The Price for Freedom

Rayo gripped a pencil tightly, punching it again and again into his hand and leg, the sharp pain grounding him. His eyes suddenly flicked to the victim’s hand nearby—a small dust-like particle clung to the skin. His eyes widened, tears overflowing uncontrollably.
With a twisted smile, he whispered, “Did you see that? See that crying… I know you’re happy too, finally tasting freedom. I think this is enough.”
Without hesitation, Rayo raised the pencil and drove it mercilessly into the victim’s eyes and mouth. The life fled swiftly. He then drew a glinting sword, slicing the victim’s head clean off.
Calmly, he bagged the head in a black cover, the eerie smile still playing on his lips. Then, with dark joy, he leapt out the window.
“As long as I do this… if I kill everyone in this broken world, I will become a hero—the savior of freedom. I’ll lead them to escape, to true liberation,” Rayo murmured, the devilish grin deepening.
At home, his mother’s voice called him to dinner. Passing by, Rayo’s gaze lingered on the sword hanging above—the weapon of his deadly purpose.
“How many times must I tell you, Rayo? Don’t play with that sword. You’re just a kid. Promise me you won’t hurt yourself,” she said gently.
Rayo smiled, shadows flickering in his eyes. “Don’t worry, Mom. Soon, I will bring freedom—freedom born from the suffering of those who never had any,” he murmured quietly, almost to himself.
“Did you say something?” she asked.
“No, nothing,” he replied softly.
After dinner, without his mother’s knowledge, Rayo slipped underground. A dimly lit lab awaited, filled with microscopes, chemicals, and strange devices. His bag lay on the table—with the severed head inside.
Suddenly, footsteps echoed behind him. His mother appeared, concern etched on her face.
“Rayo, what’s going on? What’s inside that black cover?” she asked gently.
He hesitated for a moment, trembling inwardly. “It’s… just some school project,” he said, voice cracking. “Nothing to worry about.”
But fear and sorrow hid deep beneath his calm facade.