Ch 186.
“What do you mean Louie was behind the attack last night?” Jaelyn asked, her brow furrowing as she absorbed Matt’s puppet’s account of the situation with her and Apricity. “He’s just a weak-willed kid.”
“And you’re someone so focused on survival that you manipulate others to prioritize your own needs without even realizing it,” Matt’s puppet shot back, its voice steady and cutting. “Once again, we are reminded of how far any path’s ability can stretch. I can’t help but wonder if he has actually woven cowardice into his very path.”
“I don’t think anyone would willingly choose a path that includes the word coward,” Apricity replied with a resigned sigh, her eyes narrowing in thought. “However, I can envision numerous ways someone might select traits that lead them to become one—by honing skills that aid in hiding, fleeing, or sensing when others are watching, and I could go on. Based on what we’ve discussed, I’d argue that Louie fits this mold perfectly and has grown adept at enlisting others to help him achieve his goals.”
“If Greg were here, he’d probably label him something like a bard build,” Jaelyn countered, her tone shifting as she considered the implications. “That’s how I viewed him too, but now I’m starting to feel like his ability to sway others is more of a liability than a gift.”
“It only works on those at or below his level, based on what I observed during the chaos at the ship,” Apricity remarked, her brow knitting together in concern. “Perhaps, given more time to develop his skills, he might be able to influence those above his level. But if he really is level 20, that places him higher than approximately 85% of the individuals we've encountered.”
“It doesn’t really matter,” Matt’s puppet replied darkly, a steely resolve in its voice. “He cannot be allowed to roam freely; if left unchecked, he poses a significant threat to the world as he could easily gather a following.”
“Are you going to kill him?” Jaelyn asked, her arms crossing defensively over her chest. “Is that what you would do to me if I ever stepped outside your orders?”
“If you ever knowingly used your abilities to compel others against their will, then yes,” Matt’s puppet stated firmly. “I understand that you’re navigating a precarious path, as recruiting members for Scattered Stars can be perceived in that light. However, I trust that your powers are only ensuring they don’t attack you while you do so.”
Jaelyn hesitated, her expression revealing an internal struggle as she considered her response. She was acutely aware of how her abilities might be influencing those around her. After all, she believed that by fortifying Scattered Stars and supporting Matt, she was enhancing her own chances of survival. Yet, she didn’t see how guiding others to grow stronger could harm anyone beyond those who fell in the process. Even then, she rationalized her actions, convincing herself that if those weaker individuals had remained vulnerable, they would have simply become victims when the monsters inevitably came for them.
“You look guilty just sitting there,” Apricity remarked, a frown creasing her brow. “Are you engaging in tactics that could be seen as mind control?”
“I’m steering their thought processes toward the idea that only by growing strong and collaborating with Scattered Stars can they hope to survive what’s coming,” Jaelyn replied, her gaze flickering nervously toward Matt’s puppet. “I wouldn’t classify it as mind control, but it certainly influences their decision-making.”
“I see,” Matt’s puppet responded, shifting uncomfortably as it processed her words. “That’s a gray area. I’d say you’re motivating them to improve, but I would prefer they choose to grow stronger on their own. What happens when they become powerful and realize what you’ve done?”
“We treat it as a lesson,” Apricity asserted confidently. “We can also have Jaelyn constantly moving among them, organizing people while claiming you’ve ordered her to stabilize the area and identify those she deems fit to become guardians or leaders of each sector.”
“Are they the ones who stay behind or the ones sent to the dungeon for training?” Matt’s puppet inquired.
“They’re split; half remain here while I take the other half to bring them back,” Jaelyn explained, a hint of confidence creeping back into her voice. “That way, when the first group is ready to return, the second can set out if they choose to.”
“We need to reach a point where we can offer protection to anyone living near our ports,” Apricity said with a heavy sigh. “Also, before either of you say anything, even if we wanted to, we can’t expand our efforts to guard every remnant of civilization out there.”
“It’s not our place to force anyone to abandon their homes,” Matt’s puppet declared, its voice steady and unyielding. “We can extend an invitation, but ultimately, as long as they understand that their survival rests in their own hands, I see no reason to intervene further. Now, let’s refocus on how we’ll deal with Louie, as Bob is waiting for us to make a decision.”
“My vote is to let him fall prey to the monsters,” Apricity suggested, her tone laced with conviction. “Bob doesn’t seem to mind handling these kinds of problems.”
“I think it would be wiser to have Bob track him down and bring him back here,” Jaelyn countered, her brow furrowing in concern. “He’s just a kid, and I’m not convinced he fully grasped the consequences of his actions until you pointed them out. He deserves a chance to prove he can choose the right path. Are we really going to eliminate anyone who possesses mind-affecting abilities just because they make a mistake?”
Stolen novel; please report.
“Brainwashing an entire group into attacking us is no minor offense,” Apricity shot back, her voice rising slightly. “I could overlook many things, but he has already caused others to die due to his reckless actions.”
At that, Jaelyn faltered, struggling to find the right words as Matt’s puppet frowned in contemplation before responding. “We will put him on trial. We have the means to do so, and it will allow us to shift the blame for those who lost their lives during the attack onto him. It will also provide clarity on what to do with the individuals we’ve captured.”
“We actually had a plan for them already,” Apricity interjected, a hint of worry creeping into her voice. “I mean, even if they are—”
“No, they are innocent,” Matt’s puppet interrupted firmly. “It will be their responsibility to decide his fate.”
“What happens if he manages to brainwash them again?” Jaelyn asked, her voice tinged with apprehension.
“I will stand right beside him, and if he dares to use his ability, I’ll put an end to him,” declared Matt’s puppet, its voice steady but cold. “It may not be the most pleasant solution, but it will send a clear message that we are serious about the crime of brainwashing others.”
“Have I mentioned how much I despise our new reality?” Apricity remarked, her expression reflecting frustration. “Things would undoubtedly be better if we could just rewind to how life was before the integration.”
“Are you really sure about that?” Jaelyn countered, her brow furrowing in thought. “Life wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows back then. We just happened to live in a place where we didn’t constantly fear being bombed by anyone.”
“No, we were the ones doing the bombing,” Matt’s puppet shot back, a hint of bitterness in its tone. “That’s yet another reason why I preferred to distance myself from everything. Now, enough of this chatter. I’m going to have Bob start chasing Louie, and I need to be ready to capture him. The two of you can handle setting up a trial; just ensure it’s near the beach. I much prefer using the waves to wake people up rather than resorting to fighting.”
With that, Matt’s puppet departed, coordinating with Bob as they strategized to corner Louie. Hours later, Matt’s puppet spotted the young man sprinting for his life, desperation etched across his features. Ignoring the flicker of hope that lit up Louie’s face upon seeing someone, Matt’s puppet remained unmoved as the expression morphed into sheer terror at the sight of it. With a swift motion, Matt’s puppet lunged forward, hoisting the young man over its shoulder while delivering a stern warning to behave or face dire consequences. The only reason Louie remained still, it seemed, was due to the restraints formed from tooth enamel that had seamlessly been grown and integrated into Matt’s puppet's body, holding him firmly in place.
With that, Matt’s puppet began the return journey, tuning out Louie’s relentless pleas that echoed through the air. As they drew closer to the burgeoning settlement, Matt’s puppet pondered the best way to guide Louie through the crowd. It wasn’t about caring what others thought; it was more about preventing anyone from falling under Louie’s sway. A part of him considered that simply gagging him might suffice, but uncertainty crept in—he suspected that Louie’s mind-affecting ability could activate just from being near him.
After weighing his options, Matt’s puppet decided there was no choice but to intimidate Louie into submission. He released the restraints that had bound the young man and forcefully threw him to the ground. Louie immediately tensed, appearing ready to bolt, but Matt’s puppet swiftly placed a firm foot on his chest, pinning him down as their eyes met for the first time since the capture. Louie looked utterly wretched, tears streaming down his face, mingled with snot, as he incoherently begged for mercy. His pleas fell silent when Matt’s puppet raised a hand, signaling for him to listen.
“Here’s how this is going to work,” Matt’s puppet stated, its voice cold and unwavering. “You and I are going to walk to where Jaelyn and a few others have gathered to hold a trial for you. You will face charges for brainwashing the group that attacked us and for the deaths that resulted from your actions—”
“I didn’t do anything!” Louie shouted, his eyes wide with panic, but Matt’s puppet responded by pressing down harder on his chest.
“Just be quiet and let me finish,” it commanded, its tone leaving no room for argument. “If anyone tries to intervene or help you escape, I will execute you on the spot. You’d better hope you can control your ability, because if you can’t, there will be no more chances, including during your trial. The ones who will decide your fate are those you manipulated into attacking us. I don’t care if you didn’t mean to, and I don’t care what your intentions were; that ability of yours goes too far. No matter what happens, you will never be free to act as you please again.”
“What gives you the right to—” Louie began, but was cut off.
“I said shut up,” Matt’s puppet growled, applying more pressure against Louie’s chest. “I don’t care about your excuses; my only concern is your survival until you’ve been judged by those you harmed.”
“Shouldn’t it be a neutral—”
“You really are a terrible listener,” Matt’s puppet interjected sharply. “I am the closest thing to a neutral party you’re going to find in this situation. Now, stand up, put your hands behind your back, and get ready to move.”
Louie hesitated for a moment as he felt the pressure of the foot on his chest lift, but ultimately, he could only cling to the hope that he might persuade those at the trial of his innocence. Following Matt’s puppet’s command, he stood up straight, feeling the cold, hard restraints made from tooth enamel encircle his arms as Matt’s puppet shifted its hand to secure him. With that, they continued their march forward as the sun dipped lower in the sky. Matt’s puppet remained vigilant, scanning the surroundings for any signs of trouble. Fortunately, no one attempted to rush them, although several curious onlookers called out, asking what was happening.
By the time they reached the beach where Apricity and Jaelyn awaited, a sizable crowd had gathered, causing unease to ripple through Matt’s puppet. Yet, they managed to push through the throng and enter a protective circle formed by individuals all at least level 25, specifically chosen to act as a barrier against anyone who might try to rescue Louie. Once within this ring, Apricity and Jaelyn took charge, directing the crowd to settle down for the trial. They warned that anyone unable to maintain silence would be asked to leave, followed by stern reminders about the consequences of interfering and the potential danger posed to those of lower levels if Louie’s rumored abilities were indeed real. In the end, over a hundred spectators remained, their eyes fixed on the unfolding drama, while twelve of the captured individuals arrived to serve as the jury, ready to determine Louie’s fate.
