Chapter 593 (2/2)

“...and you still want to approve it?” Regina asked hesitating slightly.

“How closely have you been reading what the girl has been saying,” Mrs. Hamilton shook her head slightly. “Listen to this: Humanity has now been inexorably bonded to the concept of Paths, which are afflicted with a great conceit. The conceit is thus: Paths are not individual. There is a multitude of examples of Paths being had by multiple individuals. All people have access to the same Paths.

“With that in mind, the most likely explanation for a baffling summit hanging above the collective head of humanity is the emergence of a different sort of Path. Indeed, this explanation is preferable to the alternative; that an inordinate amount of hard work and timing are all that can move your fate forward in this world. That is a crushing truth that should only be borne by those standing at the summit.

“The Chivalric Orders serve as another conceit: this is a path upwards. It seems likely that such a belief will, in fact, lead to a Path. But even without proof, these illusions of perspective will provide the bridge that allows the wheels of determination to grip a Path forward. Although they cannot see the shape of their journey, even arbitrary road signs reassure restless hearts as they chase the back of those that came before.

“It cannot be said that we do not owe a deep debt to those that stand at the pinnacle. But those intrepid adventures they have thus far engaged in were solely as individuals and bereft of a theoretic and narrative underpinning. Without this shape, they are truly power without law, unpredictable and dangerous in the eyes of the governing establishments.

“Let the Chivalric Orders be the sharp blade and gleaming armor that prevents such entities from running rampant under the influence of their own wild and mundane aims…”

Mrs. Hamilton looked up at Regina expectantly.

After several seconds, Regina could only shake her head. “Yes, the more I read of what she says, the more it seems like she is trying to retain Randidly. By giving… basically anyone more superiority over him.”

“That is certainly how most people will read it at first…” Mrs. Hamilton said slowly. “But humans are strange creatures; who knows what might happen?”

*****

Ghost sat in his small van deep within the Earth, pondering.

It was an intimidating and exciting possibility that he might soon be able to roam throughout the land. Only after delighting in the simulated scenarios did it occur to Ghost that he would no longer be able to display his preferred hologram avatar. He would likely need a new version to convey how he was aging and growing.

And he was growing and learning from his interactions. At the moment, Ghost was balanced on the edge of a difficult decision.

Far away in the North, Hank was arguing with Alan, trying to convince his brother to return to his seat as President of the UHF. Largely a figurehead role, Alan was still depressed and unwilling to return. After all, Father Foster had taken from Alan his heart, to try and capture the Skill Stronghearted Charisma. Unfortunately for her, Randidly Ghosthound killed her before she could put it to use. Ghost had looked but had been unable to locate it.

At the moment, some strange tribal magic from the Treant being appeared to be serving as Alan’s heart. It was difficult to examine too closely because Ghost had a distinct impression that the thing knew when he was watching it. As it made Ghost uncomfortable, he avoided it as much as possible.

But Alan and Hank were just smaller figures. They were not the problem. It was the group beyond them that was the problem. Thousands of monsters who possessed the minds of human. They were often scarred and traumatized, not entirely mentally sound. For this reason, Ghost didn’t trust them. It was difficult to predict the actions of the erratic.

Several companies were surrounding the group, awaiting orders. Tensions were high at the front on both sides, as both feared the other. Ghost’s drones had a stabilizing effect, but soon that wouldn’t be enough.

They were a liability. They were unpredictable and dangerous. They currently worshipped a tree. Ghost knew they should go. But he also knew they were human, and therefore Randidly Ghosthound would not want them harmed meaninglessly.

Was this meaningless? It was difficult for Ghost to tell. But he needed to make a decision.