She laughed again, opening her arms wide as she whirled in delight. "Look around you. I was sent to this world for a purpose. Your reality is little more than a game to my Source, and I am her representative. We made it entertaining. This Test and Punishment Program was crafted for the failing Gods. They believe they can control the game—and sometimes they can. That, too, is by design, for the Creators wish to test their limits, and ours. This is not only a trial for them, but also for those who test them. We progress or regress based on the outcome. And sometimes regression is not so terrible. Some even request it, so that they might enjoy a holiday. When one has lived as long as we have, one needs to be entertained, if only to forget their boredom."

Grenek stood frozen, his face slack with sudden understanding. Beside him, Jezelius collapsed to his knees, clutching his head as he tried to process her words. Grenek followed his example, struck by the weight of Sylia's revelation. He had noticed many strange things but had always dismissed them. Now he realized he might not even be who he believed himself to be. His actions, his manner—they no longer seemed to be his own.

Sylia's smile deepened as she turned her gaze to Jezelius. "Fake Jezelius, I hate to break it to you, but those children you intend to sell are my Dark Spiritus and they are very hungry. You may have stolen their food, but tonight you shall be their meal once more, before your memories are wiped and your body restored, as always."

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Jezelius stared at her, his horrified expression leaving no doubt about his internal turmoil. Even the collared copy of him looked shocked and started trembling while Sylia let out a low chuckle.

"Yes," she said, her laughter rising. "Well done. Your earlier monologue amused me greatly. I am certain they enjoyed it too—just like their fake mother."

Her eyes darkened. "You do remember their mother, do you not? She ended her own life after what you and your companions did to her. I was forced to dispose of some of the men you sold her to. How very unfortunate… But here's the good news. I have assigned you a Celestial Spiritus wearing her skin. I am sure you two will have a lot of fun. It is too bad we must continue to wipe your memories so our plans proceed as planned. You are to be a fine bait for others like you."

Grenek gasped. Surely Sylia did not mean what she just revealed. Yet when he looked at his son's duplicate, he could no longer deny it. Grief suddenly seized him. It did not matter that he was not entirely his son. A piece of him still remained. And it was enough. Grenek resolved then and there that he would fight for that piece, no matter the cost.

His hatred for Sylia swelled into a burning resolve. His father and his brother Dyetro had both been right. Sylia and her corrupted children had to be destroyed. He needed to act swiftly. Perhaps he should begin with the children he sired with Sylia. That would be the truest way to pay for the harm he had inflicted upon the world and his family. Grenek was certain now. He needed to get rid of the filth he had fathered first. Then, Sylia's turn would come…

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