Eternal Undying Chronicles

Chapter 64 Nuances Of Truenames

Amena regained control of the SUV and continued driving, though the atmosphere inside remained tense. Alicarde looked around at his companions, their expressions a mix of shock and concern.

Carrisa was the first to break the silence. "Alicarde, you must grasp the gravity of awakening not one but two truenames. The power and potential you possess are vast, yet equally perilous."

Elizalina nodded, her voice soft but serious. "Indeed, while truenames grant significant strength, they are not without considerable risk. It is imperative you comprehend the dangers they present."

Argint crossed her arms, her expression stern. "Let's start with the most obvious vulnerability. If anyone learns your complete truename, they can control you—bend your will, influence your actions, or worse. They could subject you to unspeakable pain or even death. We've already made that point clear."

Carrisa added, her tone grave, "It is of utmost importance that you guard your truename closely. Even those you trust implicitly could turn against you should they gain possession of it."

Alicarde leaned forward, taking in their words. "Yeah, you've said that enough times. So, why's having a second one such a big deal for me?"

Carrisa sighed in slight exasperation. "It is not inherently a bad thing, but it is unprecedented to awaken two truenames simultaneously. There is no known precedent for such a phenomenon."

'Guess I'm better than most,' Alicarde thought with some amusement.

Carrisa placed her palms on his face, her eyes locking with his. "You may currently be changing more due to the influence of your second truename than the first. Alicarde, I must know—what is the strongest desire you feel at this moment?"

Alicarde tried to avoid eye contact, offering a playful smirk. "Honestly? I feel like I need some sleep. If you'd let me use your thighs as a pillow, I wouldn't mind."

Carrisa, unimpressed, maintained her cold and serious gaze.

Alicarde sighed, forced to answer earnestly. "I want... I want to kill them. I want to end their lives. The very thought of taking them down makes my heart race. Knowing they're still alive fills me with darkness.

It's wrong, I know, but the urge is undeniable. I just want to kill them. And, well, maybe make them bow before me, but that's not as strong as the desire to end them."

Carrisa's eyes narrowed slightly as she gently let go of his face. "A truename can indeed have dangerous effects. Your truename could influence you in ways detrimental to the general populace. That is why truenames are both a gift and a curse."

Elizalina placed her hand in his, gently clasping them. "You must understand, the name shapes the bearer as much as the bearer shapes the name. This sudden desire to kill may be the result of your second truename. As for why it remains incomplete..."

She tightened her grip on his hand. "It is likely because you have yet to fulfill a condition required for its full awakening. Once the condition is met, you will know your complete name."

Argint turned from the front seat, her tone more serious. "Until that happens, your truename will continue to influence you, driving you toward the condition for its full awakening. This urge to kill might just be part of that. And trust me, there are far worse consequences than that."

Alicarde looked at her cautiously. "How much worse are we talking?"

"Identity crisis, corruption, exposure of your soul, magical backlash—the list goes on. But in your case, corruption and identity crisis are the most concerning," Amena's calm voice cut through from the driver's seat.

"The others can be mitigated with caution. However, resisting the desire to kill is akin to resisting your truename, which is to deny who you are," Carrisa warned, her voice laced with concern. "That can lead to defilement of your identity."

Alicarde nodded. "I get it. So I just have to accept it. Honestly, I wasn't planning to reject it. Plenty of people out there deserve it."

Carrisa sighed, knowing this was his nature. She had vowed to stand by him, no matter how dark the path he took.

Elizalina gently poked his cheek. "You're forgetting something worse. Corruption is still a possibility, especially after the mental trauma you've been through. If your resentment grows too strong, you could fall into the abyss or, worse, become a demon."

Alicarde was puzzled. "Corruption? How do I end up as a demon... or fall into an abyss?"

"Not an abyss, the abyss," Argint clarified, her tone blunt. "It means becoming a corrupt entity. Once you fall into the abyss, you become mindless. No one can maintain their sense of self after succumbing to corruption. By comparison, becoming a demon is the lesser evil—you may lose your morals, but at least you'll still have some sense of self.

Though, in your case, you're already halfway there, you breast-obsessed perv."

Alicarde clicked his tongue at her words.

Amena, her eyes still fixed on the road, summarized, "In essence, knowledge of a truename can corrupt its user, especially if one is mentally or morally unprepared for the power it brings."

She continued without turning. "Additionally, your truename makes you a target. Those who seek power will come for you. There are countless individuals and organizations who would do anything to control or eliminate a Named One—particularly one with a truename as unique as 'Aeternus.' My mistress has many enemies in the empire, and your name only makes us a more enticing target."

"Heh, is that so? Well, at least the future won't be boring," Alicarde chuckled.

Elizalina sighed before continuing, "Furthermore, the awakening of a truename can attract the attention of formidable beings. Entities of great power, whether mortal or otherwise, are often able to sense the emergence of a new truename, particularly one as distinctive as yours. You may find yourself pursued by those who perceive you as either a threat or a valuable asset.

Do not expect your future to be uneventful or free of hardship—it will not be."

Alicarde's expression grew more serious, but he remained silent, absorbing her words.

Carrisa's gaze softened as she spoke, her tone measured.

"There is also the matter of your own strength. The awakening of a truename can be overwhelming. The influx of power and abilities may prove difficult to manage. If you are not cautious, you could inadvertently harm those around you, or even yourself, especially with your unknown, aggressive second truename. Controlling its effects will not be easy.

You must temper your will and exercise self-control, or you risk becoming a slave to your own power."

Argint chimed in, "And let's not forget the psychological toll. The process of awakening often forces one to confront deeply buried fears, memories, and truths about oneself. It can be mentally and emotionally draining, even for the strongest individuals. While some awaken their truenames effortlessly, others struggle, as you did.

I've even heard of a housewife who went to sleep and woke up the next morning with her truename, having experienced no hardship. Each person's awakening is different."

"Just waking up with a truename? That's unfair. I went through some serious B.S to get mine," Alicarde muttered indignantly.

Argint chuckled. "Do you understand now?"

Alicarde nodded slowly, his mind racing with the implications.

"Yeah, having a truename isn't just about gaining power. It comes with responsibilities and brings its own challenges and dangers."

Elizalina smiled gently. "Precisely. It is a double-edged sword. A truename can elevate you to unimaginable heights, but it can also bring you to your knees if you are not cautious."

Amena glanced at Alicarde through the rearview mirror. "You must remain ever-vigilant, Ali. The power you wield is both a blessing and a curse."

Carrisa leaned back, her expression contemplative. "A truename is a part of who you are. It defines you, but it does not control you. You hold the power to shape your own destiny, but you must tread carefully."

"What about this 'fantasia' you mentioned earlier?" Alicarde asked.

Carrisa nodded. "When one fully awakens their truename, they are faced with a choice. They must decide which of their four names will become a bane. Upon making this decision, they will receive a final boon, which—"

"They decide?" Alicarde interrupted.

"Yes, they decide. Among the four names, the right to determine which will be a curse lies with the individual who bears the truename. You can only choose one, and once it is acknowledged as your bane, it becomes your weakness. No one ever discloses which name they have chosen as their bane."

"A fantasia is the final boon granted—a unique ability that comes with its own distinct chant, allowing you to wield formidable power," Carrisa explained.

"A chant, like a spell?" Alicarde asked.

"Not precisely a spell, but similar in nature. It grants you the ability to distort and influence the world within your sphere of power, creating a domain under your control," Elizalina added.

"I still don't get it," Alicarde admitted.

Amena sighed. "It's basically a domain expansion, nothing more."

"Really? We get that? Awesome." Alicarde turned to Elizalina and then back to Carrisa.

"You could've just said that! Sometimes I swear I don't understand half of what you say in that fancy, princess-like tone."

Carrisa smiled faintly. "I am sorry if I caused you confusion. That was not my intent."

"Yeah, you better be," Alicarde teased, half-jokingly.

Elizalina smiled, a hint of amusement in her eyes.

Alicarde leaned back, deep in thought. The weight of their words pressed down on him. His journey was far from over, and the road ahead was certain to be hellish. But he was resolute, determined to face whatever lay ahead with the knowledge and power of his truename.

"Thank you," he finally said, his voice steady. "Despite everything I've said and done, I appreciate your guidance. I will be careful."

They all nodded in acknowledgment, sensing the sincerity in his words. While Alicarde was often playful, he was no fool. Ignoring their advice would be a dangerous mistake.

"Out of curiosity, do any of you have truenames?" Alicarde's question seemed to catch them off guard.

"I do not yet possess a truename," Amena responded calmly.

Argint turned her head, scowling. "You really shouldn't pry into others' names, genius."

Alicarde nodded. "Fair enough, but I already told you all mine. Knowing the first part isn't a big deal, right?"

"I don't have one yet..." Argint muttered, her voice low and tinged with embarrassment.

Alicarde nodded, but Elizalina seized the moment, smirking.

"How pathetic. Not only are you a dog, but you're a nameless dog as well."

"Silence, you parasitic whore!" Argint shot back, her temper flaring. "I don't suppose you have a truename?"

Elizalina's smirk widened. "As a matter of fact, I do possess one."

"Liar!" Argint snapped, her frustration boiling over.

"If I didn't have one, I wouldn't be able to lie about having it. Or have you forgotten that little fact, you nameless cur?" Elizalina taunted, her smile deepening.

"So, what is your name?" Alicarde asked, his curiosity piqued.