THE MOMENT
"That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard...," Reginald almost lowered his guard in surprise. He'd fought a long campaign and lost a few friends along the way, not to mention a couple of traitorous thieves. He'd seen and been forced to deal with some of the worst of humanity in his own party. He made it to the Dark Lord's throne room alone and he wasn't particularly confident; but, he would see the task through one way or another. However, he wasn't prepared for the Dark Lord to be such a petty whiner. He stood face to face with a pale young man and held his sword and shield ready for anything; and, the sheer stupidity on the Dark Lord gave him hope. It also helped that the face of evil didn't take insult, he only smirked at Reginald.
"Personally, I don't think it's all that dumb; but, I've probably seen a lot more of humanity's stupidity than you. So, I can understand it's your limited experience talking," the Dark Lord replied. His smirk grew into a broad smile that showed off his vampire fangs. Reginald hadn't realized the villain was undead and he realized that could work in his favor. He'd collected some trinkets from the corpses of his traitors that were effective against vampires. Despite slaughtering his guards, the Dark Lord himself seemed willing to entertain conversation and Reginald hoped to stall.
"Do you not see how shortsighted that is??" Reginald asked. The Dark Lord narrowed his eyes and tilted his head at Reginald; but, he also seemed to relax. His only chance was that they were on the same page and the valiant warrior lowered his shield just enough to grab a pouch of holy silver dust from his belt.
"No," the Dark Lord shook his head. "But, I can see how shortsighted you are. I've been around longer than your family tree and seen things your limited experiences couldn't imagine. I feel comfortable saying my perspective is notably wider than yours," he chuckled.
"So, then. You are just stupid, huh?" Reginald asked. He readied the pouch as best he could and held his shield firm again, just in case.
"I'm curious enough...," the pale man nodded and stepped back to sit on his throne again. He'd stood when Reginald busted in; but, now he acted as if the man were no threat. "Just in case I'm wrong on a detail or two; why don't you explain to me why it's a stupid idea."
"You said, 'Humanity is on the wrong track'. First of all, who are you to decide that?" It wasn't a real question, just more stalling tactics. He was glad the Dark Lord sat down; but, he also moved further away, which meant Reginald had to step closer."
"I suppose since this became a conversation, I should introduce myself; you may call me Oren," he replied. "That answers your question too, by the way. Although, since you brought it up, can you argue that Humanity is NOT on the wrong track? Progress only happens in the name of war. Human lives can be easily purchased, and corruption has consumed your leadership. Surely you don't think things are going in a good direction."
"Humanity can change if given a chance!" Reginald replied. He could not argue the point.
"I know," Oren nodded. "But, that doesn't change the immediate situation right now. I'm not happy with the current direction."
"And your answer is to ruin the Earth and take all humans with it!? That's incredibly idiotic! Doubly so because you're a vampire. Any Dark Lord would be a fool to eliminate humanity; but, you're destroying yourself too! Who are you planning to feed on? DON'T YOU GET IT!!?" He clenched his fist around the pouch ready to act as soon as he raised his voice. But, Oren the Dark Lord only laughed harder instead of attacking.
"And, you're really just proving my point more and more," Oren said. "Just like a human, you're so convinced you know the answers and not even considering the idea that there might be more information than you have. Forget shortsighted, you're completely closed-minded. Insulting anything that doesn't fit into your narrow world view," he shook his head with utmost condescension.
"What more information? You're the one set on eliminating humanity!" Reginald stepped closer again. He felt the violence would be started soon, even if he made the first move.
"And that's the issue right now. The thing is, no one can eliminate humanity. It's too widespread,"
"But, you said,-" Reginald wasn't going to let Oren use word tricks on him. He knew what the vampire lord said. It was clear, he wanted to eliminate all humanity on Earth. Oren interrupted with a chuckle.
"I wanted to destroy all of humanity, on this Earth," he grinned. "There is an infinite multiverse you're unaware of. Almost all of them with humans. This singular Earth and its citizens mean nothing in the grand scheme," he added. "I'm not from this Earth originally, and even after I destroy everyone, I can go and have lunch somewhere else. I was just having some fun dominating the humans here. That fun has grown tiresome lately; because you're on the wrong track."
"What?" Reginald was stunned and he relaxed his grip. The pouch fell straight down and landed with a silver puff of dust. Oren chuckled some more and stood from his seat. He casually walked down to Reginald, and the knight took several steps back while still trying to process the insane claim. Other Earths existed? Was he really 'nothing' in the greater plan?
"Blessed silver dust?" Oren asked as he crouched to collect the pouch. "Was this going to be your opening shot?" he asked and Reginald could only nod while his mind tried to make sense of the situation. Oren raised the bag high, then turned it upside down to dump it in on his own face. The silvery dust fell as a clump all at once and crumbled off his face as easily as sand with absolutely no reaction.
"Boy," Oren chucked and began walking toward Reginald. "Don't you feel stupid?"