" Because it would be pointless to just die. If I'm given the opportunity to live, why waste it? Sure, maybe I don't have a good reason to live right now, but if I'm patient enough, maybe something comes along my way. "
The God of Struggle didnt show any reaction.
"Such a simple minded answer, but, not an incorrect one. Hope and strulgge go well together. However, one needs to enjoy suffering first. Not every moment in life is filled with hope. However, it's filled with struggle. Even when you think you are free, a sudden question in the back of your head pops up, and reminds you of it."
"I'm not sure I follow. "
"Don't worry. It's just like you said, be patient, and you will realize how naive you are right now. For now, we established you have a will to live. Now you just need a will to struggle. "
"What's the difference? "
"That is again, for you to find out. "
"You awfully sound like my brother right now, with all this:" You need to figure stuff yourself" talk. Would it be so wrong to have somebody explain something for the first time in my life? "
God of Struggles started laughing now. Listening to him felt bitter.
When he stopped, he responded:
"We both now that there is nobody that will help. The help you want will never happen. And you know that as well. You can only help yourself. "
Slobodan-
"Also can we stop with that " Slobodan" name, it's really annoying. You won't get it why, but from now on we will give you a nickname. How about
"Kiyoto"?"
"Why a Japanese name? "
" Voja"? "
"Sounds kinda stupid. Call me Sloba. I would prefer if it that way. "
"Sure. Now that I laid that off my mind, I want to ask you one thing before you I sent you away. "
Sloba was a bag of mixed feelings. He didn't know what was happening, and million questions were rushing through his head. Who is this person?
He still breathed in and out slowly, trying to calm himself down.
How does he know about his family? How does he know about his inner struggles? Is here really a God? What does he want?
Breathe in, breathe out.
What's going to happen to him? Is he ever going home. Is this even real?
As he continued calling himself, he thought of letting every question go. There is too little given to draw concluision.
Now calm, while trying to hide his fears, he said:
"Sure, ask me, but after that, you will have to answer my questions."
"Deal. You only get three questions."
"Alright. Now, what is it that interests you?"
God of Struggles, now sounding full of enthusiasm, asked:
"What weapon do you like the most?"
Sloba was confused. He thought it would be another question about his character or personality.
"Umm, swords, I guess?"
"What kind would you say is your favorite?"
Sloba thought for a moment.
"I'm fan of greatswords, but I think I like more Japanese swords, like tachi. "
"Typical. Anyway, to answer your questions."
Sloba now knew it's the time to ask smart questions.
"Okay, first of all, where am I?"
"You are in my house."
But he forgot that there aren't smart or stupid questions, only stupid or smart answers. Not thinking, he asked:
"No, how did I get here?"
"I bringed you here."
Sloba wanted to ask how did he do that, but he realized he won't be getting a satisfying answer. instead, he wanted to know what is next for him.
"So, what do you want me to do?"
"Now that's a real question. You will go to the land called "Rupa Stra". That was once a land brimming with joy, hope and laughter. But, it got corrupted. Now it's a land where people only laugh in pain. I wish I could go myself, but I'm prohibited by the laws that are above me to enter. And that's why I need you to go in there.
"To do what, exactly? "
"A, a, a. No more questions from you. Now listen carefully. I won't bother you with the details. This is the gist of it: there are four lands and their rulers. In order to beat them, I, the humble God of Struggle, shall bestow upon you my powers, and a special weapon exclusive to you. The lands are dangerous and harsh, and their rulers even worse. But, I'm certain that you will be the last one standing."
Sloba knew that he didn't need to accept this quest. But, his whole life he was dreaming of an adventure. An adventure where he would unlock super natural powers, meet compapions with whom he would make unbreakable bonds, show and prove his strength as a character against strong opponents.
And lastly, he thought that his life would get some meaning.
Which is why he said:
"Fine, I will go there. But here is the deal. I don't trust people so easily. If I decide that these rulers are good, and you are bad, I'm coming after you. Just because you sent me, it dosent mean I trust you. "
"Of course. Nothing more from me. I wish you good luck."
And with a snap of fingers, Sloba was moved to a new place.