The Awakened had a white cloth wrapped around his face and entire head, wearing a loose dark blue shirt and pants that hid the structure of his body. The entire clothing was covered in black blood.
The Sleepers surrounded Kiyotaka and Caster, who held Kiyotaka hostage to get away.
The chain of the Binding Vow levitated in front of the Awakened's throat, which the Awakened just stared at.
The Awakened asked the Sleeper in front of him.
"I am going to ask you some questions and you have to answer them fast without taking any time."
Caster nodded his head while Kiyotaka was thrown to the ground against a rock. The three Sleepers exchanged eye contact, at which the Awakened signaled them not to take any risk.
"How do these chains work and what did you mean by contract?"
Caster heard the question and answered rapidly, complying with whatever the Awakened said.
"It is this mongrel's Aspect Ability." Caster pointed toward Kiyotaka. "You will be able to see how the Aspect works when you go past the process of agreeing to the Vow. It will almost be like a manual."
The Awakened stared at the two of them.
'The guy who went away with the Sleeper is apparently so fast that other Sleepers cannot even see him. If he escapes, it will take hours to locate them again. At the same time, the Sleeper in front of me might recover his stamina and run away again.'
"Why are you taking such a ris-"
"I will only answer your doubts regarding this Aspect Ability. If you wish to go deeper into my motives, make the Vow."
'So he is dead set on me making the Vow. The answers he gave could not really be manipulated into being malicious truth, and the balance always went up.'
"What if you make the Vow with one of the Sleepers who followed me instead?"
"I see, so the Awakened in front of me is beyond the rules of the encrypted."
The Awakened went quiet after hearing this, slowly glancing toward the three Sleepers, who had confused expressions.
'The rules... The student must not risk his life for their teacher, and the teacher shall do the same. It is only a relationship of convenience and not trust.'
The Awakened looked back toward Caster. 'How does he know about it?' Then his eyes turned toward the barely conscious Kiyotaka. 'The information I received is that this Sleeper traveled with four Awakened, and then Hawk manipulated him into becoming the Memory holder. But that Sleeper is almost half dead. He should not be a threat at all if Hawk manipulated him to this extent.'
"How does the... process of the Vow take place?"
Caster suddenly moved and kicked Kiyotaka in the face.
"How does the process work, you mongrel?"
Kiyotaka slowly opened his mouth.
"You... have to... make some sort of rules before the actual Vow takes place. The rules must be said in a rhythmic way."
Caster heard what Kiyotaka said and repeated it.
"You have to make some sort of rules before the actual Vow takes place. The rules must be said in a rhythmic way."
The balance went up.
When Kiyotaka opened his mouth, for unknown reasons, the Awakened's reasoning ability dulled a little more.
'That kid, I almost feel pity for him becoming the target of such a wide scheme.'
Looking at the balance that went up, the Awakened asked another question.
"It will not be risky?"
"Just questions will be exchanged. Nothing will be risky as long as we both answer truthfully."
The Awakened fell into deep thought.
'No matter how I look at it, it seems way too coincidental. The Sleeper first got manipulated and almost died, but another Sleeper who happened to have a speed aspect saved him, later running away from me, then stopping and trying to negotiate... This seems so suspicious.'
"I have a condition. The first Vow we make will only contain one question that I will ask you. Only after that will we make another Vow where both of us ask each other questions."
Caster's body stiffened a little before he took a long breath.
"His Aspect prioritizes fairness. So if you ask the first question, in the second Vow we make, you will only be able to ask four questions instead of the original five."
"That is fine with me."
The chain levitating in front of him finally connected with his throat, and runes appeared between them.
Caster began to chant the Vow.
"Oh Fate, look upon this ground, where by a sacred Vow we are bound. Until the binding chain connects, no strike or blow shall take effect. Two minutes given, to speak the truth or face your fear. If either breaks this sacred code, let life depart and breath corrode. If you agree to bear this vow, say I Vow."
The Awakened looked at the Vow as his reasoning returned.
'According to this chant, we cannot attack each other while the Vow has taken place, but that means there is a possibility this Sleeper could attack another Sleeper while I have no choice but to watch. But there is the time limit of two minutes.'
"This does not count as the Vow, right? Will I be able to add more rules before the Vow takes effect?"
Caster soon replied.
"Yes."
The balance went up.
The Awakened took a long sigh before speaking.
"I vow."
In front of him, a cluster of runes unfolded, which he began to read carefully.
...
They began.
[[[[[[[Binding Vow]]]]]]]
[Those Who Step Before the Loom]:
Caster.
Alex.
'It did not ask for the name, but it took my actual name into account, and the Sleeper across from me is named Caster.'
Looking at the next rune, both of them put forward the measure.
[The Measure of the Thread]:
Once Caster answers Alex's question.
***
Alex looked directly toward Caster.
"Add the rule that you will not attack anyone."
Caster nodded.
***
[The Sacred Equilibrium]:
Caster: I will answer Alex's question without lying, and I cannot attack anyone who has not taken the Vow unless they attack me first, I can still attack and kill the hostage.
Alex: I will ask Caster one question and Caster must answer within two minutes without lying.
[The Judgment of the Unseen]:
Fate now stands witness to this vow.
If the Measure of the Thread is fulfilled, the chains will fade and release you both, their purpose complete.
But if the vow is broken, the chains will pass judgment themselves, tightening around the betrayer's soul until nothing remains. Fate does not forgive. It only enforces.
***
The chains connecting Caster and the Awakened slowly began to rotate.
'If he can only tell the truth, I can create a trap for him. If he lies once the Vow is done, he will still die according to the runes. However, the possibility that they are working together is still glaring at me. That is why I first agreed to just one question, so I could make everything clear.'
Alex finally asked his first question while pointing his hand toward Kiyotaka.
"If I refuse to make another Vow once this is done, will you really kill this guy?"
'Now I will know whether this is a trap. If he says no, I can just rush them. If he tries to kill the Memory holder, he will die before he reaches him according to the rule against lying.'
Time was ticking. Caster had two minutes to answer. He looked at the Sleepers surrounding them and then back at Alex before taking a long breath.
Alex gestured to the Sleepers.
The Sleepers slowly moved closer to Caster, narrowing his space.
'You said you will only attack if they attack first, but they are not attacking. Your lack of experience cost you.'
Caster's eyes swept across the Sleepers.
"Yes, I will kill this guy." Caster pointed toward Kiyotaka. "If you refuse to make the next Binding Vow with me."
Alex listened to the answer and narrowed his eyes.
'This eliminates the possibility of it being a trap. This is real.'
The chains between them disappeared. Caster grabbed Kiyotaka, and the chains appeared once more, connecting to Caster and then Alex. Caster chanted again.
"Oh Fate, look upon this ground, where by a sacred Vow we are bound. Until the binding chain connects, no strike or blow shall take effect. Two minutes given, to speak the truth or face your fear. If either breaks this sacred code, let life depart and breath corrode. If you agree to bear this vow, say I Vow."
"I vow."
The same runes appeared, but this time Caster and Alex adjusted the rules slightly.
[[[[[[[Binding Vow]]]]]]]
[Those Who Step Before the Loom]:
Caster.
Alex.
[The Measure of the Thread]:
Until the questions are done.
[The Sacred Equilibrium]:
Caster: Alex will answer five of my questions truthfully, the Sleepers must return to their former positions, and I will not attack unless I am attacked first. I can still attack the hostage.
Alex: Caster must answer four of my questions truthfully and will not attack any Sleeper unless they attack first. He must only ask questions that do not reveal anything regarding the Memory.
[The Judgment of the Unseen]:
Fate now stands witness to this vow.
If the Measure of the Thread is fulfilled, the chains will fade and release you both, their purpose complete.
But if the vow is broken, the chains will pass judgment themselves, tightening around the betrayer's soul until nothing remains. Fate does not forgive. It only enforces.
***
The Sleepers slowly started moving back, but Alex gestured for them to stop, causing Caster's eyes to widen slightly.
'The chain did not connect them within the Vow, so they do not count. Waiting for self-defense just leaves you vulnerable to an attack.'
Caster slowly closed his eyes, accepting his blunder as he asked the first question.
"Which village is the safest for me to go to?"
While speaking, Caster's eyes kept shifting toward the Sleepers, who maintained just enough distance to avoid triggering an attack.
After a moment of thought, Alex answered.
"Flame City is the answer."
Alex then went quiet, offering nothing more.
Caster's body stiffened. He clearly wanted more details.
'Usually people offer a complete answer in hopes of receiving the same in return, but these terms are not fair. I will give him minimal information while keeping him trapped.'
Alex asked his second question.
"If I answer all your questions, will you run away alone?"
'Now that he claimed he will kill the hostage if I refuse, I would have no choice but to kill them both and report back to Lizard.'
Caster soon replied.
"Yes, I will run away alone if you answer all my questions, and I will not kill him."
'Now it is just a matter of four more questions. No matter how vague my replies are, a cage has been formed around this Sleeper, and I will rise in the ranks for solving the matter of Trapped.'
Caster asked his second question.
"What is the way to Flame City?"
'These questions are carefully chosen. He is not asking for more than he can manage, just enough to escape without becoming our target. Looking at the Memory holder, he remains completely passive under Caster's control, which means he will be easy to handle later.'
"Flame City is far from here. You must pass through the final maze, climb a large mountain, and make several detours. You will find Flame City right before the giant pinkish-gray mountains."
Since neither of them could speak unless asking or answering a question, they communicated only through the exchange. Sweat broke out on Caster as none of Alex's directions provided real guidance.
Alex asked his third question.
"What do you know about the Memory?"
"I only know he possesses a Memory given by someone named Hawk. I do not know its value or name."
'He possesses no dangerous information.'
Caster asked his third question.
"Will you let me run away?"
"As long as you agree in the next question not to tell anyone about this."
Alex asked his fourth question.
"You will not tell anyone what took place here?"
"As long as you answer all my questions truthfully and let me run away."
'Now I have ensured he cannot reveal anything that happened here.'
Caster asked his fourth question.
"Do you know anything about what this Trapped is?"
"No, but I am close to understanding it."
'If I complete this mission, Lizard will select me for the next phase of the plan.'
Alex asked his last question.
"You will not try to investigate what happened here after running away?"
"Yes. If you answer my final question truthfully, I will act as though nothing happened here and head toward Flame City."
'He does not realize that agreeing to this seals his fate. Understanding Trapped requires the resources of this place, and he will perish once Lizard orders a move.'
Alex had finished all his questions, leaving Caster with one final question to ask. The Sleepers still surrounded them while Kiyotaka lay on the ground.
Using his left hand for support, Kiyotaka slowly pushed himself up onto his feet, drawing everyone's attention.
"You almost killed me with that kick, Caster."
A small smile appeared on Caster's face. Alex's eyes widened and goosebumps broke out across his skin as Caster asked his final question.
"I am lying, Is this statement correct or incorrect."
'I was fooled. Their trump card was a liar's paradox. I have never encountered a trap like this, so it never crossed my mind. I underestimated them while trying to uncover the truth of Trapped. They used my desperation against me. Seeing him agree to kill the hostage made me think he only wanted to escape, and his answer about running away confirmed it. They used my own ego to force the Vow.'
One of the Sleepers stepped forward and thrust his spear through the space between them. He targeted Kiyotaka instead of Caster, avoiding a direct attack on Caster while attempting to break Alex's obligation.
Caught off guard, Alex regained his senses and lunged toward Kiyotaka.
The Sleeper's strike arrived first due to his closer proximity. Caster's hand intercepted the spear point. As soon as his blood was drawn, he vanished from his spot, and the Sleeper's head fell to the ground.
An instant later, Caster reappeared in front of Kiyotaka to absorb a blow from Alex. The force of the Awakened's punch threw him back several feet alongside Kiyotaka, but Caster shielded Kiyotaka during the fall and took the brunt of the impact.
Caster said, almost mockingly.
"Ouch, that hurt, Alex."
Alex walked forward as blood began leaking from his entire body. His knees buckled, and his body began to fail.
Caster vanished once more, and the remaining Sleepers fell to the ground.
"That counts as self-defense, you bastards."
Caster stood amidst the carnage where three Sleepers and one Awakened lay dead. He walked back to Kiyotaka, picked him up, and vanished down the final path.
"That was extremely risky. What if he refused to make the Vow again?"
Kiyotaka closed his eyes.
"His downfall was the illusion of control. Nothing makes a man more vulnerable than believing the game is entirely in his hands. By leaving intentional flaws in our answers and the Vow, we gave him just enough leverage to feed his arrogance, letting him believe he had us backed into a corner. When someone is blinded by their own narrative, they stop looking for traps. He never saw the Liar's paradox coming simply because he could not fathom a world where truth itself could be weaponized against him."
In reality, Kiyotaka had tried the same trap against Dry Water. By not using Liar Paradox against anyone in the waking world, he made Dry Water subconsciously think that he wouldn't use something like this. But Dry Water saw through Kiyotaka's indirect manipulation.
"It would have been ironic if you died by my hands because of your own plan."
Kiyotaka remained silent for a moment.
"The only reason he agreed to the second Vow was your answer to that first question. I used my very first wish to bind your actions, ensuring that if he refused the second Vow, you would kill me without hesitation. Because a wish was forced into that response, our old Vow from the Academy never had the chance to interfere."
Caster entered the first passage, ran for a minute, and jumped down into the opening.
"So what now? You are not expecting me to carry you forever, are you?"
Kiyotaka opened one eye, revealing a faint luminous glow.
"I... have to find... Nephis."
Caster kept running towards the horizon.
The sunlight was everywhere without a sun ever being seen. The smell of death hung in every corner without disease ever being perceived. The path remained dark despite being easy to see, and the past was too vast, refusing to stay still.
"Still, that kick wasn't really necessary."
"Oh, It was really really necessary."
***
Well, how was this chapter?
With the first arc and first POV of the volume [A Ruin That Cannot Be Told] coming to an end, how is this new volume so far?
Not gonna lie, writing this chapter took some effort. The ending was simple and effective, but the task of getting him to make the Vow was intense. What was not used? The combo of [Embraced by Fate] and the Chains, his own ego, Kiyo being bullied, and so much more.
Now the next chapter will follow Sunless's journey.
Well, this is it.
Peace.
A lil explaination about Liar's Paradox since some people don't seem to know of it.
"I am lying" → You choose true/ correct/wtvr of same meaning → If it is true than he is doing what he says, which is lying, ultimately making it false.
You chose the Answer "True" when It is "False"
"I am lying" → You choose incorrect / false → If it is false, then he is not lying, meaning he is telling the truth, ultimately making it true and not "false".
"You chose the Answer "False" when It should be "true"
No matter what you pick, the answer flips and you end up wrong.