

In the depths of this wretched abyss, as one contemplates their existence, all anxieties and apprehensions fade away, and their journey concludes...

If the quest for joy was the purpose of life, why was the culmination of desires seen as wicked?

"To revel in the ecstasy of liberation, even to the point of utter devastation."

Once more, a radiant grin graced the jester's lips as she beheld the ghastly remnants.

Darker and brighter.

"Such things are undeniably ~"

Whispering, she acknowledged that her own emotions, in empathy with their destiny, had reached a crescendo.

Despite the ecstasy of pleasure, her heart sank into a deep abyss.

Like the heat of a body that flares up at the climax, only to cool down in an instant.

For, as always, what followed liberation was an empty heart.

-Ding.

Yes, a desire that ended in an instant was trivial.

No matter how passionate a once-in-a-lifetime indulgence might be.

If it left nothing behind, what meaning did that act hold?

-Ding-ling~

And so, she embarked on her journey.

Seeking new audiences in every moment...

Hoping that the intense pleasure that only awakened at life's final curtain would continue endlessly in her travels.

-Ding, crackle!

Even if it too became a futile memory, she would weave together such tales like a patchwork.

Hoping that one day it would become a story that pleased the master she served.

-Crackle, crack!

Over and over again.

Endlessly echoing that monotonous period.

-Bang!!

The lute's strings violently snapped under her hand, having been overused.

She discarded it and slowly raised her gaze to the sky.

Her eyes sharpened in the moonlight that bathed the crimson flowerbeds lining the streets.

Desire, a fleeting flame, burned within her.

And she danced, danced until the night swallowed her whole.

"I anticipate the forthcoming days to be filled with amusement, witnessing those youngsters embrace fulfilling desires that align with the Lord's intentions for them. Additionally, I am determined to impart proper conduct upon that individual."

°°°

In the Red district, a man strolled along the dimly lit streets, his footsteps echoing softly. Suddenly, he was halted in his tracks by an unexpected voice.

"Hey, hold up for a moment."

The man, known as the Jammer, tried to ignore the call and continue on his way unnoticed. Engaging in conversation here meant trouble, and he knew it all too well.

But this time, he couldn't avoid it. The voice persisted.

"I told you to stop, you brat!"

Annoyed by the Jammer's indifference, the person behind the voice raised their tone. The Jammer wished desperately to part ways, but it seemed that was not an option.

With a stern expression, the Jammer issued a warning, his voice filled with authority.

"From this moment on, every word you speak will cost a life. Choose wisely. Now, leave."

Just as the tension reached its peak, another voice shattered the silence, pushing the Jammer to his limit.

"What do you think you're doing, acting all tough..."

In an instant, the Jammer sprang into action, utilizing his agility and speed to position himself behind the source of the voice. With a swift movement, he slit the player's throat, targeting the weakest spot in his armor.

Blood sprayed from the wound, and in that moment, a glimmer of madness gleamed in the Jammer's eyes. Cocking his head at an odd angle, he spoke to the remaining players with a chilling tone.

"Now it's your turn to feel the hooky, hooky."

What followed was a massacre, as the dark alley became a gruesome scene of decapitated bodies and spilled blood. Amidst the chaos, the Jammer stood, his presence a haunting reminder of the price one pays for crossing him.