Free Web NovelChapter 525: Chapter 526: A Simple Funeral_1
The soil was freshly laid, forming a shallow mound.
Tony sat down in front of the rudimentary grave at last, silent.
Aiden exchanged glances with the other two; Qiqimora seemed expressionless, but Aiden noticed her repeated attempts to approach Tony’s figure. He could only deter her with his eyes, as Tony’s current state was obviously not suitable for discussing any deals.
"Can I stay here alone for a while?" Tony asked quietly.
"Your condition is quite worrying," Aiden said.
"Then Mr. Galrod, you stay here, I have some questions I’d like to ask you," Tony responded.
Aiden looked at Qiqimora and Lamia, signaling with his eyes that they should rest first.
Lamia left without hesitation, but Qiqimora seemed reluctant. After Aiden gestured again with his hands, she finally pouted and departed.
Aiden stood with his arms crossed, leaning against a tree in silence, waiting. Tony had said he had questions to ask, but kept silent the whole time.
After what felt like an eternity, Tony finally spoke, "Mr. Galrod, have you investigated my father?"
"Yes, it was quite a thorough investigation," Aiden replied.
"Can you tell me what exactly he did?"
"How much do you already know?" Aiden inquired.
"After the first surgery failed, my father took me to flee to the South. He later told me that he had destroyed that project," Tony began.
"That matches my investigation, he connected the espionage department of Gistas Kingdom with a terrorist cult, destroying the Empire’s project. Then, the project’s data and core material fell into the hands of the Gistastonians, hence the base."
"When my father brought me here, he said it was to look for an old friend. Later, he said the Gistastonians were advancing that project, and he intended to stop them. That’s when I said I supported his decision..." Tony said slowly, "I gradually realized that he seemed to have lied to me, I just wasn’t sure where he had lied... It wasn’t until today that I confirmed my father had been personally involved in the project."
"According to my research, your father is indeed suspected of having assassinated an officer involved in the project," Aiden answered calmly, "but later, the Gistas project made a breakthrough—I’m not sure if it’s related to your father, but he seemed to have initiated contact with the project leaders at that time, joining as an external expert."
"So, it was all because of me?" Tony’s voice noticeably dropped.
"That’s one way to put it." Aiden did not choose to comfort him because it was a gruesome fact.
"The missing refugees were abducted to serve as experimental material, and my father was directly involved in human experiments?"
"The likelihood is high, given that he was one of the project leaders in the Empire as well," Aiden replied.
"... Is there anything else?" After a moment of silence, Tony continued to press, "I remember you didn’t finish last time, my father interrupted you."
After some thought, Aiden revealed the harsh truth, "When the experiment entered its final stages, in order to reduce the risk of your surgery as much as possible, he personally planned the abduction of refugees, targeting youths around your age... Do you still want to hear more?"
He saw Tony hold his head in what seemed like pain.
"Please, go on..." Tony’s voice trembled.
"I don’t know the detailed data of the experiment, but I do know that for confidentiality, the materials for the experiments are basically executed in the end. The mortality rate can be said to be one hundred percent," Aiden revealed the cruel truth, "Your father must have killed quite a few people with his own hands."
As a person directly involved, Tony needed to know, and Aiden had no intention of keeping secrets for Professor Dodge.
Tony buried his head in his knees, and after a long time, he began to sob, "...It’s all because of me." fгeewёbnoѵel.cσm
"No, these were your father’s actions."
"But Father did it all for me—"
"Are you trying to exonerate your father?" Aiden said coldly, "Regardless of the reason, your father brutally killed many innocent people. He was involved in that inhumane project since the time of the Empire. By any standard of ordinary morality, he is an unmitigated major criminal. Dying here, he simply got what he deserved. Please, make that distinction."
"But I can’t extricate myself from this affair, I have a responsibility."
"Frankly, if you didn’t directly participate and had no knowledge of it, legally speaking, it would be difficult to find any direct responsibility of yours," Aiden said slowly, "You can’t really be considered culpable, as long as you don’t make excuses for your father’s crimes."
"That’s a really low bar," Tony said quietly.
"Such a low bar, yet so few can meet it. There are countless people who, although they bear no responsibility themselves, still cover up the crimes of those related to them," Aiden replied, "Honestly, being able to discern right from wrong and face up to the sins of the previous generation is quite rare and commendable in this world."
"If it hadn’t been for me, things wouldn’t have turned out this way..." Tony still couldn’t overcome his guilt, "How should I atone?"
"I can’t give you much advice there, try to do more good deeds?" Aiden shrugged, "Considering your situation, the crimes your father committed are beyond redemption. All you can do is try to find peace of mind for yourself. So, how to atone is up to you."
"What I want to do..." Tony repeated the words.
"You’ll have to find that answer yourself," Aiden said.
After some consideration, Tony murmured softly, "I want to help the refugees. I also want revenge for my father."
"First, you need the ability," Aiden replied, "At the very least, you need to have a normal body,"
"..." Tony didn’t respond.
"That is if you’re planning to live to achieve your goals," Aiden said calmly, "Since the Hand of Oblivion is with you, we will continue the deal. The choice is yours. If you insist on going down together with your enemy, I won’t dissuade you anymore."
"What do you plan to do with the Hand of Oblivion?" Tony asked.
"I don’t plan to do anything with it, it’s fine as long as it doesn’t end up in the hands of Mr. Bloodcoat. Qiqimora, that witch, wants it purely for the pursuit of power and knowledge."
"Are you guys, good people or bad people?" Tony suddenly turned his head and asked seriously.
"What kind of question is that? Few people would admit they are bad, especially when they have ulterior motives," Aiden said with a smile.
"Just answer me directly, I’ll judge for myself whether it’s a lie or not," Tony said earnestly.
"How should I put this, strictly speaking, both of them could probably be considered bad women, since they are top-tier witches who wouldn’t hesitate to disregard morality and law for power and research. But for now, they’re the kind you can somewhat keep in check," Aiden answered, "As for me, well, if I have to judge myself, I guess I’m a decently good person."
Tony stared at him for a while, then turned his face back, "I will consider it carefully and give you an answer."
