Record #27

Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not become a monster. And if you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you.

These creatures had destroyed what I once called home. I quietly fled in the dark of the night when I heard them outside my door, but those I knew did not survive. I tried to live a normal life and start over in a new place, but I can't make myself forget about the blood-curdling screams that night. At night I lie awake in agony, haunted by the knowledge that I could have saved someone — anyone, if I hadn't ran away like a coward. Perhaps I would have died, but it'd be better than living when I don't deserve to live.

So I embarked on a quest for redemption to justify my inner conflict. From the moment I stepped into the new village, I knew it was only a matter of time before they would strike here. And when the siege finally happens, I will slaughter the beasts with my own hands and avenge the death of my people. It didn't take long for reality to align with my prediction: A mutilated corpse was soon discovered, an act by none other than a lycanthrope. Without a word, I went home and counted my weapon collection again, just to be safe. The man next door seemed suspicious — I'll make sure he stops breathing by the end of tomorrow night.

As I quietly sneaked through the tall grass with a sharp dagger in my hand, my deepest fears began to set in. How can I be sure that he was one of the creatures? And what would become of me if I were to kill an innocent man? Would it make me a terrible being just like them? No, I repeated to myself. They are monsters, and they deserve death. What I am doing is justified, I am doing the village and myself a big favor, warding off evils by taking the laws into my own hands. But what if? I continued to ponder as I abruptly stabbed the man in his sleep. What if...?

A body was found the next day, a dozen knife wounds through its chest — but I can't be bothered to mourn. So what if a few civilians have to die? Sacrifices are necessary in the name of justice, and as long as I'm still breathing, I will bring an end to the werewolf bloodline, no matter what it takes.