V recognized the deception now. Back when he was still trapped in Xadrez, a mysterious voice had promised escape and the fulfillment of his goals. Clearly dubious, but after countless years in that emptiness, he'd agreed. Not that he'd truly had a choice.
Then something shifted. He gained access to his Inheritance inside the prison, something that should have been impossible. Though his spells were limited, it was still a chance he couldn't let pass.
The voice promised him something hopeful. A day was coming when he'd encounter souls of greater happiness and richness. Consuming those would give him the power to escape.
It continued appearing, feeding him information about the outside world, explaining its plans, and oddly enough, requesting his strategic input even though V wasn't in a position to respond.
He saw through it all now, though he still didn't know who, or what, the voice belonged to.
"That bastard… all this time, I've been nothing but their pawn."
V sighed.
