ã€ŠThe Return of the Demon Emperor carso!ã€‹


 Carso The real beginning

    Karso, who had been swallowed by darkness since his earliest days, stood atop the hill like a predatory bird watching a dying prey. The star-studded sky above him was nothing more than a false ceiling to a world drowning in blood. Below, the village erupted in a symphony of agony: the screams of children whose intestines were being torn apart by the fangs of beasts, the skulls of the elderly crushed under twisted feet, and flames licking at bodies like the tongues of a ravenous demon. The stench of burning flesh rose like poisoned incense, mingling with the wailing of a dying mother clutching the mangled corpse of her child.

    Karso¡¯s pitch-black eyes¡ªdarker than a moonless night¡ªdevoured the scene hungrily. A twisted smile crept onto his lips, like a worm slithering out of a corpse, as he whispered in a voice like the rustle of a serpent: "At last... I''ve sown the first seeds of my path."

    The village¡¯s blood flowed into the valley below like a black river, carrying with it torn-out eyes and broken nails¡ªremnants of the desperate struggle for life.

    When the last cries died out, only the crackling flames remained, as if mocking human naivety. The beasts feasted on spilled entrails, tearing limbs apart with bone-carved daggers, while the village itself had become an open maw, vomiting ash and blood.

    Karso inhaled deeply, as if breathing in the scent of rare flowers, then walked toward the city¡ªa creeping shadow over unburied corpses.

    The tall grass swayed gently beside him, brushing against his body with a slow, deliberate touch. Nothing compared to the serenity he felt in these moments. To him, silence was not merely rest¡ªit was peace, an inner stillness that brought a sense of safety.

    The night passed without interruption, and as the first rays of sunlight broke the horizon, dawn arrived. And with it, Karso reached the city known as "The Adventurers'' City." It was so named because it welcomed thousands of adventurers each year.

    As he neared, the city''s massive walls gradually came into view.

    Thanks to his early arrival, Karso didn''t have to wait in a long line for visitor and adventurer inspections. Only a few people stood ahead of him. Among them was a group of adventurers who seemed to have just returned from a mission, likely to collect their rewards.

    Normally, Karso ignored such trivialities, but something about these adventurers irritated him. The stench of blood clung to them, and their loud voices shattered the quiet he had been enjoying.

    Karso, who neither forgave nor forgot¡ªholding grudges as stubbornly as a camel¡ªwished he could reduce them to a pile of shredded flesh. But he held back.

    At last, the adventurers finished their inspection, and it was his turn.

    He stood before the inspection officer, who lazily ordered his assistant to search him quickly.

    After a brief check, the assistant said, "No, nothing illegal here."

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    Karso retrieved his belongings, but before leaving, he asked for his sword.

    The officer scoffed, "How insolent! You haven''t paid, yet you want your sword back?"

    A frown began to darken Karso¡¯s face. "I don¡¯t recall any such law here."

    The officer smirked. "Doesn''t matter. Everyone knows you have to pay ¡®tips¡¯ to the officers for their hard work in protecting the city."

    Karso''s expression deepened into a scowl. "You don¡¯t even defend the city. The guards do. Your only job is inspection. Now, return my sword."

    The officer laughed, nudging his assistant. "Look, he''s getting mad now! Hahaha!" He then lifted Karso¡¯s sword mockingly. "You want this? Lick this!" He pointed at his foot.

    That was the last straw.

    Karso struck like a starving serpent catching the scent of an open wound, snatching the sword from the officer¡¯s grip with a speed rivaling a lightning flash.

    The officer stood frozen, his eyes tracking Karso¡¯s movement like a man watching a deadly mirage.

    "Alright, do you kno¡ª"

    His words never finished.

    Instead, his voice was replaced by the crack of splitting bone under the blade.

    The sword carved through the officer¡¯s face from forehead to chin, splitting his skull into two perfect halves¡ªlike an open book stained with crimson ink.

    Blackened blood poured like demon¡¯s ink, writing the first lines of a curse. The officer¡¯s severed tongue hung in the air for a moment, wriggling like a larva clinging to a severed branch, before the two halves of his head collapsed onto the ground with a wet thud. A putrid stench of exposed entrails mingled with the rot of corrupted authority.

    The assistant trembled, his hands flailing in the air like a bird with clipped wings.

    Suddenly, he realized he was seeing the world upside down¡ªthe ceiling of the room beneath his feet, his commander¡¯s dismembered corpse floating at eye level.

    "Ah..." he whispered.

    But his voice leaked from his severed throat like air escaping a shattered bottle.

    Gravity took hold of his severed head, rolling it toward the corner, while his body remained standing for a brief moment, sucking in the last remnants of air through the gaping wound in his neck¡ªlike red wine spilling from an overturned glass.

    The room became a frozen cavern. Even Karso¡¯s sighs condensed in the air like poisonous mist.

    He picked up the officer¡¯s coin pouch¡ªsticky with warm blood¡ªand murmured, "The city embraces chaos¡­ I''ll make it see it."

    Then he walked through the gates like a ghost dragging the tail of a curse, as crows began pecking at the eyes of the dead.

    ---

    Karso entered the city, his clothes and sword heavy with blood.

    He had passed through this village before, but his memory only retained hazy details of rivers and public baths.

    As he wandered the streets, he spotted the same annoying adventurer group exiting the adventurers'' guild, their faces glowing with satisfaction, though their clothes were still stained with blood.

    With sharp intuition, Karso deduced they were heading to wash up. Given their modest attire, he assumed they wouldn¡¯t splurge on private baths.

    He decided to follow them, hoping they would lead him to a nearby river.

    And as expected, it wasn¡¯t long before the group arrived at one.

    Karso hid patiently in a bush, controlling his breath to conceal his presence.

    His wait dragged on due to two female members bathing, delaying his main objective.

    But he remained patient.

    At last, after they left, he emerged from his hiding place and stepped toward the river.

    The sun was beginning to set.

    As he washed the blood from his body, a strange sense of purification settled over him.

    The sun slowly dipped below the horizon as he scrubbed his clothes, contemplating the long day behind him.

    Once finished, he headed toward an inn for the night.

    On his way, city gossip buzzed about the murdered inspection officer.

    From the whispers weaving through the crowd, Karso learned that search parties were combing the outskirts for the killer.

    "How foolish. If not for pre-established procedures and regulations, they might have caused me some trouble... But this is what laws and rules do to the minds of the herd. Many soldiers are smart enough to sense my presence inside the city, yet because of their ingrained protocols, they no longer think like humans¡ªthey are puppets, controlled by the strings of laws and orders."

    Karso muttered this to himself as he approached the inn.

    On his way to the inn, Karso noticed a man overflowing with fat from every side, his clothes struggling to contain his massive frame. He was strolling through the streets, noisily devouring a chunk of meat, surrounded by guards. The scene was loud and chaotic, but Karso paid it no mind and continued on his way.

    Upon arrival, he chose a room with a single window overlooking a vast field.

    He set his belongings aside and lay on the bed, gazing at the endless expanse outside.

    As the night breeze drifted through the window, sleep took hold of him¡ªhis thoughts lingering on the new day awaiting him.

 the plan

    Karso woke up from his bed, clutching his sword when he heard footsteps approaching his room¡¯s door. He was ready for an intrusion, but the knocking was merely an announcement for breakfast. Opening the door, he found a girl with golden hair and bright eyes standing before him, carrying a tray of food. She wanted to step inside, but Karso cut her off by taking the food and shutting the door quickly after a brief word of thanks.

    The waitress''s face showed signs of surprise and bewilderment; who would reject her beauty and avoid speaking to her? Some even believed she was worthy of being the city lord¡¯s concubine. But realizing she had been lost in thought for too long, she returned to her work.

    Meanwhile, Karso was ensuring the food was free of poison. Despite his limited wealth, he had chosen to stay in an expensive hotel, as his nature refused to settle for anything beneath his standards. He quickly finished his breakfast and picked up his pen.

    Karso leaned over his notebook like a silent shadow in the midst of a storm of anticipation, his fingers gliding across the lines with the cold precision of a commander reorganizing his army before battle.

    "The Nobles'' Manuscripts¡­ A forged map¡­" he whispered to himself, his voice resembling the scrape of a blade against stone. His eyes, like cold steel, moved between names, even his sighs measured with calculated precision.

    "The important thing now¡­ The invitation piece will be the only key to entering the castle without bloodstains on me."

    He lifted the pen slowly, staring at a dried bloodstain on the notebook''s corner¡ªblood that wasn¡¯t his¡ªbefore drawing a circle around "The Thousand-Year Book" with a line thinner than a spider¡¯s silk.

    "The game is like chess¡­ and the surprise is that they don¡¯t know the entire board is my pawn."

    He smiled¡ªa smile that never reached his eyes¡ªjust as, outside the window, a sudden scream erupted as a man was dragged toward the guillotine.

    Karso didn''t even raise an eyebrow as he watched the body being pulled away like a headless corpse. He merely ran his thumb along the edge of his pen as if adjusting an inner clock.

    "Stealing from a noble¡­ A convenient crime," he murmured, tapping the pocket of his coat where the invitation piece was hidden like a smoldering ember.

    "Murder here¡­ is cleaned up like a plate of rotten fruit. But blood¡­ leaves stains on documents too."

    He bent over the notebook again as the man''s dying screams faded behind the cracked windowpane, writing in slanted script:

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    "Today''s hanged man is a silent witness¡­ He who steals the shadow is executed in broad daylight."

    Shaking his head with cold disdain, he closed the notebook.

    "Only fools find death surprising."

    ---

    Karso walked through the narrow street like a cloud creeping stealthily toward the moon, where torches flickered against the castle walls like tongues of fire licking at the night¡¯s darkness. The scent of expensive incense choked within the smoke of heated iron vats from the nobles¡¯ kitchens, and their laughter seeped from the high windows like the cough of a sick man concealing his pain.

    He approached the guards at the grand gate, slowly drawing out the invitation piece as if surrendering himself, while the guard¡¯s eyes locked onto the golden seal. A moment of silence¡­ then the guard bowed in feigned reverence, like a pig kissing its master before slaughter.

    "Welcome, honored guest¡­" the guard murmured in an oily voice.

    Karso didn''t reply. He was counting the man''s breaths.

    One¡­ Two¡­ Then he stepped inside.

    Inside, thick smoke spread like ghosts draped in silk, and the sound of the oud trickled through the air like venom. He saw "the pig" sitting on a throne of flesh and bone, tossing gold coins to the courtesans as carelessly as one would throw scraps to dogs.

    "You¡­" the noble suddenly straightened, his bloated face reddening like a spoiled fruit.

    "You don¡¯t have a familiar face¡­"

    Karso smiled¡ªa smile folded like a secret map.

    "Many faces disappear¡­ And you, my lord, own the greatest treasure."

    He flicked a stolen gold coin onto the floor, where the courtesans pounced on it like swarms of chameleons.

    The pig laughed reluctantly, his laughter slicing through the air like the shatter of glass under a boot. Karso¡¯s gaze remained locked onto the pig¡¯s¡ªonly ten breaths separated him from being the next corpse hanging over the city walls.

    His eyes slid toward the noble¡¯s embroidered waistcoat, where a thin golden chain dangled like a venomous scorpion, holding the family¡¯s seal. The sound of the coin still echoed on the marble floor like a serpent¡¯s hiss as he subtly lowered his stance, preparing like a predator sharpening its claws.

    "The greatest treasure requires the smallest key¡­" he murmured internally, brushing his fingers lightly along the edge of the table, where droplets of wine clung to his palm like fresh blood. He waited for the moment the "pig" became distracted¡ªmocking a limping servant¡ªbefore swiftly vanishing like a shadow, slipping the golden chain free with a single movement as smooth as vapor¡¯s touch.

    But the seal wasn¡¯t there.

    For the first time that night, Karso¡¯s heart skipped a beat.

    "Could he¡­ be keeping it elsewhere?" His hidden smile faded the moment he heard the unmistakable sound of a sword sliding from its scabbard behind him.

    Turning, he saw a young guard advancing toward him, his eyes red from wine and suspicion.

    "My lord¡­ perhaps you were looking for this?"

    The guard held up a dirtied invitation piece smeared with grease¡­ and in his other hand, the noble family¡¯s golden seal.

    Karso didn¡¯t move. The scent of death suddenly mingled with the heat of sweat.

    "You¡­ are faster than a mere servant should be," he whispered, his voice smooth as a blade¡¯s edge.

    The guard smiled as if he knew a deadly secret.

    "And you¡­ are too smart to think all guards are fools."

    On the word "fools"¡­ everything ended.

    A small dagger vanished into the guard¡¯s throat from an unseen place, while Karso caught him in his arms like a drunken friend.

    "The lion of the story never narrates its own end," he whispered into his ear before dropping the corpse behind an embroidered curtain.

    The noble family¡¯s seal now pulsed in Karso¡¯s palm. Along with it¡ªthe real invitation to the next nobles¡¯ gathering¡­ where he would be¡ª

 Shadow game

    In a sumptuous room draped in a muted splendor of melancholic shadows, ¡°The Pig¡± sat staring with eyes that blazed like embers beneath ash. The chamber was replete with luxurious furnishings and dark portraits of bygone eras, yet he cared little for the d¨¦cor¡ªit was the sorrow of an unforgivable betrayal that consumed him. In a hoarse whisper, as if addressing the ghosts of his past, he murmured:

    > ¡°They stole more than just a priceless artifact¡­ They stole my honor and killed the only brother who ever reminded me that I am human!¡±

    Beneath those words lay cold calculations. He knew full well that Karso¡ª that cunning fox who had spun his intricate trap at the precious invitation party¡ªwould never fall into the hands of ordinary minions. Thus, ¡°The Pig¡± ordered the gathering of second- and third-tier investigators¡ªthose who lurked in the alleys like shadows¡ªto record every detail meticulously in hopes of catching a trace that would lead them to the elusive thief. Although these investigators roamed the city¡¯s streets in disguise to hunt down Karso, the picture they held was imprecise; yet it was enough to give them a thread to follow. As the investigation trudged on without pause, the night crept over the city, and all their efforts proved futile, with no evidence emerging to guide them. By sunset, the reports had evaporated into a jumble of empty words¡ªas if Karso had dissolved into the very sea of night.

    In the darkened streets, while the investigators fumbled in narrow alleys to collect evidence, a voice unlike any other emerged¡ªa voice carrying both promise and threat. A man appeared clad in an elegant brown robe, a neatly tied brown sash cinching his waist. He strode confidently among those masquerading as vegetable vendors. Approaching an investigator scribbling notes in his small notebook, he said in a calm tone laden with hidden storms:

    > ¡°Investigating without understanding a criminal¡¯s mind is like playing chess with blind pieces. Show me your master.¡±

    Raising an eyebrow in astonishment, the investigator snapped back sharply,

    > ¡°Huh? Who are you? Get out of here immediately before I call the guards!¡±

    But rather than retreat, the mysterious man¡¯s face curled into a dubious smile as he whispered sarcastically:

    > ¡°The guards? Hahaha¡­ those weaklings? I could wipe them all out! No, I could erase every soul in this wretched city¡­ so don¡¯t force me to erase you as well.¡±

    The investigator staggered back, staring at the stranger with growing concern, then gripped his sword and drew it, ready to attack. He declared with determination:

    > ¡°We¡¯ll see who gets wiped out!¡±

    He lunged with all his might, igniting his sword with a burst of fiery brilliance that granted him a terrifying, decisive power. Yet the mysterious man did not budge¡ªinstead, he merely raised two fingers, halting the attack effortlessly without any sign of exertion, all while laughing mockingly:

    > ¡°Hahaha¡­ Is that all you¡¯ve got for defense? How pathetic! Did you really think I was weak just because I outweigh you?¡±

    The investigator broke into a cold sweat, his body trembling with fear, before stammering:

    > ¡°N-no¡­ I didn¡¯t mean it, sir¡­ I¡¯ll show you my client immediately!¡±

    Without further resistance, he followed the mysterious man toward the noble in charge, his fear mounting at the sheer force he had just encountered.

    ---

    In a dim hall within ¡°The Pig¡¯s¡± palace, all the investigators had assembled. Voices rang out in that grand meeting:

    > ¡°What are the results of your investigations, gentlemen?!¡±

    bellowed ¡°The Pig¡± in a tone that mingled anger with hope.

    One trembling investigator replied:

    > ¡°Unfortunately, we haven¡¯t found any trace of him yet. But we¡¯re sure that by the end of today¡ªand the dawn of tomorrow¡ªwe¡¯ll catch him.¡±

    Unable to contain his rage, ¡°The Pig¡± roared:

    > ¡°Do you think I¡¯m stupid? I pay you with ill-gotten money to hunt down my brother¡¯s killer, you bastards!¡±

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    At that very moment, the mysterious man burst into the hall and proclaimed in a resonant, enigmatic voice:

    > ¡°And you, who believe that your authority justifies injustice, do you think you can capture what is unseen? I am here to show you that one who masters the game of shadows is not so easily unmasked.¡±

    ¡°Who exactly are you?¡± asked the portly noble derisively, ¡°Another thief pilfering my coins under the guise of investigation?¡±

    The mysterious man smiled calmly and answered in an even tone:

    > ¡°It appears you¡¯re facing a formidable problem with this case¡­ I will solve it for you.¡±

    The noble¡¯s anger flared, his face quivering as he jeered mockingly:

    > ¡°Do you think I¡¯m playing around here?! Am I jesting? I¡¯ll solve it for you, haha! Do you really believe it¡¯s that simple?!¡±

    He mimicked the mysterious man¡¯s voice with biting sarcasm.

    At that, the mysterious man¡¯s features darkened, revealing signs of distress. He regarded those present with disdain before murmuring coolly:

    > ¡°It seems that the inhabitants of this city understand nothing but the language of power and submission to the strongest¡­¡±

    At that moment, a mysterious energy began to swirl around him, visible only to those sensitive enough to see his aura. Without hesitation, he raised his finger and pointed it at one of the servants standing behind the noble, then said in a low, menacing tone:

    > ¡°Watch closely¡­ this is what happens to anyone who dares oppose me.¡±

    Before anyone could react, a burst of compressed aura shot forth from his finger with frenzied speed, piercing the servant¡¯s skull in an instant. There was no scream, no time even for shock¡ªonly a horrific, bloody explosion that sent fragments of bone, blood, and burnt tissue scattering in every direction, staining the walls and the luxurious carpet.

    The hall fell into stunned silence. The noble trembled violently, his lips frozen in shock, while the investigators who witnessed the scene were gripped by terror. They saw no clear sign of an attack¡ªonly that the mysterious man had pointed his finger¡­and then obliterated the man¡¯s head.

    Though none could fathom what had just transpired, they all felt the overwhelming force of his aura. It wasn¡¯t mere trickery or anything familiar¡ªit was something that instilled the deepest fear.

    Barely had the murmurs ceased when the head of another servant exploded from a similar burst of mysterious energy, rendering the hall as silent as a cold tomb. ¡°The Pig¡± shuddered in disbelief and bellowed bitterly:

    > ¡°Do you dare challenge my authority in my own domain?!¡±

    Slowly, the mysterious man turned to him, as if reading the dark pages of his soul, then deliberately replied:

    > ¡°True authority is not declared by shouting¡­ it is revealed by its presence.¡± He added with a sardonic smile: ¡°Do you know why your investigators failed? Because they search for a criminal with logic, while he manipulates logic itself!¡± With a hesitant smile, ¡°The Pig¡± asked softly: ¡°Who are you, sir?¡± The man answered coolly: ¡°I am the one who was trained by the greatest human mind of all time¡­ Arin Lukzar!¡±

    His voice then rose in confident timbre as he continued:

    > ¡°I am the son of the empire! I came here solely to gain experience; being a first-grade investigator has long outlived its time¡­ more than ten years have passed¡ªdon¡¯t you think it¡¯s time for me to advance to the special grade?¡±

    A heavy silence fell over the hall, and the noble¡¯s and investigators¡¯ eyes widened in astonishment. The mysterious man appeared reserved and calm, speaking only when necessary, yet suddenly he launched into a torrent of words¡ªso much so that when one investigator asked his name, he completely faltered!

    ¡°O-of course, sir!¡± one investigator stuttered while swallowing nervously. ¡°A man of your stature¡­ I can¡¯t fathom how you¡¯re still in the first grade and haven¡¯t ascended to the special grade yet!¡±

    The mysterious man chuckled lightly, as if the praise had no effect on him, then commanded in a firm tone:

    > ¡°Bring me all the evidence you have gathered, and tell me every detail of the case.¡±

    None dared to hesitate. The investigators quickly presented every scrap of information they had, while the mysterious man sat on an ornate chair, crossing his legs with a cryptic smile playing on his lips as he listened intently.

    He stroked his beard thoughtfully, then spoke in a calm yet resolute voice:

    > ¡°First order of business¡­ head to every nearby store in the city that sells martial arts equipment!¡±

    The investigators did not object, though one¡ªseeming unconvinced¡ªasked:

    > ¡°Why? What¡¯s the point of that?¡±

    The mysterious man smiled confidently and replied simply:

    > ¡°Because any criminal who wishes to hide will wear a mask.¡±

    Raising an eyebrow, the investigator retorted skeptically:

    > ¡°With all due respect, isn¡¯t that a foolish act? Wearing a mask will immediately make him a suspect!¡±

    The mysterious man let out a short laugh, then looked at him as if evaluating his understanding before replying in a sardonic tone:

    > ¡°It appears that martial arts are not your forte, is that so? Well then, let me explain simply¡­¡±

    He adjusted his posture slightly and continued:

    > ¡°Firstly, a mask isn¡¯t used for a single purpose; there are advanced masks capable of blending seamlessly with the face, completely altering one¡¯s features.¡±

    Pausing for a moment, he took a deep breath and went on before the next question could be asked:

    > ¡°And now, you might wonder: how will we identify him then? The answer is simple¡­ Smart masks may change the face, but they cannot conceal three inescapable traits: his gait, the glimmer of intelligence in his eyes, and the scent of fear that emanates from someone who knows they are internally defeated. A thief may believe that a mask hides his identity, but in truth¡­ it exposes his weakness!¡±

    He pointed at the investigators and added in an even more serious tone:

    > ¡°Thus, another clue is his jet-black eyes. In all my life, I have never seen someone with completely black eyes¡ªit will be easy to track him. And finally¡­ his build! You mentioned that his appearance was distinctive and he seemed strong, correct?¡±

    The investigators nodded in confirmation.

    The mysterious man smiled once more and continued:

    > ¡°Additionally, keep a close watch on barbershops. If he is truly clever, he will try to shave his head to alter his appearance. But if he does it himself, he is likely to leave mistakes or unevenness in the cut, which could easily expose him.¡±

    A thoughtful silence fell over the room as the investigators exchanged looks of astonishment and understanding. It was clear that the mysterious man had a well-defined plan¡ªperhaps their only way to capture the suspect.

    After issuing his orders, the guards and investigators, disguised as ordinary citizens, spread out across the city near stores selling martial arts equipment. They moved cautiously, attempting to blend into the environment, though they unwittingly made an obvious mistake.

    Meanwhile, on the other side¡­

    Karso had already planned to visit those very stores, but he soon sensed something was amiss. An unusually high number of visitors suddenly filled the streets, and the store lights were ablaze in an uncharacteristic manner despite the night¡¯s arrival.

    ¡°Strange¡­¡±

    He quickly realized that something was not right. At this hour, most people were asleep¡ªnights in this city were dangerous, and most workers retired early to prepare for the coming day. Yet now¡­ the lights burned brightly, people roamed the streets in an unusual fashion, and most curiously, some individuals kept shifting positions as if in a state of alert.

    ¡°Hmm¡­¡± A slight smile appeared on his face before he murmured almost inaudibly:

    > ¡°They think I¡¯m an easy target, don¡¯t they?¡±

    That smile then transformed into a blend of irony and a hint of genuine interest, and he continued quietly to himself:

    > ¡°But¡­ no matter, they¡¯ve managed to pique my curiosity a little. Let¡¯s see what happens if I walk into one of these stores and make a purchase despite the heightened security¡­¡±

    With confident steps, he began to move¡ªunconcerned by the dozens of eyes watching him intently.

 Controlled Chaos

    The lights emanating from the shops reflected on the roads dampened by humidity, and the sound of footsteps echoed through the alleys. But they weren¡¯t natural¡­ They were organized, unsettling, as if governed by a secret rhythm.

    Amidst it all, Karso stood confidently at the corner of a street, his gaze fixed on a nearby combat equipment store. On the rooftop, he spotted shadows shifting, and on both sides, he felt stolen glances inspecting those entering and leaving. He didn¡¯t need confirmation¡ªhe had been chosen. And that made him smile.

    "They want to corner me... Interesting."

    With steady steps, he walked towards one of the shops, ignoring all the eyes watching him. He pushed the door open, and a faint bell chime echoed, drawing the attention of the old shopkeeper, who lifted his head slightly.

    ¡ª"Welcome, how can I help you?"

    Karso stood before a shelf filled with combat masks, his fingers brushing against one before asking in a calm voice,

    "Do you have masks with special properties? Something that conceals facial features, for example?"

    The old man¡¯s eyes shifted slightly with tension. It was too direct of a question¡ªalmost as if he had heard it before that day. But before he could answer, Karso noticed a reflection in the store¡¯s glass¡­ A man outside, standing as if observing, though he was trying to act natural.

    Karso didn¡¯t need further confirmation, but he wanted to enjoy the moment.

    He turned to the shopkeeper, smiled, and said in a low but clear voice,

    "By the way, I think someone wants to test me tonight. Do you think they''re good enough?"

    The shopkeeper hesitated for a moment, but he had no time to respond.

    Snap!

    In less than a second, the clash erupted outside the shop¡ªstifled cries, the sounds of struggle.

    Karso didn¡¯t turn, only smiled wider and murmured,

    "Oh, it seems they''ve finally made their move."

    ---

    That morning, Karso hadn''t returned to the inn as expected. Instead, he headed to the slums¡ªwhere crime wasn¡¯t just a choice but a way of life. Here, corpses littered the streets like garbage, and the sounds of screams and groans filled the rancid alleys. Barefoot children with pale faces begged with eyes that had long lost hope, while in the dark corners, human trafficking deals took place as casually as market trades.

    These slums weren¡¯t just places of poverty; they were a festering swamp that fed on the weak.

    Karso wasn¡¯t surprised. But he was on a mission.

    Among the filth and blood, he sought out the bandits¡ªthose who spent their days in the mountains and only came to the markets to trade their loot for food and drink. That was all the information he needed to set his plan in motion.

    He didn¡¯t have to search long.

    In a narrow alley, he spotted one of them¡ªa massive man, his clothes stained with blood and wine, threatening an old woman who clung desperately to a piece of bread. It wasn¡¯t an unusual sight here, but for Karso, it was an opportunity.

    Like a shadow emerging from the wall, Karso appeared behind the thug.

    His iron grip closed around the man¡¯s throat from behind, dragging him into a dark corner where empty liquor bottles were strewn about. The thug''s panicked breaths mixed with the stench of rot and dried blood. But he couldn¡¯t scream¡ªbecause a thin wire had already coiled around his throat, tight enough to leave a deep purple mark, though it hadn''t cut through¡­ yet.

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    "Do you know why I¡¯m not killing you?"

    Karso whispered, his tone chilling in its politeness as he adjusted his stance.

    "Because I need you to deliver a message¡­ A tangible one."

    Before the man could even cry out, thin silk-like threads shot from Karso¡¯s fingertips¡ªdeadly, sharper than any blade. One of them slid into his left eye, burrowing slowly until the vitreous fluid mixed with crimson.

    "This one¡­ is for the living."

    Then, in a swift motion, more threads wrapped around two fingers of the thug¡¯s right hand¡ªtightening suddenly like a snap trap.

    A sickening crack.

    The sound of breaking bone shattered the silence for a brief moment before his severed fingers hit the ground.

    "And this one¡­ is for the future victims."

    Karso left him there, drowning in his own blood.

    He knew it wouldn¡¯t take long for word to spread.

    And he knew it wouldn¡¯t take long before the bandits came hunting for him¡ªlike wounded wolves seeking revenge.

    ---

    That evening...

    When Karso entered the combat equipment shop later, he knew his plan was unfolding exactly as he intended. One of the bandits tracking him had followed his trail into the city, blending among the shoppers.

    What the bandit didn¡¯t know was that the investigators had also been watching.

    Sure enough, as the bandits began gathering, the investigators noticed their strange movements. Why was such a large group of armed men assembling? Were they Karso¡¯s allies?

    There was no time for questions.

    The investigators moved in to surround them immediately.

    Meanwhile, the bandits¡­

    They assumed the worst.

    They thought these well-dressed men were part of a trap Karso had set for them, sent to wipe them out.

    And without hesitation, the fight broke out.

    ---

    Karso¡¯s strike was a double blow.

    Investigators and outlaws clashed in a bloody confrontation, while the city descended into chaos¡ªno one knowing the true cause except for one man.

    A man who stood quietly in the midst of it all.

    Watching.

    Smiling.

    In the dim, dilapidated shop, where the scent of aged wood and dampness lingered, Karsou stood facing the old man. His features were calm, but his eyes held an inescapable darkness. Slowly, he flipped a coin in his hand, the metallic clink against his skin echoing in the heavy silence.

    In a voice devoid of emotion yet charged with unbearable tension, he said:

    ¡°Old man¡­ Don¡¯t mock me. Tell me¡ªwhere is the annual black market auction being held?¡±

    The old man trembled but clung to his crumbling facade. He shook his head, feigning confusion, his shaky voice barely audible:

    ¡°I¡­ I don¡¯t understand what you¡¯re talking about, sir. I¡¯m just a simple man. I have no involvement in such matters¡­¡±

    Then¡ª

    *(A bloody splatter stained the back window of the shop.)*

    Karsou¡¯s gaze drifted slowly toward the scattered blood. His reflection in the glass warped, as if shadows were merging with him. He sighed faintly before turning back to the old man, his tone carrying a terrifying calm:

    ¡°Boy¡­ Don¡¯t play games with someone out of your league.¡±

    The old man froze. His breaths quickened, eyes widening as they fixated on the blood.

    Karsou continued, his voice deeper, colder:

    ¡°See that stain over there? It¡¯s not just blood¡­ It¡¯s a message. Proof that lies only buy you one path¡ªa path that ends here. In front of me.¡±

    The old man shuddered, swallowing hard:

    ¡°Y-yes¡­ I see¡­¡±

    A faint smirk flickered on Karsou¡¯s lips¡ªnot a smile, but a calculated observation.

    ¡°You know¡­ Your lies are pathetic. As if you¡¯ve never lied before. But I won¡¯t blame you. Those who lie to me once don¡¯t get a second chance. So, I¡¯ll grant you a rare opportunity¡­ Speak, or let your blood join what¡¯s on the glass.¡±

    Silence choked the room, the old man¡¯s ragged breaths now deafening. Hesitation, terror, helplessness¡ªall trembled in his eyes. But something else crept in: a harsh realization that escape was impossible.

    The old man tried to plead, his voice quaking:

    ¡°I don¡¯t understand! Why? What have I done to you? These fights outside my shop, your threats¡­ I¡¯m just a simple man! I mean no harm! I know nothing of the black market!¡±

    His defense was cut short by a strange *thud* as a cold thread pierced his chest. Karsou¡¯s voice resonated through the stillness:

    ¡°This thread may have missed its mark this time, but next time, it won¡¯t¡­ It will pierce your heart.¡±

    Clutching at a sliver of hope, the old man stammered, his voice trembling like shadows:

    ¡°All I know¡­ is the auction is this week¡­ Nothing else!¡±

    A flicker of surprise crossed Karsou¡¯s face. He asked with bitter mockery:

    ¡°Truly, nothing else?¡±

    The old man¡¯s eyes widened in terror. He blurted hurriedly:

    ¡°N-no¡­ I misspoke! The main items¡­ are elixirs!¡±

    Karsou pressed dryly:

    ¡°And the masks?¡±

    Gathering his strength, the old man gasped:

    ¡°I swear I don¡¯t know¡­ But I¡¯ve heard they might auction Ashvank¡¯s Mask¡­ That¡¯s all!¡±

    In a swift, lethal motion¡ªbefore the old man could utter another word¡ªKarsou drove the thread through his heart, plunging him into eternal darkness. His voice faded with his final breath, leaving behind a silence heavy with dread and regret.

    At that moment, Karsou seized a crude mask from the shop¡ªnothing among the goods had suited him. Outside, the clangor of battle still raged as guards stormed in, slaughtering some of the bandits while the rest fled, only to surround the shop completely. Suddenly, troops barged inside, met with a grim sight: the pitiful old man sprawled across a table, blood oozing slowly from his chest like a macabre artwork of extinguished life.

    Yet it wasn¡¯t just the carnage that ignited the crowd¡¯s fury. A thunderous cry pierced the chaos:

    ¡°Where¡¯s the thief?!¡±

    But Karsou, cunning and ruthless, had vanished as if he¡¯d never existed, melting into the shadows of the alleyways amid the battle¡¯s frenzy.

    Meanwhile, word reached the shadowy investigator. His grip tightened, fury etching lines across his face. For a heartbeat, his authority seemed to falter¡ªthen he snapped into action. He ordered his men to scour the shop for clues, suspecting a calculated hand behind the black market¡¯s machinations. With cold precision, he demanded intel on any upcoming auctions, vowing to personally hunt down ¡°Karsou.¡±

    As for Karsou, he retreated to the inn he frequented¡ªa place where the vague sketches of his likeness failed to rouse suspicion. He entered with calculated dignity, his stride unflinching as staff watched, baffled. How could a wanted man radiate such calm in a supposed sanctuary? Yet their doubts dissolved swiftly. Surely no fugitive would dare return here. They chalked it up to mistaken identity, their wary eyes retreating behind curtains as Karsou slipped into his room, cloaked in an eerie stillness that defied time itself.

    Alone, he sat in silent reflection, replaying the day¡¯s brutality¡ªthe auction heist, his razor-edge escape from the investigator¡¯s jaws, the dark wealth now lining his pockets. A smirk curled his lips:

    ¡°Not¡­ bad.¡±

    But beneath his icy composure, Karsou knew urgency gnawed at him. The black market had to be found¡ª*now*. He sensed a hidden force at play, one pulling strings even the investigator couldn¡¯t grasp. Those low-ranking enforcers, with their annoyingly meticulous tactics, had clipped his wings¡ªif only slightly.

    ¡°Pity for them,¡± he muttered, arrogance dripping like venom. ¡°They chose to cross ..me

 well-planned

    The guard extends his massive hand, resembling the gnarled trunk of a dead tree, his voice booming like a boulder cascading through a forsaken valley:

    "The invitation... or crawl back to whatever hole you came from."

    Karsu slowly arches his left brow, a cold smile slithering across his lips like a scorpion stalking the night. He replies, his tone laced with defiance and disdain:

    "You demand papers from me?"

    From his pocket, he produces a bronze medallion etched with the emblem of a wingless bird, adding in a voice like the screech of a blade dragged over a tomb¡¯s marble:

    "This... is my invitation. Do you recognize it?"

    The guard scowls, his narrowed eyes scrambling to decipher the cryptic symbol. He barks rigidly:

    "No games here... Leave!"

    Karsu steps closer, his breath nearly grazing the guard¡¯s face, each word frostbitten with menace:

    "This medallion belonged to the Lost Prince, who vanished on a night much like this. Do you truly wish to be the last guard to see it before your skin is peeled from your bones?"

    A hidden blade glints silently beneath his cloak, its presence sharper than words. The guard trembles, memories of his predecessors¡¯ corpses dangling from the palace walls flooding back. He stammers:

    "Wait... Perhaps a misunderstanding."

    Karsu lowers his eyelids slowly, as though sealing a coffin of secrets, and whispers:

    "Indeed... a misunderstanding. You cling to laws as if they¡¯ll save you, but to me, they¡¯re spiderwebs even flies scorn."

    He tosses a forged invitation at the guard¡¯s feet:

    "Take it... and remember today as the day slavery alone spared your tongue."

    The guard snatches the paper with a quivering hand, primal instincts screaming warnings as Karsu slips past the gate like a venomous wind, leaving behind the bitter tang of oil¡ªa scent that floods the guard with memories of scrubbing nobles¡¯ knives in his impoverished youth.

    Inside the palace, Karso melts into shadows, passing the statue of the assassinated prince towering over gold-filigreed halls. His muted voice carries a vow:

    "Worry not... I¡¯ll turn your descendants¡¯ palace into a theater for their funerals."

    A young maid bearing a tray offers a practiced smile, but shivers when her gaze meets his. Her eyes mirror a fragile calm veiling unspoken cruelty, as though glimpsing corpses yet to drown in a lake of blood.

    Among the nobles, Karsu moves like poison through a feast. Each handshake conceals a silk-wrapped needle; each honeyed word strokes their vanity, priming them for the eruption beneath their polished facades. Leaning toward a countess preening over her pearl necklace, he murmurs:

    "Dear Countess, do these gilded walls not remind you of cages for rare birds?"

    Catching her husband¡¯s covetous stare at younger women, he adds mockingly:

    "Were I a bird... I¡¯d shatter the cage with my ruby-clawed foot."

    His lethal smile lingers as his fingers slip a forged love letter into her pocket¡ªa script of false ardor meant to ignite her curiosity and her husband¡¯s jealousy. The ensuing chaos would cloak his true aim: stealing ledgers detailing the nobles¡¯ black-market auctions.

    Yet deeper still, Karsu¡¯s eyes lock onto a merchant¡ªa linchpin of the syndicate. Amid the turmoil, a single calculated question would unravel the man¡¯s secrets, exposing the auction¡¯s underbelly.

    Every move was precision, not chance. Karsu, allyless yet sovereign of shadows, wielded human frailty as his weapon. In the cacophony of clinking glasses and whispered lies, he advanced¡ªa blade slicing through the feast¡¯s heart, turning their decadence into the stage for their ruin.

    Beneath golden chandeliers singing hymns of light, Karsu paused before the assassinated prince¡¯s statue. To the world, he seemed an admirer of art. But his whisper to the stone prince betrayed darker truths:

    "You remain here... yet they pretend to forget."

    A flick of his wrist, and a slip of paper fluttered to the statue¡¯s base.

    Amid the crowds, where alliances are woven in candlelit shadows...

    Having drifted from the statue, Karsu merged into the densest throng, where laughter roared and words clashed like swords to assert status. These nobles were not merely wealthy¡ªthey were wolves in gold-embroidered pelts, each hiding daggers behind their backs, unseen until the moment to strike.

    Karsu¡¯s aim was simple: to become part of their circle... if only for a breath.

    He lingered near a small group where Duke "Izmir de Renford"¡ªa man rumored to fund wars with his coffers alone¡ªboasted of his latest financial conquest. The Duke¡¯s face brimmed with pride, his booming voice commanding the nobles¡¯ attention.

    With a neutral smile and a tone smooth as silk, Karsu cast a remark like a gambler laying an unexpected card:

    "Yet I¡¯ve heard your trade empire falters... Does that not jeopardize your future ventures, dear Duke?"

    The crowd fell silent.

    Karsu needed no proof. Doubt alone was enough to seed unease in a noble who ruled his wealth like his life. And he knew the Duke could not ignore it.

    The Duke replied, his smile confident yet strained:

    "Merchants¡¯ gossip means nothing. Only numbers matter... and numbers never lie."

    Karsu, his voice a slow-turning dagger, murmured:

    "But those who *manage* the numbers... might."

    The Duke¡¯s eyelid twitched¡ªa fleeting tremor. Karsu¡¯s words were a hidden blade, their sting felt only after the cut.

    A young, reckless Count nearby laughed mockingly:

    "Ha! We¡¯ve a man who plays with fire!"

    Karsu turned to him, smiling a smile that held a thousand meanings, and replied gently:

    "Fire is beautiful, dear Count. What intrigues me is... who survives the blaze they ignite."

    The Count stiffened.

    Karsu¡¯s warning, velvet-clad yet razor-edged, was not for him alone but for all in that circle.

    ---

    Among the servants... where eyes lurk in shadows

    Having sown enough doubt, Karsu withdrew like a stagehand exiting a crime scene. He passed servants gliding between tables, eyes downcast but ears sharp.

    He knew spies, traitors, and hired killers hid among them. This palace was no mere banquet hall but a battleground for silent wars, won only by those who listened closely.

    Pausing before a maid bearing crystal wine glasses¡ªa girl with hazel eyes reflecting instinctive fear¡ªhe smiled warmly, as a father might, and whispered:

    "Tonight... this hall will witness an event no one will forget."

    A shiver gripped her. His voice held no explicit threat, yet its cadence whispered of impending storm.

    Before she could respond, he was gone, leaving behind a full wineglass... and something else. A tiny, nearly invisible spark.

    ---

    At the feast¡¯s heart, where threads are spun in silence

    The wolves¡¯ dance continued, none realizing the true predator among them was not one of their own.

    Karsu needed no drawn blade or open threat. He worked like oil poured into darkness, leaving a silent spark to smolder before hell erupted.

    With measured steps, he exited the grand hall, leaving behind:

    - A note at the prince¡¯s statue,

    - Whispers gnawing at noble minds,

    - And a trembling maid clutching a secret she did not yet understand.

    But he did not leave.

    This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

    He waited... for the moment when everything would crumble.

    In the dimming glow of endless corridors, far from the cacophony of music and sycophants¡¯ laughter, a man waited.

    Rinald de Carsov, advisor to Duke Izmir¡ªa man infamous for laundering shadowed fortunes and burying truths meant never to surface¡ªstood cloaked in a pillar¡¯s shadow, his eyes darting toward the entrance as if braced for an ambush.

    But the ambush had already arrived.

    ¡°You seem uneasy, Advisor de Carsov.¡±

    The man froze, then turned slowly.

    Karsu leaned against the wall, his gaze icy, as though he¡¯d been there all along¡ªa crow perched at the edge of an execution square.

    ¡°Wh-Who are you? Rinald demanded, feigning control, though the sweat pooling at his brow betrayed him.

    Karsu didn¡¯t answer. Instead, he pushed off the wall and advanced slowly, each step a deliberate torment.

    ¡°I am the man who knows why you¡¯re here.¡±

    No further words were needed. Rinald¡¯s face paled to ash.

    ---

    In the hall¡­ where the fall begins

    As nobles clinked glasses and feigned ignorance of the shadows, a tremor rippled through the feast.

    A guard approached Duke Izmir, whispering words that furrowed the Duke¡¯s brow.

    ¡°Silence the music.

    The hall plunged into stillness.

    All eyes turned to the Duke, now glaring at a young servant clutching a wine tray, his face ghostly.

    ¡°Attempting to flee? the Duke hissed, his voice a blade.

    The servant trembled, eyes wild. ¡°I¡ªI¡¯ve done nothing, my lord¡ª¡±

    A noble stepped forward, plucked a folded note from the servant¡¯s collar, and read aloud:

    ¡°Some steal nobles¡¯ gold. Some bury truths. Tonight¡­ one will fall.¡±

    Whispers erupted like wildfire.

    The Duke scanned the crowd for his advisor, Rinald¡ªbut Rinald de Carsov had vanished.

    In that moment, all understood: Tonight would not end as it began.

    None yet grasped that the nightmare had just begun.

    ---

    In the back corridors¡ªwhere ruin¡¯s symphony plays

    Muffled footsteps echoed through damp, gunpowder-scented halls¡ªa labyrinth of untold stories.

    In a shadowed corner, Rinald panted like a cornered rat.

    ¡°Damnation¡­ How did they know?!¡±

    He didn¡¯t realize his fate was already sealed.

    Karsu stood behind him.

    ¡°You dislike surprises, don¡¯t you, Advisor de Carsov?¡±

    Rinald whirled, eyes wide with primal terror.

    ¡°Wh-What do you want?!¡±

    Karsu closed the distance until their breaths mingled¡ªcold as a grave¡¯s whisper:

    ¡°Do you know? I believe a man only grasps death¡¯s inevitability¡­ when he hears his killer¡¯s footsteps echo closer.¡±

    Silence.

    Rinald didn¡¯t need to hear more.

    His knees buckled. ¡°I-I¡¯m not your enemy! We can negotiate! I can¡ªI can pay you!¡±

    But Karsu hadn¡¯t come for coin.

    He¡¯d come for something¡­ deeper.

    As Karsu¡¯s shadows toppled men, the hall descended into chaos.

    The Duke, struggling to maintain composure, failed to quell the rising whispers and suspicious glances exchanged among the nobles.

    Then¡ªas if the moment had been waiting¡ª

    A guard burst in, his face as pale as death.

    ¡°My Lord Duke! Advisor de Carsov¡­ He¡¯s¡ª!¡±

    The guard froze, words clotting in his throat. Slowly, he raised a trembling hand¡­ and pointed toward the entrance.

    All turned.

    There stood Rinald de Carsov¡ªalive, shaking¡­ but that was not the horror.

    It was the note pinned to his chest¡­ by a dagger buried in his heart.

    ¡°Those who steal nobles¡¯ gold¡­ do not leave alive.¡±

    The words trembled from a dozen lips as his body crumpled like a puppet severed from its strings.

    ---

    In the shadows¡ªwhere the devil smiles

    Far from the torchlight, Karsu watched.

    His eyes burned with vision beyond mortal sight.

    Rinald¡¯s fall was not the end.

    It was the first domino.

    Tonight, the auction was not the prize.

    The chaos sown in their hearts was.

    Now¡­ the entire city teetered on the edge of flame.

    All he had to do¡­ was wait.

    ---

    In the hall¡ªwhere masks crumble

    A suffocating silence fell.

    Blood oozed thickly from the advisor¡¯s corpse, clinging to his body as if reluctant to let go. The eyes of the onlookers mirrored shattered glass¡ªgrasping, yet helpless.

    Even the Duke, for all his power, could not halt the collapse. He knew this was no mere murder¡­ but a message.

    A message from someone who did not play games.

    Whispers swelled. Pulses raced. Suspicion festered.

    ¡°What if another killer walks among us?¡±

    ¡°Was the advisor truly a traitor?¡±

    ¡°Who¡¯s next?¡±

    Amid the tension, the Countess rose slowly, as if wading through shards of glass. She approached the corpse, bent low, and reached for the note on his chest¡ª

    But before her fingers grazed it¡­

    The hall¡¯s grand doors swung open.

    ---

    At the threshold¡ªwhere the new master enters

    Karsu stood there.

    Not as a killer, nor a shadowed fugitive.

    But as a refined guest, strides steady, as though he hadn¡¯t moments ago condemned a man to death.

    Every detail was calculated.

    His clothes bore no blood. His eyes betrayed no prior knowledge. And his voice?

    Calm. Controlled. The sound of a cage door creaking open.

    ¡°It seems I¡¯ve arrived¡­ at an inopportune time.¡±

    He raised a hand to his collar, where a small gold medallion glinted.

    ¡°Fortunately¡­ I am here now.¡±

    ---

    Calculated chaos¡ªwhere seeds take root

    The crowd reeled.

    The Duke, battered by shocks. The Countess, masking dread. Guards paralyzed without orders.

    It was the perfect moment.

    Karsu knelt by the corpse, plucked the note with silent ownership, and read it slowly. Then he lifted his gaze¡ªa lethal pause¡ªto the Duke.

    ¡°It appears a traitor walks among you, my Lord Duke¡­¡±

    He tossed the note before the crowd, his voice soft yet carrying the weight of a blade at the throat:

    ¡°And I believe¡­ I know who it is.¡±

    Now, no one thought of the merchant Karsu had intended to target.

    No one thought of the auction.

    No one thought of anything¡­ but uncovering the truth.

    And this was precisely what Karsu wanted.

    When he turned calmly to leave, no one dared stop him.

    Every man in the hall was consumed by a single question:

    ¡°Did he mean¡­ me?¡±

    And so, Karsu exited, leaving behind flames that would never die.

    Everything had unfolded as he¡¯d planned.

    The palace¡¯s chaos drowned all in a storm of suspicion, buying Karsu the time to secure what he¡¯d sought from the start:

    The merchants¡¯ ledgers.

    Every trader, every illicit shipment, every shadowed deal¡ªand all tied to the underground auction.

    ¡°The true mission wasn¡¯t inside¡­ but outside. In the shadows.¡±

    And now?

    Karsu didn¡¯t need to hunt the auction.

    The auction¡­ would hunt him

    ---

    Miles from the city

    An old man sat on a wooden chair, trembling as he read a note bearing a single line:

    ¡°See you soon at the auction.¡±

    His hand shook before he lit a candle and watched the paper burn.

    Somewhere in the shadows, Karsu smiled.

    The game wasn¡¯t over.

    It had only just begun.

    ---

    Exhaustion¡¯s Weight

    Karsu returned to the inn, truly spent. The moment he touched the bed, he plunged into a dreamless sleep. He awoke late afternoon, harsh sunlight clawing through the window.

    By his door lay a tray of congealed breakfast and lunch, long cold. He stared at it, picked up a bread roll, and took a slow bite. Hunger outweighed fatigue.

    He slid to the floor, back against the wall, eating methodically, eyes vacant. The day wasn¡¯t done. What came next demanded preparation.

    ---

    Nightfall ¨C Where the True Door Opens

    In a pitch-dark alley, Karsu stood before a splintered door.

    Three knocks¡ªsoft, deliberate.

    The man inside knew: this was no ordinary visitor.

    The door creaked open, revealing a cramped room choked with files and crates.

    Inside sat a portly man with an unkempt beard, hands trembling from old addictions. He looked up, eyes brimming with fear.

    Karsu smiled¡ªa promise wrapped in a threat:

    ¡°I believe you have something for me, dear merchant.¡±

    **The building was windowless¡ª**

    A place untouched by sunlight, forbidden to breathe fresh air. The atmosphere reeked of blood and greed.

    This was the black market, but not merely a market¡­ It was a pit where the weak were devoured.

    Slaves traded. Banned weapons exchanged. Ancient sorcery scrolls passed through trembling, covetous hands. Dangerous secrets bought and sold like cheap souls.

    And at the heart of it all?

    Karsu sat among nobles and merchants in a plush seat, as though he belonged.

    But his eyes held no greed¡ªonly the cold focus of a hunter.

    ---

    **The True Prize ¨C Where Masks Shatter**

    ***¡°Gentlemen! We now present the crown jewel of tonight¡¯s auction!¡±***

    A hulking man in a purple robe stepped forward, his voice crushing the room like a landslide.

    The curtain drew back.

    What they saw was not what they¡¯d expected.

    Inside the box was no rare artifact¡­ no captive soul.

    Only papers.

    Papers stained with old blood, inscribed in archaic script¡ªas if exhumed from a centuries-sealed tomb.

    But Karsu knew *exactly* what they were.

    He¡¯d orchestrated their unveiling.

    --- The Ultimate Betrayal ¨C Where All Collapses

    A merchant beside Karsu lurched forward, glaring at the documents in furious disbelief:

    ¡°What is this? This isn¡¯t the treasure promised!¡±

    The hulking auctioneer smiled¡ªa blade disguised as a grin.

    ¡°On the contrary, sir¡­ These papers are the rarest treasure your eyes will ever behold.¡±

    He lifted a page high, its contents laid bare.

    And the room erupted.

    Every soul recognized those records.

    The auction¡¯s own ledgers.

    Every deal. Every trader. Every slave sold. Every corrupt official named.

    The truth that should never have surfaced.

    Now?

    It stared them all in the face.

    ---

    The Decisive Moment ¨C Where Everything Burns

    ¡°Who did this?!¡±

    ¡°Burn those papers now!¡±

    ¡°Seal the doors! No one leaves!¡±

    But it was too late.

    The guards sworn to protect the auction¡­ no longer served their masters.

    They now raised their swords¡­ against them.

    ¡°What is happening?!¡±

    Then, a single voice cut through the chaos¡ªcalm, thunderous:

    ¡°I did this.¡±

    All turned.

    Karsu stood at the room¡¯s center, smiling like a match lit in a powder keg.

    ¡°Now¡­ burn.¡±

    There was no remorse in his eyes.

    Because there was nothing to remorse.

    He had destroyed the auction.

    Not just with fire¡ª

    But with truth.

    Now, every survivor¡­ would live in endless fear.

    Every merchant would doubt the next.

    Every politician would dread their name being exposed.

    The system had crumbled.

    And all of it?

    Just a single step in his grand design.

    ---

    The Final Moment ¨C Where Whispers Echo in the Dark

    As Karsu turned to vanish into the night, a faint voice hissed behind him:

    ¡°If you think this ends here¡­ you don¡¯t know who we are.¡±

    He paused¡ªbut did not turn.

    Then, with a ghost of a smile, he whispered back:

    ¡°And you¡­ don¡¯t know who I am.¡±

    Like smoke, he dissolved into the shadows.

    Yet deep within the city¡¯s heart, the echoes of his flames still burned.

    Amidst the scattered ashes and the tendrils of smoke still rising from the ruins of the burned auction, the detective stood motionless. His long coat swayed in the hot drafts, his eyes fixed on the scene with grim resolve. The place was a silent massacre¡ªcharred bodies, scorched money, and secrets reduced to cinders.

    He lifted his head slowly, his gaze sweeping over the devastation, then whispered in a low, penetrating voice:

    ¡°This¡­ is a tragedy.¡±

    But he refused to wallow in helplessness. Squinting at the ash-laden ground, he muttered sharply:

    ¡°If Aren were here¡­ he¡¯d have solved this without even needing Qazz.¡±

    He spoke not from arrogance but from certainty. The world¡¯s sharpest detective needed no supernatural gifts to uncover truth. Yet he possessed Qazz al-Basira¡ªthe Insight¡ªa power that bent time itself. He could witness events in full detail, as though he¡¯d been present¡­ provided no more than half a day had passed.

    He closed his eyes, letting his ability surge. In an instant, the flames vanished. Walls rebuilt themselves. Voices flooded the space. He saw everything¡­ even the truth buried beneath the ash.

    ---

    The Detective¡¯s Revelation

    ¡°How did Karsu do it?!¡± a guard stammered, voice trembling.

    The detective replied coldly:

    ¡°You¡¯re shocked? Understandable. But look closer¡­ Every move was calculated from the start.¡±

    Step One: Infiltrate the Auction

    Karsu needed no ¡°invitation.¡±

    *He made them want him inside.

    - He handed the guard the Lost Prince¡¯s medallion¡ªno ordinary trinket.

    - Knowing nobles crave scandal, he crafted himself as a shadow worth watching.

    Thus, they let him in, unwittingly.

    Step Two: Sow Seeds of Doubt

    Once inside, he didn¡¯t skulk¡ªhe *owned* the room.

    - He charmed key figures.

    - Whispered to a noblewoman about ¡°gilded cages.¡±

    - Planted a cryptic note in her pocket, certain her curiosity would unravel it.

    Every word was venom, corroding the auction¡¯s fragile trust.

    Step Three: Smuggle the True Documents

    Before the auction¡¯s climax, Karsu replaced the promised ¡°treasure¡± with the damning ledgers.

    How?

    The Maid.

    The girl who¡¯d seen corpses reflected in his eyes.

    Terrified, trapped in this hell, she saw something in him¡ªnot kindness, but difference.

    When he asked, ¡°Do you wish to burn this place down?¡±

    She didn¡¯t hesitate.

    As she served drinks, she swapped the items.

    Step Four: Unleash Chaos

    Karsu didn¡¯t fight. He made them destroy themselves.

    - Merchants turned on each other, exposed.

    - Guards, once loyal, now slaughtered their masters.

    - Nobles scrambled for exits¡­ only to find doors sealed.

    When Karsu hissed, ¡°Now¡­ burn,¡±

    He meant more than flames.

    He meant trust. Even survivors would never trust again.

    Final Step: Vanish

    How did he escape the inferno?

    *He never planned to use the doors.

    A hidden tunnel beneath the marble floor¡ªused by the auction to smuggle goods.

    Karsu had noticed the flaw:

    ¡°Marble this pristine? In a palace of filth? No¡­ It hides something.¡±

    With guards too busy killing, no one stopped him.

    He slipped out like a ghost¡­ leaving behind unquenchable fire.

    ---

    But Wait¡ª

    That voice in the end:

    ¡°If you think this ends here¡­ you don¡¯t know who we are.¡±

    A warning: Someone¡ªor something¡ªsurvived the chaos.

    Now?

    Karsu¡¯s war just grew larger.

    Did he foresee this?

    Or was it¡­ his next move all along?

    ¡°Damn it¡­ The detective clenched his fist, eyes narrowing. ***¡°That man¡­ Karsu.¡±

    The name coiled in his mind like an unsolvable riddle. His voice simmered with fury and awe:

    ¡°A true genius¡­ He *earned* that title.¡±

    But then he smirked, cold and defiant, as if refusing defeat even to brilliance. Running a hand through his hair, he vowed:

    ¡°But I studied under Aren¡­ I won¡¯t relent.

    His gaze hardened. I will catch him.¡±

    ---

    In the Shadows

    Karsu drifted to a honey shop, investing his last coin in a single jar.

    ¡°One jar won¡¯t be enough¡­ but it¡¯ll do, he murmured, knowing this honey would unlock his next scheme.

    Back at the inn, he gifted the hostess a golden ring¡ªpart payment, part calculated kindness. Every gesture hid intent; every step advanced his chessboard.

    Now, with gems in his pocket and honey in hand, Karsu readied his next gambit.

    He reviewed his plans, then lay on the bed¡­

    And slept.

 The last step

    In the Hall ¨C Where Masks Shatter

    A heavy, almost tangible silence had settled over the room. Slowly, thick blood began to seep from the advisor¡¯s corpse¡ªas if it stubbornly refused to abandon his body until the very end. And the eyes that had witnessed his downfall? They appeared like shattered glass, straining to comprehend the unfolding catastrophe yet utterly incapable of doing so.

    Even the Duke, for all his power, was powerless to halt the collapse. He knew full well that the murder committed in this hall was no mere crime¡ªit was a message. A message from someone who played no games.

    Murmurs grew louder, hearts pounded, and suspicions piled up.

    ¡°What if there is another killer among us?¡±

    ¡°Was the advisor truly a traitor?¡±

    ¡°Who¡¯s next?¡±

    Amidst this tense scene, the Countess slowly rose as though wading through a sea of broken glass. She approached the lifeless body, bent down slightly, and reached out for the paper pinned to his chest¡­

    But before her fingers could close upon it, everything halted.

    For the grand door of the hall swung open.

    ---

    At the Entrance ¨C Where the New Guest Arrives

    Karsu appeared. Not as a murderer, nor as some criminal lurking in the shadows, but as a distinguished guest¡ªstriding confidently, as if he had not, just moments before, been hidden in the dark corridors, casting a man to his death. Every move was calculated. His clothes bore no trace of blood; his eyes revealed no hint of prior knowledge. And when he spoke, his voice was calm and controlled¡ªlike the sound of a cage door creaking open.

    "It appears I''ve arrived at an inopportune time¡­" he intoned. Slowly, he raised his hand to his collar, where a small golden medallion shimmered in the light.

    "But fortunately¡­ I am here now."

    ---

    Calculated Chaos ¨C Where Seeds Are Planted

    Everyone struggled to grasp what was unfolding. The Duke was reeling from shock after shock, the Countess attempted to mask her anxiety, and the guards hesitated to act without orders. And that¡­ was the perfect moment.

    Karsu advanced toward the corpse and silently retrieved the paper attached to it, as if asserting a rightful claim. He read it in a hushed tone, then slowly lifted his gaze¡ªhis eyes burning with a deadly purpose¡ªas he addressed the Duke:

    "It appears there is a traitor among you, my lord Duke¡­"

    He then flung the paper before the assembled crowd and added in a quiet yet chilling tone,

    "And I believe I know who it is."

    ---

    The Final Play ¨C Where Masks Are Torn Off

    Now, no one was even thinking about the merchant Karsu had originally planned to target. No one cared about the auction itself. Everyone¡¯s sole preoccupation was uncovering the truth¡ªand that was precisely what Karsu intended.

    When he turned calmly to leave, not a soul dared stop him. For every man in the hall was haunted by a single thought:

    "Was he referring to me?"

    And so, Karsu exited the hall, leaving behind flames that would never be quenched. Everything had gone exactly according to plan. The chaos that engulfed the palace plunged everyone into a web of suspicion, giving Karsu ample time to secure what he had sought all along¡ªthe traders¡¯ ledgers. Every trader, every shipment, every shady deal¡­and everyone connected to the secret auction.

    The true mission wasn¡¯t inside¡ªit was out there¡­ in the shadows.

    And now?

    Karsu didn¡¯t need to search for the auction, because the auction itself would come looking for him.

    ---

    Miles Away¡­

    In another room, miles from the city, an old man sat on a wooden chair, slowly perusing a paper that had just arrived. It bore only a single line:

    "See you soon at the auction."

    His hand trembled as he lit a nearby candle and watched the paper burn slowly. Somewhere, hidden in the darkness, Karsu smiled. The game was far from over¡ªit had only just begun.

    ---

    At the Inn ¨C Between Sleep and Wakefulness

    Karsu returned to the inn utterly exhausted. The moment he touched the bed, he sank into a deep, dreamless sleep, losing all sense of time. He awoke late in the afternoon, when harsh sunlight began to infiltrate through the window. Outside his door, a tray carried both breakfast and lunch¡ªnow cold, evidence that it had been waiting for some time. He stared at the food for a moment, then reached out, picked up a piece of bread, examined it in silence, and took a slow bite. Though still weary, hunger drove him to eat methodically while his eyes wandered into emptiness. He knew the day was far from over and that he must prepare for what was coming next.

    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

    ---

    At Night ¨C The Secret Door Opens

    Away from prying eyes, in a dark, narrow alley, Karsu stood before a dilapidated little door. He knocked three soft times¡ªso softly that only the man behind the door, well aware that the visitor was no ordinary one, could tell something was amiss. After a few moments, the door creaked open to reveal a cramped room filled with files and crates.

    Inside sat a portly man with an unkempt beard and hands trembling from old addictions. Slowly, he raised his head, his eyes brimming with fear.

    Yet Karsu smiled¡ªa smile that was a promise from which there was no escape.

    "I believe you have something for me, dear merchant," he said.

    ---

    The Black Market ¨C A Den of Shadows

    The building had no windows¡ªa place where sunlight never reached and fresh air was forbidden. The atmosphere was heavy with the scent of money and blood. It was the black market, but not just any market¡­ it was a pit where the weak were devoured. Slaves were sold, forbidden weapons traded, ancient magical scrolls passed between trembling, greedy hands, and dangerous secrets were bought and sold like cheap souls.

    At the heart of it all, Karsu sat in a sumptuous chair among nobles and merchants, as if he belonged there. Yet in his eyes, there was no greed¡ªonly the hunt.

    "Ladies and gentlemen! We now present the rare gem of tonight¡¯s auction!"

    A hulking man, clad in a purple robe, stepped forward; his voice filled the hall as though the very walls bowed before him.

    Then, the curtain was drawn, and everyone witnessed the unexpected: a box was revealed.

    It contained neither a person nor a dazzling artifact. Instead, it held something far more dreadful.

    Papers¡ªstained with ancient blood and inscribed in archaic script, as if exhumed from a tomb sealed for centuries.

    But Karsu knew exactly what they were¡ªfor he had orchestrated their appearance.

    One merchant seated beside him advanced, staring at the papers in furious disbelief, ¡°What is this? This is not the gem promised!¡±

    But the hulking man on stage smiled¡ªa smile concealing an invisible blade.

    ¡°On the contrary, sir¡­ these papers are the most precious treasure your eyes will ever behold.¡±

    He stepped forward further, slowly raised one of the papers high for all to see, and then¡ª

    The real explosion ensued.

    For everyone recognized those papers. They were the auction¡¯s very ledgers¡ªevery transaction, every trader, every slave sold, every corrupt politician involved, every name. They were the truth that should never have seen the light of day.

    And now?

    Everyone saw it.

    "Who did this?!"

    "These papers must be burned immediately!"

    "Lock the doors! No one leaves!"

    But it was too late.

    The guards¡ªwho had always served the auction¡ªno longer defended it. Instead, they raised their swords against their own masters.

    "What is happening?!"

    Then, amid the chaos, a single calm voice resounded, as powerful as thunder:

    "I did this."

    Everyone turned and saw Karsu. He was no longer seated but standing in the center of the hall, smiling as if igniting a match in a room full of gunpowder.

    "And now¡­ burn."

    Chaos erupted. Traders fled, nobles screamed, and guards turned on their masters, while the papers scattered in the air like ash in a raging storm.

    Karsu moved through the conflagration like a shadow slipping between tongues of flame. He produced a small bottle from his cloak, poured a clear liquid onto the heavy red drapes, and then¡ªslowly¡ªflicked a tiny spark onto them. In a single second, the auction transformed into hell.

    ---

    The Final Escape ¨C Where Only the Phantom Survives

    Outside the building, on a distant rooftop, Karsu watched as flames devoured the entire auction. There was no remorse in his eyes¡ªthere was nothing for him to regret. He had destroyed the auction¡ªnot just with fire, but with truth. Now, every survivor would live in eternal fear. Every trader would suspect the other. Every politician would tremble at the thought of his name being exposed. The entire system had collapsed. And all of this? It was merely one step in his grand design.

    As Karsu turned to vanish into the night, he heard a faint voice behind him:

    "If you think this ends here¡­ you don''t know who we are."

    He paused briefly, without turning around, then¡ªwith a barely perceptible smile¡ªwhispered:

    "And you don''t know who I am."

    And, as if on cue, he melted into the darkness. Yet deep within the city, the echoes of his flames still burned.

    ---

    Amid the Ashes ¨C The Detective¡¯s Observation

    Amid the scattered ashes and the lingering smoke rising from the ruins of the burnt auction, the detective stood motionless. His long coat swayed with the hot drafts as his eyes, cold and unyielding, took in the scene¡ªa silent massacre of charred bodies, scorched money, and secrets incinerated by the flames.

    Slowly, he lifted his head, letting his gaze roam over the devastation, then whispered in a low, piercing tone:

    "This¡­ is a tragedy."

    But he refused to succumb to despair. Narrowing his eyes as he surveyed the burnt remnants, he muttered sharply,

    "If Aren were here¡­ he would have solved this without even needing his Qazz."

    He wasn¡¯t speaking without reason; he knew that the world¡¯s smartest detective required no supernatural power to uncover the truth. Yet he himself possessed Qazz al-Basira¡ªthe ability to see events in every detail as if he had witnessed them firsthand, provided no more than half a day had passed.

    Closing his eyes and letting his power work, in an instant the flames vanished, the walls reassembled, and the voices of the past filled the air once more. He saw everything¡ªeven the truth buried beneath the ashes.

    A guard then asked in a trembling voice,

    "How did Karsu do it?!"

    The detective replied coolly,

    "You''re shocked? That¡¯s natural. But if you look closely, you¡¯ll see that everything was calculated from the very beginning."

    ---

    The Method ¨C A Step-by-Step Breakdown

    Step One: Infiltrate the Auction

    Karsu didn¡¯t need a genuine invitation to enter the auction. He made them want him in. He handed the guard the medallion of the Lost Prince¡ªa piece far from ordinary. Knowing that nobles are drawn to scandal and intrigue, he fashioned himself as a mysterious figure worth watching. And thus, albeit reluctantly, they allowed him entry.

    Step Two: Sow the Seeds of Doubt

    Once inside, Karsu didn¡¯t creep about like an intruder; he conducted himself like a confident noble. He mingled with the key figures, whispered to a noblewoman about ¡°the golden cage,¡± and discreetly left a cryptic note in her pocket¡ªfully aware that her curiosity would later compel her to read it. Every word he uttered was not idle chatter but a slow-acting poison corroding the foundations of trust at the auction.

    Step Three: Smuggle the Real Documents

    Before the auction reached its climax, Karsu had replaced the promised ¡°gem¡± with those cursed papers. And how did he manage it? With the help of a young maid¡ªthe one who, in his eyes, reflected the sight of corpses adrift in a sea of blood. She was frightened, forced to work there against her will, and had seen what no other noble had. Perhaps she wasn¡¯t virtuous, but she was different. So when he asked, ¡°Do you want to destroy this place?¡± she did not hesitate. At the very moment she was serving the nobles their drinks, she made the switch.

    Step Four: Unleash Chaos

    Karsu did not need to fight with his own hands; he made everyone fight among themselves.

    ? Traders began screaming as they uncovered each other¡¯s betrayals.

    ? Guards, whose duty was to protect the auction, no longer saw any purpose in defending those who would expose their names.

    ? Nobles tried to flee but found no exit¡ªthe doors had been pre-locked from the outside.

    When Karsu declared, "And now¡­ burn," he meant not only literal flames but the complete destruction of trust¡ªso that even if one survived, he would trust no one ever again.

    Final Step: Vanish Completely

    How did he slip out before the building was consumed by fire? Simply, he never intended to leave through the front doors. There was a secret underground passage¡ªthe very route the auction used to smuggle precious goods out in times of danger. Karsu had known of its existence the moment he observed the flawless marble tiles in the hall.

    "Marble this pristine? In a palace rife with filth and corruption? No¡­ it hides something beneath."

    And as the guards were too busy slaughtering their own masters, no one stopped him.

    And so, he vanished like a ghost, leaving behind an unquenchable blaze.

    But wait¡­ that voice in the end?

    "If you think this ends here¡­ you don''t know who we are."

    This meant that there was someone¡ªor an organization¡ªthat had not fallen into this chaos as easily as the others.

    And now?

    Karsu had entered a war far greater than anyone had imagined.

    Had he known it all along, or was this his next move from the very start?

    ---

    A Detective¡¯s Vow

    ¡°Damn¡­¡± snarled the detective, clenching his fist, his eyes narrowing with fierce intensity. ¡°That man... Karsu.¡±

    His name echoed in his mind like an unsolvable riddle¡ªa conundrum defying all his analysis. Then, in a low tone laced with both anger and awe, he murmured,

    "What a true genius¡­ I really believe he deserves that title."

    Yet a cold, sardonic smile soon spread across his face, as if he refused to admit defeat even in the face of brilliance. Running his fingers through his hair, he declared with unyielding resolve,

    "But I was trained by Aren¡­ and I will not relent."

    Lifting his head, his eyes blazing with lethal determination, he vowed,

    "I will catch him in the end."

    ---

    In the Shadows ¨C The Next Move

    In secret, Karsu made his way to a humble honey shop, investing every last coin in a single jar of honey. ¡°One jar won¡¯t be enough, but it¡¯ll do,¡± he murmured to himself, fully aware that this honey would serve as the key to his next scheme.

    He then returned to the inn, where he presented the hostess with a golden ring¡ªan advance payment for the days to come, leaving the balance as a gift. This seemingly generous gesture concealed his true intentions. Every step was part of the intricate chess game that Karsu played, and every move brought him closer to his ultimate objective.

 Illusion? Real?

    Karsu slid into the room like a shadow fleeing the daylight, closing the door behind him slowly, as if to conceal the exhaustion in his eyes. On the wall, he noticed the cracks... and a map stained with black ink.

    "Plan a thousand times¡­ fail not even once," he told himself, his cold gaze sweeping across the details like a hawk stalking an unseen prey. His fingers clung to a yellowed paper inscribed with cryptic symbols, but the faint tremor in his left hand betrayed that something... was wrong.

    When the sunlight pierced his eyelids like a silver dagger, his awakening was anything but ordinary. He jolted from his bed as if something burned beneath his skin, his hands obsessively patting the pocket of his black coat¡ªmaking sure the item was still there. In the darkest corner of the room, he opened a wooden box carved with strange markings, pulling out a glass vial filled with a shimmering blue powder¡ªglowing like dying stars. He wrapped it in a black cloth before vanishing into the city¡¯s narrow streets.

    The marketplace was a chaos of voices and drifting souls, yet Karsu¡¯s footsteps cut through the noise like a blade. He stopped in front of an old shop, the air thick with the scent of rare herbs. With a dry tone, he addressed the vendor: "I want exactly what I ordered."

    The old woman behind the counter studied him with eyes clinging to life before her trembling hands passed him a bundle tied with a red string. "Be careful..." she rasped, but he snatched it before she could finish, offering a smile that never reached his eyes.

    On his way back, Karsu suddenly turned, his instincts whispering of an unseen presence trailing him. His grip tightened around the bundle as if clutching the heart of an enemy. The wind carried a distant murmur from somewhere unseen.

    When he reached his room, his mind sharpened, his eyes scanning every detail. The cracks on the wall weren¡¯t merely structural flaws¡ªthey were the result of an immense force pressing against them. A force that no one in this city should possess. Its presence was undeniable.

    As he examined the wall, his gaze landed on the slightly tilted map. This was not the work of a careless intruder but the precise touch of a master spy. Had it not been for his sharp sense for detecting auras, he might have fallen into the trap.

    A grim realization dawned on him. "Could it be¡­ the detective? The one who has been interfering since the noble swine¡¯s incident?"

    It was no coincidence. This was a carefully orchestrated move by an investigator whose aura was rumored to be unmatched in the city. A man whose presence alone commanded respect¡ªan invincible legend in the eyes of many.

    Karsu sensed the walls closing in. There was no point in delay. He would face this persistent adversary head-on. With his final preparations complete, he left his room, heading toward the grassy outskirts of the city¡ªwhere paths converged and confrontation was inevitable.

    As he walked, he pieced together the fragments of a deeper truth, recalling the veiled messages from the organization¡ªreminders that the matter was far from over. Every step he took along this path of hidden secrets led him closer to a shocking conclusion: the detective from the noble¡¯s case had aligned himself with the organization¡­ or, at the very least, circumstances had allowed their objectives to intertwine.

    From the scattered flow of information, Karsu deduced that spies had been monitoring him all along. The moment his whereabouts became known, word was sent to the detective. But with no solid evidence against him, the detective must have begun questioning his own instincts. Unlike other shadow-grade investigators, whose insight was their greatest weapon, he had hesitated.

    Ahead, a large hill loomed, its broad stones resembling the entrance to a barren wasteland. Yet, Karsu¡¯s steps remained steady, his map precisely guiding him. The illusions of the terrain did not deceive him. He pressed on¡ªuntil a figure blocked his path.

    A man in a brown cloak.

    He was massive¡ªthickly bearded and towering over Karsu¡¯s 180 cm frame like a mountain eclipsing the setting sun.

    A hot wind stirred, carrying specks of sand that grazed Karsu¡¯s face like hidden blades. The cloaked man stood firm, his shadow devouring the fading light.

    A heavy silence stretched between them until Karsu broke it with a cold smile.

    "So¡­ you finally step out of your shadow, detective who chases ghosts."

    The cloaked figure raised his hands slowly. His voice rumbled, deep as the earth itself.

    "Ghosts? No¡­ I see a specter standing before me. Karsu¡­ or should I call you the noble¡¯s murderer?"

    A sharp grin played on Karsu¡¯s lips as his fingers crept toward the inner pocket of his coat.

    "Murder requires proof¡­ and you don¡¯t even have a fly to accuse me with."

    The detective stepped forward, his shadow swallowing more of the ground between them.

    "Proof isn¡¯t just paper that burns¡­ it¡¯s witnesses who disappear. Like the old woman at the market¡­ do you know what happened to her after she handed you that bundle?"

    A muscle in Karsu¡¯s face tensed for a fleeting second¡ªthen he let out a hoarse chuckle.

    "Oh¡­ looking for a confession? I don¡¯t play with those who hide behind masks."

    In a flash, Karsu hurled the blue vial toward the ground, but the detective snatched it mid-air with inhuman speed. He turned it under his gaze, smirking.

    "This blue powder¡­ reminds me of the poison used in the noble¡¯s mansion. Funny how history repeats itself."

    But what the detective didn¡¯t know¡ªthis vial contained more than just poison. The moment his aura touched it, an unexpected reaction began.

    Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

    "Or how fate changes its colors!"

    Karsu lunged, twisting his legs around the detective¡¯s arm in an attempt to bring him down. But the detective countered with cold precision, his grip tightening around Karsu¡¯s throat with a single hand.

    "Playing games with me will cost you your life¡­ but I¡¯d rather see you in the organization¡¯s cage, a rat destroying itself in desperation."

    A distant wolf howled.

    Karsu wrenched himself free with a serpentine motion, abandoning his black coat in the detective¡¯s grasp. He stumbled back, panting.

    "Despair is but a passing storm¡­ but the rain that follows¡­ will wash even your sun away!"

    As Karsu vanished behind the rocks, the detective unfolded the coat, finding a yellowed paper marked with the organization¡¯s own symbols.

    "Strange¡­ he knows more than he should..."

    A gust of wind carried another paper toward him.

    "The rain begins with a drop¡­ and the game begins with a move."

    Then¡ª"Tssssss..."

    A sharp hiss.

    "Huh? What is that¡ª?"

    The vial exploded.

    A viscous gray liquid mixed with toxins erupted into the air. The detective¡¯s arm recoiled from the searing pain, blood trickling from his wounded limb¡ªhis dominant arm, the very core of his aura¡¯s strength. Though his aura had lessened the explosion¡¯s force, the damage was severe¡ªthe poison had fused with the blast¡¯s energy.

    In the aftermath, as the storm of dust settled, Karsu whispered from the shadows:

    "The flood is coming¡­ and all your little puppets will drown in its darkness."

    But fate wasn¡¯t done.

    A figure emerged through the swirling dust.

    A woman¡ªdraped in black like a serpent poised to strike.

    "Do you think chaos will save you?"

    Karsu didn''t look back. His fingers traced an unseen shape in the dust with his own blood.

    "Flies pollinate flowers¡­ but you? You¡¯re just barren wind."

    Karsu didn¡¯t turn. His fingers traced a cryptic shape in the sand¡ªdrawn with his own blood.

    "The fly pollinates flowers¡­ but you? You¡¯re nothing but a barren wind."

    At the very moment the razor-sharp gusts rushed toward his throat, the black vial in his hand shattered, releasing an amber cloud that strangled the air itself. But this time, the poison wasn¡¯t meant for the Saboteur¡­ it was for the Detective crawling from the rubble.

    "What are you doing¡­?!" the Saboteur gasped, knees buckling under the weight of the gas.

    "Fixing your mistake," Karsu smiled, pointing at the Detective, whose aura began to crack like glass cast into fire.

    "His aura was an unbreakable wall¡­ so I dug a tunnel beneath it."

    The Detective, clutching his severed arm like a battered shield, suddenly lifted his head. His eyes no longer reflected pain¡­ but a terrifying realization.

    "The yellow document¡­ it¡¯s not fake," he rasped, pulling a torn paper from his pocket.

    "This code¡­ it leads to the organization¡¯s main hideout."

    Karsu froze. His smirk melted like wax.

    "Impossible¡­ I burned every¡ª"

    "Shadows don¡¯t burn," the Detective interrupted as he rose¡ªlike a titan from myth.

    The shattered aura around him was reassembling, but this time, it was jet black.

    "You were the one who taught me that a plan needs a thousand faces¡­ so why did you use mine?"

    The wind fell silent. The Saboteur, struggling to rise, stopped like a puppet with its strings severed.

    "What¡­ what did you do?!" she screamed at the Detective.

    "I accepted Karsu¡¯s gift," he replied, crushing the yellow paper in his fist.

    "He gave me the organization¡¯s key¡­ so I opened the gates of hell."

    Karsu stepped back. For the first time in years, fear seeped into his features.

    "You¡¯re¡­ insane! The organization will erase you before you can¡ª"

    "The organization is dead," the Detective whispered as his black aura stretched outward, an ink-stained octopus devouring the sky.

    "You killed it the moment you made me read its codes¡­ and now, I will build an empire from its ashes¡ªone where you have no place."

    Before he could finish, the ground exploded beneath them.

    Karsu vanished into the tunnel he had carved long ago, leaving behind a muffled laugh¡ªand one final note:

    "Empires are built on corpses¡­ be careful yours isn¡¯t the first."

    The Saboteur collapsed to her knees, gasping for breath, while the Detective¡¯s looming shadow swallowed the horizon.

    "What¡­ will you do now?" she whispered, pale as death.

    The Detective looked at her, his eyes burning with the knowledge of life and death.

    "I will do what should have been done decades ago¡­ I will rewrite the rules.¡±

    As the last trace of Karsu vanished, the Detective picked up his tattered coat and wore it like a banner of victory.

    The game wasn¡¯t over¡­ it was reborn. And this time, on a chessboard with no boundaries.

    ---

    The black cloud burst from Karsu¡¯s vial like ink bleeding from the night¡¯s veins, drowning everything in a suffocating fog.

    "The real game begins now¡­" he whispered, disappearing into the smoke, leaving behind the echo of a stifled laugh.

    The Saboteur was the first to fall. Her copper eyes widened in shock as her fingers clawed at her throat, as if trying to stop a nightmare from escaping.

    "No¡­ this can¡¯t be real!" she shrieked, collapsing like a lifeless husk¡ªa victim of the black cloud¡¯s hallucinations, which twisted its poison into deadly illusions.

    As for the Detective, his immense aura held firm, the last fortress standing. He did not die¡­ but the black fog slithered into his mind like a worm feasting on his dreams.

    Suddenly, he saw himself victorious¡ªdraped in the golden robes of the organization, stepping over Karsu¡¯s corpse as the crowd chanted his name.

    "I¡­ am the new sovereign!" he roared in the illusion Karsu¡¯s poison had woven.

    But deep within him, a single pulse of remaining awareness screamed:

    "This isn¡¯t real¡­ this isn¡¯t real!"

    His legs carried him forward¡ªtoward Karsu, who stood under a lone tree, smiling in resignation.

    But in reality¡­ Karsu stood behind him. His cold blade kissed the Detective¡¯s throat.

    "Beautiful, isn¡¯t it?" Karsu whispered into his ear.

    "I see you¡¯re enjoying your fake victory¡­ Don¡¯t resist. You¡¯ll only wake up when I allow it."

    The Detective tried to move his arm, but the cloud had turned it into a statue of lead.

    In his mind¡¯s eye, he barked orders to soldiers who did not exist.

    But in reality¡­ his blood was seeping into the grass, and the poison was crawling toward his heart.

    Karsu knelt beside him, his gaze gleaming with a predator¡¯s satisfaction.

    "You will die believing you won¡­ and that is the greatest gift I could ever give you."

    Just before the Detective¡¯s eyes closed, he saw Karsu raising a black dagger over his chest in the illusion.

    But in reality, Karsu simply walked away, leaving him to fight ghosts of his own making.

    As the Detective gasped for his last breaths in the world of hallucinations, Karsu picked up the red bundle from the ground and slipped it into his pocket, smiling.

    "The organization will think you won¡­ when in truth, you¡¯re just a corpse waiting to be buried."

    Then, he heard the Detective scream.

    ---

    Under the moon¡¯s dim glow, the Detective knelt on the grassy field¡ªhis body a broken tree after the storm.

    Blood dripped from his many wounds, staining the grass beneath him with the color of rust.

    With great effort, he lifted his head toward Karsu, who stood like an ice-carved monument.

    His voice wavered, fragile as a leaf in the wind:

    "W¡­who are you? Are you from the same place I came from?"

    Karsu tilted his chin, his cold eyes devouring his opponent¡¯s weakness.

    A wide, venomous grin curled his lips as his fingers tightened around the hidden blade¡¯s hilt.

    "There¡¯s no point answering the dead."

    The Detective¡¯s blood-soaked eyes trembled. His fingers dug into the ground, trying to hold his collapsing body together.

    His voice broke, as if calling out to a ghost from his past:

    "How pathetic¡­ how cursed I am¡­"

    ¡ªHe stopped suddenly, his teeth grinding from pain.¡ª

    "When I was born¡­ I thought I was gifted¡­ My mental potential was ranked B¡­"

    ¡ªA single, hot tear traced his left cheek.¡ª

    "I thought I would achieve what no one in my district ever could¡­ But then, fate birthed that boy¡­"

    ¡ªHis hands clutched his chest, as if trying to stop his heart from shattering.¡ª

    "Ten years younger than me¡­ yet his potential was S¡­ a prodigy beyond compare¡­"

    ¡ªHis ribs shook from a heavy sigh.¡ª

    "I was twenty-six¡­ he was sixteen¡­"

    ¡ªHis eyes flickered with the sting of old memories.¡ª

    "He became a legend in investigations¡­ surpassed me¡­ surpassed everyone¡­"

    ¡ªHis voice faded into a haunted whisper.¡ª

    "Until he met the Emperor himself¡­ a man even nobles fear to request an audience with¡­"

    ¡ªHis fingers clawed at the grass, as if digging his own grave.¡ª

    "Only then did I realize¡­ how insignificant I was."

    Karsu took one final step forward, his shadow swallowing the crumpled Detective.

    His gleaming blade caught the moonlight¡ªa hungry wolf¡¯s fang.

    His voice dripped with mockery:

    "Are you saying I¡¯m as gifted as Arin?"

    The Detective¡¯s lips quivered. His voice rose in a desperate cry:

    "Someone your age¡­ as smart as Arin¡­ how could you not be gifted?!"

    Karsu leaned in, their faces inches apart. His cold breath ghosted over the Detective¡¯s skin.

    "Me? Gifted?!"

    ¡ªHis laughter shattered the silence.¡ª

    "No. You¡¯re just a failure who blames others for his own weakness."

    The Detective fell onto his back, his wide eyes locked onto the sky¡ªa ceiling of iron.

    His final breath slipped out like a drowning man¡¯s last bubble:

    "My potential was B¡­ If only I were like you¡­"

    Karsu raised his sword high, the moonlight glinting off its edge¡ªa smile of death.

    "Talent E... Yes!"

    ¡ªThe sword shimmered in the air¡ª

    "If I were as weak as you¡­ I would have faded into a corner years ago!"

    The detective''s face twisted in agony, his severed hands struggling to block the strike. His final words echoed into the void:

    "My name¡­ I never told anyone¡­ It¡¯s¡­"

    But the sword struck like lightning, severing his head in an instant. It rolled onto the grass, his eyes frozen in eternal disbelief.

    Karso wiped the blade against his leg, his cold gaze surveying the scene. He murmured to the corpse:

    "I didn¡¯t come to hear the story of a failure."

    Under the moonlight, the trees bent as if bowing in mourning, while Karso¡¯s footsteps vanished into the darkness. On the detective¡¯s chest lay a yellowed piece of paper, marked with bloody script:

    "Talent is an illusion¡­ and weakness is an art only the clever can master."

 The Book of Qaz

    In the beginning, the detective was a promising young man endowed with a sharp intellect and an insatiable passion for solving puzzles. He grew up in a modest neighborhood where wealth was not measured by riches but by determination and perseverance. From an early age, he saw every problem as an opportunity to challenge himself, and over the years, he honed his skills in analysis and observation until he became regarded as one of the brightest minds in his field.

    Yet beneath his achievements lay a hidden scar¡ªa silent wound that slowly eroded his self-confidence. This was not physical pain but a deep-seated emotional mark that made every accomplishment seem dim in the shadow of an inner sense of inadequacy.

    As the years passed, the detective forged his way through complex, intricate cases, relentlessly striving to prove himself in a world dominated by darkness and crime. Then came one particular case, long deemed unsolvable¡ªa case so enshrouded in enigmas that its clues wove themselves into an inescapable web. He remembered that night as if it were etched in stone, where all the witnesses and evidence converged, yet the solution remained elusive.

    Then, Arin appeared.

    Without warning, Arin solved the case before everyone¡¯s eyes as if its secret had been destined for a soul born for such moments. The way he unraveled the evidence, composing the clues as if they were a simple mathematical equation, struck the detective to his core. In that moment, his self-confidence shattered; it was as if the needle had pulled the thread rather than securing it, breaking down the fortress of pride he had once considered inviolable.

    That event marked a decisive turning point. Instead of succumbing to sorrow and defeat, the detective resolved to learn from this genius and to make Arin the ultimate exemplar he must emulate¡ªeven though that decision wounded his pride deeply. Now, at the age of thirty-three, despite having only observed Arin from afar, he began to boast falsely that he had been a disciple of Arin, even though Arin himself remained unaware of any such relationship. This pretense served as a feeble salve for the inner wound that had long tormented him, granting him a perverse motivation to continue his pursuit of perfection.

    Thus, his past became a complex mirror¡ªa blend of the pain of deficiency and the relentless drive for excellence, of a fragile spirit clashing with a determined mind. He still bears that scar¡ªa constant reminder that true strength lies not in pride, but in the willingness to learn from others, even if that means admitting that you were once merely a shadow following the brilliance of a genius who can never be reached.

    Finally, the long-awaited day arrived. Karsso prepared himself, donning his dark attire, and adopted a striking look with the Ashfank mask that transformed his features into a stern, rugged visage. He then set off directly for the party. As expected, one of the guards stopped him and demanded his invitation card; Karsso handed it over calmly and confidently, passing through without the slightest hesitation. Upon entering, he beheld a vast hall whose end was nowhere in sight, illuminated by the most lavish lights, while the enticing aromas of delectable food filled the air, and the event was guarded by no fewer than twenty sentinels.

    Karsso moved forward with slow, deliberate steps, his eyes fixed on everyone around him with a cold, deadly resolve. The guards were alert, encircling the City Lord from every side, yet this posed no obstacle to him. In the blink of an eye, Karsso lunged toward the City Lord!

    His assault was swift, lightning-fast, and lethal¡­ However, contrary to Karsso¡¯s expectations, the City Lord parried the attack himself with his sword. A sneer curled on his lips as he mocked,

    This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

    "It seems the dog loves its bone so much that it bites the hand of its master."

    Before Karsso could recover, the City Lord swung his sword with overwhelming force, sending Karsso hurtling through the air for tens of meters!

    But as Karsso reached the apex of his flight, he executed a mid-air twist with astonishing skill, as if the blow had never touched him. Yet his foes would not let him catch his breath: five of the guard commanders leapt at him simultaneously, unleashing their full might in an attempt to end him on the spot.

    Suspended in mid-air amid this deadly barrage, Karsso spoke in a calm, confident tone:

    "A catastrophic strategic error, City Lord."

    The City Lord raised an eyebrow in surprise but said nothing more than to signal his guards coolly,

    "Do not kill him¡ªbreak a few of his ribs only."

    But Karsso needed no permission from anyone¡­

    At the very moment the guards closed in, he swiftly turned his body, using his hand to deflect a crushing stone blow, absorbing part of its force before rocketing toward the ground. The moment he landed, he sprang back up, evading the burst of flames aimed at him! Yet another commander seized the opportunity, lunging with his sword and slicing off part of his flesh.

    Finally, Karsso fell to one knee, blood cascading onto the earth. Despite the wounds, he did not appear weak or defeated; he raised his head with a cold, unwavering smile, his eyes still blazing with calculating fire.

    The City Lord then advanced calmly, his gaze filled with disdain, and asked:

    "What did you mean when you said it was a strategic error?"

    Karsso spat out blood, wiped his mouth with a stained hand, and met the City Lord¡¯s eyes directly:

    "You should have restrained me instead of hurling me away. You gave me just enough time to think¡­ and if it weren¡¯t for your guards, I would already be the victor."

    The City Lord laughed derisively and replied:

    "So be it¡­ Farewell then."

    Suddenly, Karsso raised his hand and flung a spray of blood at the City Lord, his voice seething with feigned anger as his eyes shone with cunning:

    "Had you been a man, you would have fought me one-on-one."

    The City Lord laughed mockingly:

    "Weren¡¯t you the one who betrayed me?"

    In a flash, Karsso sprang to his feet, backing up four paces before raising his head with a deadly, quiet finality:

    "The game is over, City Lord."

    Before the City Lord could fully grasp his words, a massive, viscous black substance erupted seemingly from nowhere, rapidly engulfing his body!

    The guards scrambled to intervene and rescue him, but Karsso raised his hand with chilling calm:

    "Do not think that injuring me will save your master."

    One of the commanders advanced angrily, brandishing a chunk of rock, and bellowed:

    "Do you take us for fools?"

    He hurled sharp stones that sliced through part of the sticky substance¡ªbut suddenly, the very material he had severed began to regenerate and grow even more than before!

    The guards¡¯ expressions gradually turned to alarm, as worry crept into their faces. One of them threatened,

    "If you don¡¯t free him, we¡¯ll tear you limb from limb."

    Karsso chuckled lightly and responded in a cold, lethal tone:

    "In fact, you will decide whether he lives or dies¡­ Hand over the book, and I¡¯ll remove this substance from your master."

    Inside, Karsso calculated the precious seconds:

    "There are less than two minutes left until the elixir¡¯s effect wears off¡­ I must pressure them."

    He then raised his voice:

    "Hurry, or you¡¯ll see your master become nothing but a corpse."

    No further debate ensued¡ªsensing the real danger to their master, the guards finally handed over the book.

    Karsso grasped the book firmly and began to murmur cryptic words as he strode slowly toward the exit. The guards were not fools; one of them cautiously placed his sword against Karsso¡¯s neck until the blade grazed his skin¡­ Yet still, Karsso continued his incantation without a hint of fear.

    At length, he raised the book high, declaring in a clear, steady voice:

    "The Book of Qaz¡­ The Five Qaz of Light."

    In an instant, his entire body transformed into a radiant beam of light, and he vanished in a flash!

    The guards stood in stunned silence until, from behind them, the City Lord¡¯s furious voice thundered:

    "You fools! This is an elixir¡ªit does me no harm! You¡¯ve been deceived! Go at once and search every corner of the city!"

    Elsewhere, under the shelter of a lone tree, Karsso lay battered but far from broken¡ªhis body scarred yet his spirit unbowed. Calm as ever, he retrieved a container of honey from his bag, opened a particular page in the book where the Qaz of Healing appeared, and poured the honey over it. Immediately, the healing Qaz began to glow, as if life were once again pulsing through Karsso¡¯s veins.

    He smiled as his bleeding subsided gradually, murmuring softly:

    "I have gotten exactly what I wanted¡­"

 the forest

    Carso knew that every logical possibility pointed to him staying within the city. His pursuers would assume that his critical injuries would keep him from risking an escape¡ªespecially with the deadly forest encircling the place. What no one else knew, however, was that the forest wasn¡¯t deadly at that precise moment; the monsters¡¯ mating season had rendered it nearly empty, as the predatory creatures were busy fighting amongst themselves for mates, leaving the land clear except for a few non-aggressive beings.

    His movement was a calculated risk¡ªone that no one else could even fathom¡ªand that was precisely what made it completely safe. With every step he took through the forest, his body bled slowly, yet he pressed on. He chose a shaded spot among the dense trees where he could rest without leaving any obvious trace. In his hand, he held a tiny creature barely a few centimeters long¡ªa creature that should not have been there. The qiz¡­ a strange being, each variant endowed with its own unique ability and distinct dietary needs. Some feed on minerals, others on energy, but this particular one was the Thread Qiz, and it hadn¡¯t eaten since the day Carso entered the city. Now that he had left it behind, the opportunity to feed had arisen once more, drawing it back into his mental sea as it began absorbing the Mind Stone to nourish its qiz.

    The Mind Stone is a rock that contains a large amount of stored energy, used both as a currency for trade and for refinement.

    ---

    Day Three: The Dark Beginning

    With hunger and pain intensifying, Carso decided to hunt one of the ¡°hallucinogenic qiz¡± creatures¡ªthe qiz that is attracted to the scent of poisonous mushrooms. He knew these creatures only revealed themselves through their aura, so he meticulously set his traps using the Thread Qiz and materials that interacted with his inner energy. After hours of laying the traps, as he rubbed mushroom leaves between his hands, he whispered somberly to himself:

    ¡°Time is not my friend¡­ but they do not know that the nectar of despair creates my steeds.¡±

    Suddenly, a beast resembling a wolf with spiky skin roared, shattering the silence of the forest. Yet, with incredible speed, Carso used the Thread Qiz to transform that beast from a ¡°half-skull¡± classification (as a group) into minced meat.

    ¡°I was just wondering how I¡¯d eat today,¡± he mused.

    Afterwards, Carso set off in search of a particular cave he had heard about ¡°before the return¡±¡ªa time when he learned that a man had transformed from being poor to rich overnight! Though he had yet to explore this cave, it was close by, and indeed, he found it shortly after. There, he discovered refining materials and an enormous amount of energy stones.

    (These are stones that store energy and are used to help refine a person; due to their value, they sometimes serve as a barter currency.)

    He immediately began refining and recharging his energy.

    ---

    Day Four: Hunting the Black Shadow Qiz

    In a dense fog that cloaked the forest in its toxic shroud, Carso headed toward an area known as the ¡°Cemetery of Lights,¡± where it was believed that the Black Shadow Qiz gathered at the full moon. He carried with him a rare bottle of black liquor mixed with drops of his own blood, knowing that this unique bait would attract the type drawn to the scent of liquor and blood. Hiding beneath the leaves of the Lithra plant, he climbed a hollow tree until he was within range of the qiz¡¯s red eyes¡ªglowing like embers in the darkness. When the creature pounced, Carso hurled a net made from the hair of the Hydra beast. At that moment, he unleashed his sea of energy, seizing the qiz as a beam began to form and intensify. After a few seconds, he finally absorbed it into his spiritual sea, where it was refined in moments¡ªa result of the fear the qiz (a level-two qiz compared to the one within Carso) instilled.

    Then came Qaranus¡ªa beast of level six!

    (This means Qaranus is considered a level-six beast¡ªa ¡°six-skull¡± creature. Six-skull beasts are catastrophic, capable of annihilating entire civilizations and bloodlines. No human had seen one for seven hundred years¡ªa catastrophe in which more than a billion humans were killed, and to this day, it remains unknown how the beast vanished!)

    ---

    Day Five: Rebuilding the Traps Amidst the Rain

    As the rain poured so heavily that it transformed the ground into a slippery swamp, Carso realized that his old traps had lost their effectiveness. He did not give in; instead, he redesigned them using the sticky leaves of the Kara tree, blending in a mixture of aged honey that entices the Buraq Qiz. Later that night, when he heard the footsteps of Krax¡¯s guards approaching, he coldly whispered, ¡°They will not be able to see¡­ for the aura is hidden in their eyes.¡±

    Then, using the Hallucination Qiz, he projected scenes of breathtaking, fiery monsters around them and enhanced the qiz with his own aura, melting the soldiers¡¯ hearts into terror¡ªthey fled in panic.

    ---

    Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

    Days Nine and Ten: The First Confrontation Between Carso and Krax, the Fifth Commander of the City¡¯s Masters

    On a vast plain near a hill, Krax stood, his body as rigid as a statue of embodied anger, his red eyes burning with hatred, his hands gripping his massive sword as if ready to shatter the entire world. Just a few steps away, Carso stood untroubled¡ªhis hands clasped behind his back and a slight smile dancing on his lips, as if he were merely an amused spectator.

    Krax (in a roar echoing through the abandoned walls):

    ¡°Return it to me¡­ now!¡±

    Carso (raising an eyebrow, as if he had just heard a peculiar request):

    ¡°Interesting¡­ You didn¡¯t say ¡®return it to us¡¯ but rather ¡®return it to me.¡¯ Have you begun to feel that you are alone in this war?¡±

    Krax (stepping forward, his eyes blazing):

    ¡°Don¡¯t try to manipulate me, you filthy wretch! You know full well what you¡¯ve done! How many men have been killed because of you? How many bodies torn apart by this pursuit? There is no place here for your usual tricks!¡±

    Carso (calmly, as if discussing a scientific matter):

    ¡°They aren¡¯t tricks, but facts¡­ The difference is subtle, yet fundamental.¡±

    Krax (shouting, his voice carrying a mix of pain and anger):

    ¡°You killed my men! You destroyed me! And now, because of you¡­ we will all perish!¡±

    Carso (tilting his head slightly, as if in deep contemplation):

    ¡°So, after all this, you finally understand the truth.¡±

    Krax (glaring with fury, his heart pounding like a war drum):

    ¡°Return the book to me¡­ or no one will survive!¡±

    Carso (smiling coldly and lightly placing his hand over his chest):

    ¡°And the question is¡­ why should I?¡±

    Krax (seething, his body trembling with hatred):

    ¡°Because you will be buried with me if you do not!¡±

    Carso (laughing softly, as if the remark were more of a jest than a threat):

    ¡°Wrong assumption¡­ Think a little, Krax. Here I am before you, even though I had every opportunity to flee¡­ Does that not make you wonder?¡±

    Krax (pausing briefly, then roaring):

    ¡°Stop playing with me!!¡±

    Carso (lowering his eyes momentarily before looking back at Krax, his voice calm yet laden with unbearable weight):

    ¡°If you¡¯re foolish enough to think I haven¡¯t calculated every step, then death is the least you deserve.¡±

    Krax (stepping back involuntarily, his breathing quickening):

    ¡°What¡­ have you done?!¡±

    Carso (placing his hand on the leather cover of the book concealed beneath his cloak, smiling lightly):

    ¡°I did not steal the book, Krax¡­ I only took what should never have been in your hands from the start.¡±

    Krax (struggling to control himself, his heart pounding wildly as his mind screamed belated warnings):

    ¡°You don¡¯t understand¡­ The book isn¡¯t merely a possession; it is¡­ a curse! Without its seal, we will all be doomed! Our master will die, the city will be erased!¡±

    Carso (with absolute calm):

    ¡°And who said I don¡¯t understand?¡±

    Krax (his eyes widening as the wind¡¯s howl rises, as if the universe itself were holding its breath):

    ¡°Then¡­ why?¡±

    Carso (stepping forward, his voice dropping to a deadly whisper):

    ¡°Because your death¡­ is only the beginning.¡±

    ---

    The Roar of Battle, the Moments When Fates Are Decided

    Rocks crashed to the ground with tremendous force, shattering tree trunks and stirring up a dense cloud of dust. Carso, moving with the fluid grace of a dancing shadow, evaded the attack and altered his path¡ªwatching the trembling earth beneath his feet shudder under the might of the commander who wielded the Earth Qiz. The soldiers tried to encircle him, aware that letting him escape would be catastrophic, yet Carso was not one to be easily contained.

    The commander stood amid his troops, surrounded by stone walls that formed and shifted as if extensions of his body, his eyes scrutinizing every move Carso made. Suddenly, his fingers dug into the ground, and the earth trembled before splitting apart, sending sharp stone pillars erupting upward in an attempt to tear Carso from below. But as the rocks ascended, Carso leapt backward, leaving only a blurred image in his wake.

    Yet fate had another plan.

    A resounding roar cut through the clamor, followed by a violent tremor in the earth that wasn¡¯t caused by the commander. Everyone turned to see a herd surging from between the trees¡ªmassive bodies moving like mountains at a terrifying pace, their red eyes glowing under the slanting sunlight.

    The soldiers screamed as they tried to reform their defensive lines, but the beasts showed no mercy. Armor shattered under fists as large as boulders, and some were crushed under enormous feet. The commander attempted to use the Earth Qiz to erect barriers for his troops, but the rapid onslaught rendered his efforts nothing more than desperate measures to delay the inevitable.

    Carso, who until that moment had been in the very heart of the battlefield, needed only seconds to realize that this was his chance. With a swift motion, he dashed toward the trees, using the ensuing chaos as cover, while the beasts tore apart the soldiers who had been unfortunate enough not to escape.

    Though the commander found himself in a desperate situation, he noticed Carso¡¯s withdrawal and¡ªrather than pursue him¡ªplanted his feet firmly, knowing that the forest would not easily release someone who had delved so deeply within. With a grim expression, he ordered the remnants of his troops to withdraw, leaving behind a scene engulfed in chaos as Carso¡¯s shadow faded among the dense trees.

    In the forest, Carso faced yet another challenge with the ¡°Healing Qiz¡± from the book¡ªa creature that required honey for nourishment. With his supply depleted, he resorted to trading three energy stones, even though they provided only 70% of the basic nutritional power the qiz normally received.

    Every step he took deeper into the forest brought with it an increasing sense of heaviness¡ªnot physical, but psychological. The trees arched overhead, intertwined as if to block his path, and the light from outside was reduced to mere faint strands filtering through the thick canopy. The high humidity clung to his skin, and the air was saturated with scents that needed no expert to recognize as a blend of life and death.

    Yet, what caught his attention most was not the environment but the aura.

    The place pulsed with a strange energy¡ªnot only ferocious but ancient, as if this forest were not merely a habitat for monsters, but a legacy of something older than humanity itself.

    Carso was no fool to enter such a place without a plan. In truth, this forest had been his target from the very beginning.

    But now¡­ the hunt had become the quarry.

    At first, the sounds were faint¡ªdistant whispers among the branches¡ªthen, gradually, they grew louder¡­

    In the darkness, amid the dense trees, tiny lights began to appear. Eyes stared at him without revealing themselves. Some glowed red, some yellow, but what made Carso reassess the situation was the presence of green eyes¡ªcold and steady, as if they belonged not merely to beasts¡­ but to thinking creatures.

    He didn¡¯t need to fight to know that the place was teeming with monsters classified above two skulls.

    The Survivor Doesn¡¯t Move by Chance

    Carso was not a man to leave things to luck. He knew that facing these monsters meant certain death, yet he had not entered the forest to fight, but to claim its hidden treasures.

    He understood that everything growing here was a weapon in its own right. The herbs that others might dismiss as mere wild plants were, in fact, precious materials¡ªsome poisonous, some granting extraordinary energy, and some potent enough to immobilize a mountain-sized beast.

    But the real challenge was reaching them without attracting the attention of the lurking predators.

    He held his breath, slowed his heartbeat, and allowed his aura to gradually vanish until he became one with the shadows. This was his true skill¡ªnot just fighting, but surviving in places from which no one ever emerges.

    Slowly, swallowed by the encompassing darkness, he began to move¡­ not as a human fleeing, but as a hunter treading cautiously through a lair of beasts.

    The forest welcomed him¡­ but at what cost?

 The Qazz

    As deep darkness fell, the forest seemed to close in on Karsu from every side. Every whisper of the wind and every creak of a breaking branch carried within it the promise of imminent danger. With every step he took, he felt death looming behind every shadow and every sound, as if peril were constantly brushing against his body, relentlessly pursuing him.

    The gnarled, twisting trees above swayed like ominous fingers, trying in every way to hide the secrets of this ancient land¡ªa land that bore witness to untold stories. Suddenly, a branch snapped behind him, and his heart stuttered for a moment before he quickly turned to see whether it was merely the echo of nature or something else lying in wait in the darkness.

    A few minutes later:

    Karsu found himself in a quiet nook deep within the forest after having completed the process of refining the Qazz. He knew that his aura had not been honed in a very long time. He then began preparing to refine himself¡ªa process undertaken in slow, deliberate steps as though practicing an exquisite martial art.

    He settled onto a smooth rock¡ªor assumed a stable posture (not necessarily sitting on the ground, but choosing a position that allowed him to harmonize with the nature surrounding him). He closed his eyes deeply to separate the clamor of the outside world from the whispers of his mind.

    His first step in this fundamental process was to breathe slowly through his nose, feeling the cold air as it filled his lungs. Then he exhaled slowly through his mouth, as if expelling all accumulated impurities and tension, focusing intently on synchronizing each inhalation and exhalation with the steady beat of his heart.

    With his breath deepening and his mind concentrated, he gently raised his hands upward, then slowly lowered them again, tapping on parts of his inner chest as if to summon his buried powers. These movements were not random at all but perfectly coordinated¡ªlike the measured steps of a masterful martial art¡ªhis arms moving in harmony with the flow of his breath and every pulse of his heart.

    Karsu slowly lifted one foot, carefully placing it on the ground with each step, feeling the pulse of the earth that accompanied him like the sound of the oldest tales. Every movement was an expression of his desire to re-sharpen his aura and reorganize his inner energy.

    He entered a state of profound meditation, focusing solely on honing that aura¡ªhis invisible shield for as long as it had protected him. Through intense mental focus, he began to reclaim the lost energy and gradually reforge the outlines of his inner strength, much like one would sharpen a sword before a great battle. Every motion and every breath served as a keystone, restoring his balance and illuminating his aura with a new light.

    After hours of this meticulous process, Karsu felt the energy beginning to flow through his veins once again, and his warrior spirit reclaimed a part of its former brilliance. At last, he had finished refining himself.

    As these moments¡ªblending meditation, movement, and alertness¡ªcame to a close, Karsu noticed from afar the faint glow emanating from the entrance of a mysterious cave. That cave seemed to silently beckon him toward a new adventure. Taking a deep breath and gathering his strength, he moved toward it with confidence and caution, ready to embark on yet another chapter of his journey full of mystery and challenges.

    The cave itself was dark¡ªan antithesis of the light outside when Karsu had first arrived! Its walls were adorned with strange writings and faded carvings. The odor of mold and iron permeated the space, and there, among the remains of an unknown hunter, lay the pages of an ancient book bearing warnings about Qazz hunters who lost their minds after attempting to tame a fourth-level Qazz.

    You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

    Karsu let out a hoarse laugh and said,

    "Humans flock to power like flies¡­ yet they do not realize that Qazz do not simply get refined¡ªthey refine you."

    In that moment as he stepped into the dark cave, he felt as though we¡ªmyself and I¡ªwere walking together in the darkness of time and its secrets. He paused for a moment and drew a deep breath; every step he took was like a pulse from his heart whispering that we were destined to uncover a hidden secret.

    He walked slowly, with the gentle breeze caressing his weary features, extending his hands to touch the cold cave walls, feeling the texture of the stones as if they were preserving ancient memories. "Every stone here carries a story," he murmured softly to himself while observing his deliberate movements¡ªhow his feet slid in the darkness and how his fingers trembled upon touching the faded carvings that decorated the walls.

    It wasn''t only the echo of his footsteps that filled the space; there was also a voice rising from deep within him¡ªa voice that spoke directly: "I am Karsu, and I have experienced both pain and joy in equal measure. I breathe in the air of truth with you, and I walk with you along the path of inner refinement." He spoke to himself as though his very presence alleviated the weight of solitude, as if every word from his lips carried a message from a heart that knew that true strength is not merely external, but a journey of self-discovery.

    As he continued his measured progress through that narrow corridor, every detail of movement revealed itself¡ªthe graceful flow of his body despite the heaviness of the past, the way his eyes absorbed every symbolic detail of those ancient carvings. He slowly raised his hand, feeling his heartbeats surge as if heralding the birth of a new dawn within him. "Look," he said in a voice mingling longing with determination, "every movement I make here writes a story of hope and suffering, reminding me that despite all my scars, I still search for light amid the darkness of time."

    He suddenly stopped before a carving that spoke with ancient wisdom: "Qazz do not refine; they refine you." In that moment, he felt the sound of that revelation merge with his own heartbeat, as if pulsating in unison to remind him that every experience leaves its mark, and that we are here to live every detail¡ªeven the smallest¡ªas part of our shared journey. He looked around as if attempting to weave from the shadows and symbols a narrative that would revive the soul''s yearning for freedom and understanding.

    "You are with me, my soul," he seemed to say, sharing this intimate moment where there is no distinction between past and present; where every movement, every whisper of the heart, serves as evidence that true refinement springs from within. And as he continued his journey with confident steps despite the weariness of the road, he promised that his inner self would always remain his partner in every journey, in every tale told from a heart that has been scarred by pain yet still sees the dawn of understanding and generosity.

    This is my journey¡ªa journey in which we together explore the intricacies of the self and the cosmos, to redefine the meaning of strength and freedom in every pulse and every step toward the future.

    (Karsu addressed Qranos with these words, using his own self-styled epithet.)

    ---

    Day 11: The Buraq Qazz

    Before dawn, Karsu felt a strange vibration in his aura, as if the forest itself were calling him. He emerged from the cave and followed that sensation until he reached an enormous tree whose tangled roots resembled a network of halos. There, amid the glistening branches, the "Buraq Qazz" appeared like a captured shard of the sun.

    He recalled the words of an ancient inscription:

    "Do not hunt it until it hunts you."

    In that moment, Karsu pressed his aura to its utmost limit, enabling him to generate a visible light that attracted the Buraq Qazz like iron to a magnet. In a single instant, his energy merged with his body¡ªand then a beam emanated from Qranos, subduing the Qazz within seconds and refining it.

    The Qazz Refinement System:

    Refining Qazz was not an ordinary process; it was an art, a science, and a mental discipline that required balancing one''s aura with the resources needed for the Qazz.

    Over the course of eleven days, Karsu waged an existential battle within the forest. From his first grim encounter with the forest''s monsters to the clash with Krax''s forces, from the hunt for the Black Shadow Qazz amidst the mists of death to the climax of his confrontation with the Buraq Qazz, every experience coalesced into a tale of transformation. Karsu was no longer an ordinary hunter; his skills gradually returned to tell the story of a triumph of will and reconciliation with hidden power. At the end of his journey, he emerged from the depths of the forest carrying in his heart a longing for Qranos.

    Sitting before a dying fire inside the cave, Karsu held between his fingers a blue Mental Stone that emitted a faint glow. He whispered as he pressed it until it crumbled:

    "Mental Stones (energy stones)¡­ a cheap solution for those unwilling to pay the price in blood."

    The process of "refining the Qazz" demanded immense concentration; it involved stirring the aura within the mind to tame the Qazz, akin to caressing a poisoned blade. If control were lost for even a few seconds, the Qazz would turn against him and melt his mind from the inside.

    But Karsu was unlike the others¡ªfor Qranos, the legendary Qazz that clung to his form like a dark shadow, sent out calm vibrations that steadied his aura, instilling fear in the lesser Qazz and refining them effortlessly without resistance.

    ---

 The forest 2

    ---

    The Twelfth Day:

    Karsu emerged from the cave, his eyes blazing with determination to claim all the forest¡¯s treasures and maximize this expedition¡¯s gains. His steps were swift, his heart pounding *thud-thud* as he sought precious herbs that would alter the course of his battles. Suddenly, he glimpsed the shimmering *Jaw-wa-Ji* rose nestled among foliage and muttered:

    "This is it! Not just a body-enhancing rose¡ªit¡¯s the Flame Qaz¡¯s sustenance from the Book!"

    He swiftly gathered enough to illuminate the night¡¯s darkness, then discovered another rare rose called *Kaw-wa-Ki*, used to brew elixirs that sharpen and calm the mind. With a faint smile, Karsu whispered:

    "Here¡¯s the Water Qaz¡¯s favorite meal."

    But Karsu knew power wasn¡¯t built on gathering alone. He stirred action:

    "Shadow Qaz, extinguish the beasts¡¯ eyes!"

    A thick black fog engulfed the area, spreading hundreds of meters¡ªonly Karsu could see through it. Suddenly, strategic flames erupted around him, not to destroy but to pierce the gloom with light.

    "What the...? Damn those motherfucking beasts! Even during mating season?!"

    Karsu retreated nimbly, using *Healing Qaz* to mend minor burns from the flames.

    "Damn it! I knew beasts evolved, but here? In a zone with only 100% aura density? What horrors await the Imperial forests then?!"

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    "Grooooooaaaaaaar!"

    A monster¡¯s roar charged toward Karsu at insane speed.

    "Huh? A Grout? That skull-class beast?"

    As he spoke, the fog around him burst, revealing the Grout¡ªa four-meter-tall monstrosity with wrinkled, bluish skin, sparse facial hair, silver scalp, and stubby arms (1.5 meters) tipped with razor-sharp, earth-stained brown claws¡ªa subterranean burrower.

    Karsu found refuge in a narrow rock passage, cornering the Grout. In ruthless defiance, he activated *Light Qaz* to blur its vision, then lunged with *Steelthread Qaz* cables.

    "This strike¡¯s for delaying me, you son of a whore!" he roared, slicing toward the beast.

    A critical strike severely wounded the Grout¡¯s eye, triggering a deafening screech as it retreated.

    "Kaaaaaahahahaaaa!"

    Seizing the moment, Karsu transformed into a light beam and fled the remaining beasts, declaring:

    "No place for me here now!"

    Exiting the forest¡¯s depths, he paused to regroup. His body ached, battle-scarred, yet he knew the adventure wasn¡¯t over.

    "We must grow stronger... The Thousand-Year Book awaits," he muttered, heading to the cave marked by *Glow Qaz* traces.

    In the secretive darkness, he meticulously arranged his rare roses: *Jaw-wa-Ji* and *Kaw-wa-Ki*. Holding *Jaw-wa-Ji* in his right palm like treasured loot, he meditated¡ªlegs crossed, hands on thighs¡ªas warmth surged through him, reigniting inner flames.

    "Now I command Flame Qaz... Flames exceeding 1000 degrees!" he declared, pride blazing.

    In his left hand, *Kaw-wa-Ki* suffused him with cool breezes, granting water manipulation for offense and defense.

    Without delay, he began replenishing his aura and mental sea through *Habb* breathing exercises¡ªeach inhale a vow of power, each exhale shedding battle¡¯s weight.

    After hours of refinement, Karsu emerged reborn¡ªspirit resolute, face defiant.

    "Damn it! My energy stones are depleted!!" he yelled, gazing at the horizon where each step neared his awaited glory.

    The Thirteenth and Fourteenth Days:

    Disguised in an Ashvank mask and camouflaged attire, Karsu infiltrated the city at night, hiding in slums to avoid suspicion.

    "No money, no shelter, no food for me or the Qaz. Only *Glow Qaz* and Quranoos don¡¯t need feeding¡ªthe rest will weaken without sustenance."

    His initial plan¡ªrobbing wealthy homes¡ªproved tough. Mansions had tight security, sometimes guarded by Qaz Masters.

    Karsu surveilled affluent districts using *Glow Qaz* for stealth and long-range vision, tracking guard rotations and Qaz Masters¡¯ visits.

    Days later, he attempted infiltration but triggered a tier-two detection ward. Though tier-five arrays were child¡¯s play to him, he retreated to avoid noise.

    Realizing even "backward" lands demanded caution, Karsu pivoted: extortion and deception would fund his rise.

 City of Adventurers

    The city was breathing its shadows under the faint moonlight, as Karsu glided through the alleys like an untouchable shadow. His black eyes vanished into the darkness like an abyss that swallowed all secrets. He was not merely a man in search of information; he was an architect of chaos, weaving the threads of a game that none other could master. He entered the tavern with confident steps, the rough sound of his boots on the wooden floor announcing the arrival of the master of the scene, while the patrons¡¯ heads bowed as they caught a glimpse of his grim appearance. He knew that fear was his best ally, for he had planted it in their hearts with a single glance.

    He sat in a corner like a panther watching the herd. He raised an empty wine glass with one relaxed hand, while the other played on a knife, as words that had seeped from a distant table began to sound; then he turned toward it slowly. A malicious smile spread across his lips: ¡°How easy it is to break those who are overly confident.¡±

    First Merchant: ¡°We have a new shipment of energy stones arriving tonight; we must ensure that they reach the port without any issues.¡±

    (This merchant was wearing luxurious clothes that did not suit him at all, for he was as thin as a toothpick¡ªas if he never ate at all!)

    Second Merchant: ¡°The guards at the port have become more cautious; we need a new plan to avoid suspicion.¡±

    (As for this merchant, he bore the marks of obesity as if he ate as much as ten men a day.)

    Those were Karsu¡¯s observations upon seeing them.

    First Merchant: ¡°Don¡¯t worry, we have a man inside the guards who can ease things for us in exchange for a portion of the profits.¡±

    Karsu approached the merchants. ¡°It seems you both have a good plan, but there is a small problem¡­ I know everything about it.¡±

    The merchants were surprised by Karsu¡¯s presence and advanced toward him threateningly.

    Second Merchant: ¡°Who are you to dare speak to us in this manner?¡±

    Karsu: ¡°I am the one who can either help you or destroy you. I have detailed information about all your movements, and if you do not cooperate with me, I will go directly to the guards.¡±

    The merchants slowed down and realized that they were in a difficult situation.

    First Merchant: ¡°What do you want?¡±

    Karsu: ¡°I want half of the stones in exchange for my silence and assistance in securing the shipment¡¯s arrival.¡±

    ¡°WHAT?! Do you think that merely your knowledge of these matters entitles you to take half?!¡±

    Other Merchant: ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right¡ªyou may think you are pressuring us, but the truth is, we haven¡¯t even started the operation, so we are not criminals.¡±

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    ¡°Alright, this will be a nuisance,¡± Karsu muttered, and in the blink of an eye, he severed a part of the second merchant¡¯s ear due to the sheer speed of his attack; no one saw it, and even the second merchant did not realize that a piece of his ear had been cut off until the blood began to flow.

    ¡°Wh¨Cwhat is this?¡± the second merchant stammered. He then touched his ear and saw his hand, completely covered in blood, and looked at Karsu in horror to find that he was holding a piece of flesh¡ªindeed, it was a part of his ear.

    Calmly and deliberately, with fingers stained with blood, Karsu said, ¡°It was not a request but an order.¡±

    The merchants agreed, knowing that they had only one option.

    After Karsu forced the merchants to accept the deal in exchange for his silence and his assistance in securing the shipment¡¯s arrival, he realized that these merchants would conspire against him to get rid of him. He knew that paying half of the profits to a stranger was not a sustainable option. Thus, he deduced that they had decided to send a professional assassin to eliminate him. For this very reason, Karsu informed them of the meeting time and the gathering place, and he even told them about the cave in which he dwells.

    Karsu sat in his cave outside the city, planning all the upcoming steps and the course of subsequent events. ¡°Let¡¯s see how their movements will be,¡± he said coldly.

    Meanwhile, at the merchants¡¯ location in a luxurious setting in one of their houses, they were discussing the misfortune of what had occurred.

    First Merchant: ¡°We have a big problem; that man knows too much.¡±

    Second Merchant: ¡°Yes! Dile, you don¡¯t need to shout¡ªI can hear you! I know we need to get rid of him, but we don¡¯t want to attract attention.¡±

    Dile: ¡°Obis, trust me, for I know a professional assassin who can end the matter quickly and without a fuss. He possesses Qaz Shadows, and he will leave no trace.¡±

    The merchants nodded in agreement with one another.

    They went to meet the assassin in a dark corner of the city.

    Dile: ¡°We have a target we want you to eliminate. He is a dangerous and intelligent man, and we know you are the right person for this mission.¡±

    The Assassin: ¡°Who is the target?¡±

    Second Merchant: ¡°A mysterious man whose name we do not know. He dared to blackmail us, even humiliate us.¡±

    The Assassin: ¡°I will carry out the mission tonight. Make sure that I receive what you promised.¡±

    At night, the assassin began observing Karsu from the shadows. He knew that the killing must be swift and silent, taking advantage of the properties of Qaz Shadows to move at incredible speed within the darkness¡ªexiting and entering any shadow that led to the required place.

    ¡°Is that him?¡± Karsu wondered as he watched from outside the cave, a few meters away. Then the assassin stepped into a shadow adjacent to Karsu.

    Karsu sensed his presence, but he did not have time to prepare. Suddenly, he felt an unnatural movement around him. The assassin burst forth from his shadow swiftly, attacking with a sword coated in poison.

    The Assassin: ¡°Not out of malice¡­ but business.¡±

    Karsu quickly retreated to the cave, using Qaz light to boost his speed and put distance between himself and the assassin. But the assassin was faster, making use of Qaz Shadows to move at incredible speed in the darkness. He began circling around Karsu from every direction¡ªabove, below, right, and left.

    Karsu: ¡°Who sent you?¡±

    The Assassin: ¡°The people who do not wish to pay the price for your silence.¡±

    Karsu used Qaz threads to weave a net around himself, attempting to slow the assassin¡¯s movements. However, the assassin effortlessly cut through the threads with his poisoned sword. Immediately, Karsu began igniting fires using Qaz flame in specific locations, which created bright lights throughout the cave.

    Karsu: ¡°You cannot use the shadows if there is no darkness.¡±

    The assassin began to feel uneasy, for the light limited his ability to move freely. He tried to attack Karsu directly, but Karsu was prepared. Karsu lunged at the assassin, taking advantage of his moment of hesitation. He attacked and disrupted the assassin¡¯s movements, using a combination of swift strikes and evasive maneuvers.

    Karsu: ¡°You are nothing but a pawn in a larger game. You should know that before you die.¡±

    With a swift and sudden strike, Karsu used his sword to cut the assassin¡¯s neck before he could retaliate.

    Karsu breathed deeply, aware that the merchants would not cease their attempts to eliminate him.

    ¡°Alright, now the first step has been completed.¡±

    At that moment, a strange light emanated from the assassin¡¯s neck, and there was an insect that desperately wanted to emerge¡ªand with great difficulty it did emerge: (Qaz Shadows).

    Karsu, with astonishment, said, ¡°Huh? Well, this is a welcome surprise.¡±

    He gently and tenderly grasped it, placed it between his palms, and began polishing it immediately. A strong beam of light radiated from Karsu¡¯s palms, and with that, Qaz Shadows was now within the ocean of Karsu¡¯s mind, subjugating him by the grace of Qaranus.

    Karsu: ¡°Well, how fortunate I am that Qaranus is with me, for otherwise a difficult-to-deal-with Qaz like Qaz Shadows would not have succumbed.¡±

    Then he looked at the assassin¡¯s corpse and said, ¡°Hmmm, Qaz flame.¡± From his palms he produced fire that burned the corpse and turned it to ash.

    Karsu bathed and slept on a bed made of straw.

 Adventurer City 2

    The next evening ¨C the market

    The market was pulsating with life, the voices of the sellers intertwining with the clamor of the shoppers, and the air was saturated with the scent of spices and perfumes. The sky was overcast, and the wind blew gently, moving the curtains of the stalls and scattering some of the fallen papers on the ground. Amid this uproar, the daughter of the first merchant¡ªdressed in her luxurious crimson gown and dazzling jewels¡ªappeared strolling among the stalls, surrounded by five extremely cautious guards whose eyes monitored every movement around her.

    At one of the dark corners, Karsu observed the scene with narrowed eyes, concealing himself among the shadows as if he were part of them. His mind worked with cold precision, weighing the possibilities.

    (Karsu to himself):

    "This is my chance. No room for mistakes. Five guards... three possess Qaz Rock, one Qaz Enhancement, and the other... Qaz Shadows. I will start with the weakest."

    He vanished into the darkness as if he had never been there, using Qaz Shadows to merge with the gloom of the market. A swift movement¡ªno sound, no trace. He appeared behind the first guard, the tip of his sword slicing through the air with a deadly silence. A precise stab below the neck, and the man fell like an empty doll without even being able to scream.

    The second and third did not realize what was happening until one of them felt something wrapping around his feet. Qaz Threads. Thin threads, like snakes, closed in around them, binding them for a moment¡ªenough to bring them down with two swift strikes to the back of the head.

    (Karsu, whispering): "Two remain."

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    The guard with Qaz Enhancement turned around, growling angrily:

    "You bastard! You will not escape alive!"

    He advanced with frantic speed, his muscles bulging thanks to his Qaz Enhancement. The ground trembled under his steps, but Karsu had anticipated this. A quick, sidelong movement¡ªhe evaded the heavy blow, then released from his palm a sharp thread that coiled around the guard¡¯s wrist and pulled him forcefully, disturbing his balance for a moment. It was enough for Karsu to kick him below the knee¡ªa precise strike that made him fall to the ground with a stifled groan.

    "Only the last remains... the user of the shadows."

    Out of nowhere, and from the very shadow of the girl herself, emerged the last guard. His eyes were sharp, his face determined as if it were carved from stone. He attacked fiercely, as if he had burst forth from the void, his sword launching with a dark gleam toward Karsu¡¯s neck.

    But a dangerous smile appeared on Karsu¡¯s face.

    "Finally, you appeared."

    A fierce battle erupted. Two swords clashed, sparks flying. The guard moved between the shadows, attacking from unexpected angles, but Karsu was not an ordinary opponent. He sensed the incoming attacks before they were executed. Every blow, he dodged with deadly smoothness, responding with precise strikes that hit the weakest points in his opponent¡¯s body.

    The guard retreated, his breaths quickening.

    (The guard, gasping): "How... how do you know my movements?!"

    Karsu, with cold eyes, replied:

    "You revealed yourself... when you stepped out of the girl''s shadow, that was your first mistake."

    He gave him no chance to respond. With a swift movement, Karsu drove his sword into a vital point below the guard¡¯s ribcage.

    (The guard, whispering as he fell): "Ah... you knew of my existence... all along?"

    Karsu did not reply. He withdrew his sword without care, leaving the corpse to fall with a muffled sound.

    Suddenly, screams erupted. The market, which had been bustling with activity, turned into utter chaos. The voices of women and men mingled¡ªsome fleeing, others hiding behind the stalls.

    "He''s a killer! Call the guards!"

    Karsu did not move. He remained calm amidst this whirlwind of chaos. Eyes stared at him, but he focused on his target. He advanced slowly toward the girl, who was astonished, her body trembling. He suddenly extended his hand and released threads that wrapped around her mouth and wrists, binding her.

    He then turned to the wounded guard, the one with Qaz Enhancement who was barely breathing, and said:

    "Tell your master... to come to the forest. Alone. If he wishes to reclaim his daughter alive."

    The guard was bleeding heavily, but he shook his head with difficulty. He understood the message.

    Before Karsu disappeared, the sounds of the guards¡¯ horns began to rise from the edges of the market. But it was too late.

    His body vanished into the shadows... as if he had never been.

 merchant fight

    The Forest, Hours Later

    Deep within a dense forest, where the trees pressed against each other as if conspiring, Karsu sat in silence near a faint fire. The girl was tied to a tree, struggling in vain to free herself.

    Karsu stood up, gazing into the stretching darkness around him, where he had carefully placed deadly traps. He knew the First Merchant would not come alone... and he was prepared for that.

    A cold, lifeless smile formed on his lips.

    "Now... let¡¯s see if he will think with his mind or his emotions."

    ---

    The Next Day¡­

    The First Merchant¡¯s envoy arrived at the designated location, using Qaz ??????, which granted him extraordinary speed, making his steps tear through the air. He stopped at the edge of the forest, glaring at the dense shadows that surrounded the place. Anger was clear on his face, but he could not hide the unease creeping into his heart.

    The Envoy (through gritted teeth): "Where is the girl? We are here to negotiate, as you requested!"

    Karsu emerged from between the trees, his face cold and devoid of any emotion, as if death itself were staring at the envoy. He wore a black coat, with traces of ash clinging to it, as if something had recently burned.

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    Karsu (calm and icy): "No negotiations. Either your master pays one hundred thousand gold coins... or I send him her dismembered body."

    The envoy''s eyes widened for a moment, but he quickly regained his composure, struggling to contain his mix of anger and distress.

    The Envoy (furious): "One hundred thousand? That¡¯s impossible! My master could never afford such a sum!"

    Karsu (with a lethal smile): "Your problem. Tell your master¡­ if the money doesn¡¯t come, I¡¯ll return her to him¡ªone finger at a time¡­ then the arms¡­ then I¡¯ll hang her head on the gates of his home. The choice is yours."

    That moment was enough to ignite a blind fury in the envoy. He surged forward using Qaz ??????, appearing like a streak of light, attempting to land a swift strike at Karsu¡¯s neck.

    But Karsu did not move.

    At the last instant, he tilted his body slightly to the side, dodging the attack as if it were unbearably slow. His hand clamped onto the envoy¡¯s wrist with terrifying strength, and the sound of bones breaking echoed through the air.

    "Crack!"

    A monstrous scream of pain burst from the envoy, just before he felt a cold blade slicing into his shoulder.

    Karsu (with chilling calm): "This speed?... Pathetic."

    With precise control, he twisted the envoy¡¯s wrist until it was completely bent, then drew a slender sword from his waist. In a single stroke¡­ he severed the envoy¡¯s arm completely.

    "Shhhhhhk!"

    Blood gushed like a waterfall, splattering crimson drops onto Karsu¡¯s emotionless face.

    The Envoy (screaming): "Aaaaah! My hand! My hand! Oh God¡­!"

    He collapsed to his knees, his body trembling like a slaughtered bird, while Karsu continued watching from above¡ªlike a hunter observing his prey¡¯s demise.

    Karsu (in a whisper-like tone): "Do you still wish to negotiate¡­ or shall I continue cutting?"

    The envoy shuddered, trying to endure the pain, but he lacked the courage to lift his eyes and respond. Blood pooled beneath him, and with each passing moment, he seemed closer to losing consciousness.

    The Envoy (weakly): "W-What¡­ do you want?"

    Karsu (dark smile): "The price is now one million gold coins. And any attempt at betrayal¡­ I will start cutting off her fingers in front of her father."

    The Envoy: "But¡­ how will he afford such a sum?"

    Karsu: "If he doesn¡¯t care about her life¡­ he doesn¡¯t deserve to be her father. Deliver my message¡­ now."

    The envoy stumbled away, blood trailing behind him as he limped back to the First Merchant. Meanwhile, Karsu slowly wiped his sword clean, as if the entire ordeal had been nothing more than routine practice.

 merchant fight 2

    The First Merchant¡¯s Headquarters

    The First Merchant sat in his grand palace, surrounded by golden lamps and walls adorned with the most precious gemstones. In front of him, the envoy was seated, missing his arm and with a pallid face, while he recounted what had happened in a trembling voice.

    The Envoy: ¡°Sir¡­ it¡¯s¡­ it¡¯s a monster. It cut off my arm¡­ li-like the fallen one¡­ he said he wants one million gold coins¡­ or he will kill your daughter slowly.¡±

    The merchant slammed the table with his fist violently, shattering one of the glass cups.

    Dile (in extreme anger): ¡°One million gold coins?! That lunatic is mocking me! Send the best adventurers. I want him dead! Dead in the most horrible way possible!¡±

    He did not know¡­ that Karsu was waiting for him with an even deeper trap.

    ---

    The Forest ¨C Karsu¡¯s Temporary Headquarters

    Karsu was sitting by a small fire, cleaning his weapon, while the girl was tied in the corner, her eyes swollen from crying, and her body trembling.

    She had tried to escape again, and now¡­ burn marks covered part of her wrists.

    Karsu (calmly): ¡°I told you. Any attempt to escape¡­ will hurt you even more.¡±

    He raised his head, sensing the approach of the merchant¡¯s forces.

    <Shhhhhh>He smiled.

    ¡°It seems that tonight will become¡­ very bloody.¡±

    After a while and before the night ended, the merchant appeared.

    The voice of the First Merchant tore through the forest¡¯s silence like the roar of a wounded beast; his shouts pierced the atmosphere of the place:

    ¡°Karsu!¡±

    The adventurers were scattered among the dense trees, moving silently like ghosts, each using the stealth Qaz he possessed¡ªQaz Shadows, Qaz Invisibility, Qaz Oblivion¡ªbut they were not prepared for what they would face.

    Amid this tense silence, the flower of Al-Jaw and Al-Jay appeared with its sparkling colors, like a deadly trap disguised in false beauty. One of the adventurers spotted it, his eyes gleaming with greed. He did not know that this flower was not merely a rare plant but a lethal snare.

    He approached¡­ and touched it.

    BOOOOOM!

    Flames surged as if hell had opened, the adventurer burned in an instant, his scream resembling the howl of an animal being slaughtered slowly. The fire clung to his body, spreading with terrifying speed due to the pre-scattered wood powder around the area.

    ¡°Save him!¡± His comrades ran towards him, but they did not realize that the thick smoke concealed something even more horrifying¡­

    Shhhhhh¡­

    From among the nearby river reeds, the body of the disgusting Mud Monster stretched out, its muddy claw striking like a snake; it grabbed one of the adventurers and dragged him directly toward the swamp.

    ¡°No! Help! I¡¯m drowning!¡±

    The monster was not merely drowning him, but it was slowly absorbing him. The man¡¯s skin began to decay with every second, while toxic mud bubbles floated around him. Two other adventurers tried to intervene, leaping into the river, but the monster was waiting for them, its body coiling around them all¡­

    Bones cracked. Bodies were torn apart.

    And from among the shadows, Karsu stood watching the scene in silence. His cold eyes reflected nothing but contempt:

    ¡°Fools¡­ they think that a half-skull monster will be easy when it is in its own territory?¡±

    He moved without a sound. Slipping like a ghost using Qaz Shadows, he headed toward the First Merchant, the aura of death accompanying him.

    ¡°Where are you?!¡± the merchant shouted nervously, searching with his eyes in every direction. Sweat poured down his forehead, anger tearing him apart¡­ and fear killing him slowly.

    The scene was like hell opening upon the earth.

    As soon as the traps were triggered, death began.

    Flames surged as they ravaged the bodies mercilessly, like a bloodthirsty beast. Cries were mingled with the crackle of bones shattering under the pressure of the fire, and the sounds of flesh slowly burning. One of the adventurers, his entire body aflame, ran in a hysterical circle, beating his body in vain, until his feet stumbled and he fell to the ground, writhing in madness as his skin peeled like burnt leaves, before coming to an abrupt stop. There remained only a charred corpse, featureless.

    At the riverbank, the Mud Monster was like a living nightmare. It coiled around the adventurers¡¯ bodies, compressing them until their ribs shattered, expelling bubbles of red mud mixed with their blood, then submerging them beneath the surface. Some continued to struggle, their feet scraping the muck, but its grip was unyielding. They drowned, leaving behind a trail of blood that floated slowly over the troubled surface.

    Amid this hell, Karsu stood like a statue carved from terror itself. There was no mercy in his eyes, only a deadly stillness colder than death itself. His breathing was calm and steady, as if the scene of the slaughter before him did not concern him.

    Karsu turned toward the First Merchant, staring at him with eyes as cold as ice, and said in a quiet voice as if whispering in his mind:

    ¡°Have you brought the money?¡±

    The merchant paused for a moment, astonished by the chill of Karsu¡¯s murderous demeanor and the dryness of his expressionless features. He tried to speak, but the words came out haltingly from his trembling lips:

    ¡°Y-yes, as you demanded.¡±

    Karsu stared directly into his eyes, as if his gaze extracted the truth from within him without the need for words:

    ¡°Is the full amount?¡±

    The merchant faltered, then pointed behind him in fear as he swallowed his saliva with difficulty:

    ¡°O-of course, don¡¯t you see the boxes behind me?¡±

    Karsu cast a quick glance toward the boxes, then returned his gaze to the merchant, his voice now sharper:

    ¡°Well¡­ follow me. Your daughter will be returned to you.¡±

    Karsu moved with calm steps, while the merchant followed, his heart nearly bursting from his chest. His heartbeat accelerated with every step he took inside the dark forest, where the air was suffocating and the silence was tinged with the echo of faint, mysterious sounds, as if the place were breathing in madness.

    A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

    Five massive boxes of gold were being carried with difficulty on the shoulders of an adventurer of the Enhancement class, a burly man with taut muscles, yet even his imposing presence appeared pale before the dread of the forest. Despite the merchant¡¯s enormous wealth, he was unable to bring luxurious carts or horses to carry the gold. The forest here was unlike others; gloomy, dense, as if the darkness itself permeated its roots. Even the horses, with their innate instincts, refused to enter these lands, where the air weighed as if whispering a faint threat to anyone who crossed.

    The merchant knew very well that most of the adventurers who preceded him had fallen victim to Karsu¡¯s deadly traps and the bloodthirsty beasts of the forest. Yet, he continued walking behind him, for what awaited him was more precious than all that gold¡­ his daughter. Or so he believed.

    Karsu continued walking with calm steps, while the merchant wiped his brow despite the cold weather. His sweat was not from exertion, but from fear, or rather¡­ tension caused by something entirely different.

    Karsu suddenly stopped, pointing to the boxes:

    ¡°Open the first box.¡±

    The merchant smiled a confused smile as he raised his hands with affected ease:

    ¡°Why the haste? They are all filled with pure gold, exactly as we agreed. Am I not a merchant of reputation? And I took a huge risk bringing this bounty to this desolate place¡­ trust me, its weight alone is proof.¡±

    Karsu stepped back, staring coldly into the merchant¡¯s eyes with deadly chill. He said nothing, merely remaining silent, but inside, Karsu¡¯s mind worked like an unyielding analytical machine:

    The sweat¡­ his racing pulse¡­ his evasive glances¡­ the faint scent of metal¡­ a glimpse of dismay¡­ this man is hiding something. The boxes are heavy, but not with the expected weight of five boxes of pure gold. Gold is denser; the weight here indicates another mixture. If he were deceiving me, he must have only placed a superficial layer of gold, and the rest¡­

    Karsu raised an eyebrow slightly, as if responding to the merchant¡¯s claim:

    ¡°Reputation, you say?¡±

    The merchant smiled with calculated cunning, exploiting that gap in the conversation:

    ¡°Of course. I did not become number one in my field without knowing the art of negotiation¡­ I listened to you before and provided the amount without dispute. And yet, we are merchants, aren¡¯t we? Perhaps we can reach¡­ a solution more beneficial to both parties?¡±

    Aha¡­ now he is trying to negotiate? Testing my reaction to see if I have discovered the trick. Playing with words, psychological pressure by invoking his reputation, then suggesting a ¡°better solution¡±? He thinks he can steer the situation¡­ na?ve.

    Karsu replied, his tone like a cold stab:

    ¡°A better solution? Explain.¡±

    The merchant took a deep breath, gathering his scattered composure, before saying:

    ¡°My daughter¡­ she is not well. She needs urgent medical care. If you are to take the gold, can¡¯t you at least allow me to take her first? Give me a chance, do not risk her life any further. The money will remain here, and you can verify everything later.¡±

    A heavy silence prevailed. Karsu did not move; he showed no sign of agreement or refusal, yet his mind was like X-rays penetrating the man¡¯s lies:

    Emotional pressure¡­ using his daughter as a bargaining chip, hints at her care, yet he did not mention any details about her illness. He is stalling¡­ trying to buy time, perhaps so that I may leave before opening the boxes¡­ fear dominates him despite his calm attempts¡­ if he were confident, he wouldn¡¯t resort to all this.

    Finally, Karsu spoke in a low voice, but his tone was charged with an authority that did not allow negotiation:

    ¡°Open the first box¡­ now.¡±

    The merchant¡¯s face froze for a moment before he laughed with a false, light laugh:

    ¡°Heh¡­ of course, no need for doubt, I would have done it with pleasure.¡±

    The massive mercenary advanced slowly, opened the lid of the first box, and the scattered rays of gold reflected above¡ªshining, dazzling pieces that dazzled the eye¡­ but Karsu did not look at the gold, rather he looked into its depths.

    He extended his finger, moved the superficial gold pieces slightly, to reveal underneath¡­ earthen stones covered with delicate golden residues.

    Karsu¡¯s eyebrow rose slightly, but he remained silent. He slowly turned his head toward the merchant, who had become as pale as the dead.

    ¡°Trying to deceive me¡­ and thinking you can survive? But hold on¡­ I will accompany you further, to see how much you can endure before completely collapsing.¡±

    Karsu smiled, but his smile was colder than death itself.

    ¡°Beautiful¡­ it indeed appears to be genuine gold. Let¡¯s open the second box¡­ shall we?¡±

    After Karsu exposed the trick in the second box, the merchant said nothing. He merely stepped back two paces, his sweat pouring profusely, and his eyes moving frantically, as if searching for an escape in a forest that knows no mercy.

    Karsu looked toward the remaining three boxes, then in his usual calm voice, said:

    ¡°Open the third¡­ or I will open your neck instead.¡±

    The merchant swallowed his saliva with difficulty, then tried to gather what remained of his deluded pride:

    ¡°You don¡¯t understand¡­ we are businessmen, we must¡­ we must negotiate! This amount alone¡­ is enough to make you the richest man in the region! There is no need for violence, isn¡¯t there?¡±

    Karsu did not reply. At that moment he was observing the trembling of the merchant¡¯s right hand, and the grip that slowly tightened on the leather belt below his coat. Karsu¡¯s mind interpreted that clearly. He is trying to reach for something¡­ a dagger? Or a poison vial? No¡­ too weak to use poison in my condition.

    In one step, Karsu was in front of the merchant, whispering in his ear in a soft voice, like a death promise:

    ¡°Open the¡­ last box.¡±

    The merchant was forced to move forward, his hands trembling, and his knees almost betraying him. He opened the lid¡­ and the scene was exactly as Karsu had predicted: a thin layer of gold, and beneath it ordinary stones, some painted with a faint yellow coating.

    Time stopped for a few moments. Only the sound of the cold wind broke the silence. The merchant slowly turned, trying to gather any words that might save him.

    ¡°I swear¡­ I did not mean to deceive you, I only wanted to protect my daughter, I had no solution¡­ I couldn¡¯t¡ª¡±

    Karsu¡¯s gaze cut him off. That look that drills into the depths of the soul, as if tearing the masks of lies without a single word.

    Suddenly, with a swift movement, the merchant struck his abdomen with the back of his fist. The merchant fell to his knees, coughing violently, and blood dripped from his mouth. The pain was overwhelming, but not more than the fear that exploded in his eyes.

    Karsu looked at the adventurer who was carrying the boxes and ordered coldly:

    ¡°Step back.¡±

    The adventurer withdrew without argument, leaving the merchant facing him, gasping, trying to plead once again:

    ¡°Please¡­ it¡¯s not only my fault¡­ my daughter¡­ I did this for her¡­ I just needed more time! We were going to gather the money, just¡ª¡±

    Before he could finish his sentence, a shadow appeared from behind the trees¡­ it was his daughter.

    Pale, filthy with mud, her eyes exhausted from crying, yet despite that, she ran toward her father while screaming:

    ¡°Father! Stop! Don¡¯t hurt her! I¡¯ll give you anything¡­ please, let her live!¡±

    That was the merchant¡¯s last mistake.

    The girl advanced further, and knelt beside him, clinging to his arm as she wept. Karsu did not move for a moment. Then, in a soft voice, he said:

    ¡°Anything?¡±

    She looked at him, her face completely terrified, and quickly nodded her head.

    ¡°Father is not evil¡­ he¡­ he only tried to save me. We did not harm anyone, please, do not kill him!¡±

    Karsu took another step. His voice became even colder:

    ¡°Save you? Did he not deceive me? Did he not lie? Do you think that one who steals and flatters¡­ can decide who lives and who dies?¡±

    The girl froze, unable to answer. But she clutched her father¡¯s arm even tighter, and began to cry silently.

    At that moment, the merchant¡¯s eyes moved slowly¡­ very slowly. His hand slid toward his belt, where he had hidden a small dagger¡­

    Karsu noticed.

    But he did not stop him. Instead¡­ he waited.

    He waited until the dagger was about to be fully drawn, and only then did he move.

    Karsu¡¯s iron grip seized the merchant¡¯s wrist and forearm violently!

    Crack!

    A horrendous scream of pain filled the place.

    The dagger fell, rolling over the mud. The merchant, his face covered in blood, was screaming while his daughter whimpered beside him, her body trembling with terror.

    Karsu grabbed the dagger, slowly cleaned its blade on his coat, then directed it toward the merchant¡¯s blood-covered neck.

    ¡°Do you know?¡±

    He leaned in closer, his face devoid of emotion:

    ¡°You could have survived¡­ if you weren¡¯t stupid.¡±

    Then he began to push the blade¡­ slowly.

    The girl screamed, trying to stop him, but he had already made his decision.

    Everything ended¡­ at the moment when this man chose to deceive me.

    Looking at the merchant, who had fallen to his knees, blood covering his face. Beside him was his daughter, as pale as the dead, clinging to his trembling arm, with tears streaming down her mud-stained cheeks. The merchant tried to pull a small dagger from his belt, but Karsu¡¯s iron grip clutched his wrist, twisting it violently. The crack of bones was heard clearly as his wrist shattered.

    The merchant let out a scream mixed with pain and terror, but Karsu did not flinch. He pushed the broken dagger toward his blood-covered neck, and began to drive it in very slowly, as if he wanted every moment to be etched into the victim¡¯s memory. The dagger sliced through the skin, then the tissues, and the blood flowed like a dark spring, while the sound of the merchant¡¯s choking grew sharper, until it completely ceased, his head slowly drooping forward, eyes wide open, before his body collapsed onto the ground like a puppet with its strings cut.

    His daughter, trembling like a wounded bird, gasped as her father fell before her. She looked at Karsu, her eyes wide, tears drawing muddy lines on her cheeks. She tried to speak, but the words were choked in her throat, nothing but a suppressed moan escaping.

    Karsu advanced, his steps slow and measured, and knelt before her. He lifted the strands of her hair, soaked in blood, as if studying her face, before whispering in a soft voice, stripped of any emotion:

    ¡°He could have been saved¡­ if you were not weak.¡±

    Then, with a sudden movement, he grabbed her chin with his left hand, and his other hand pierced her abdomen like a blade.

    Blood burst forth profusely.

    She let out a muffled gasp, her body convulsing violently as she tried to cling to his hands, but her strength faded with every second. He slowly withdrew his hand, leaving a wide, unceasingly bleeding gash, before she slowly collapsed, her pale face staring upward, until her eyes completely glazed over.

    Blood seeped down her body, forming a grim pool, while Karsu stood once again, watching his crime with absolute coldness.

    But, far from this massacre, new voices began to rise.

    ¡°Carry everything! We will not let this opportunity slip away!¡±

    Some of the surviving adventurers had gathered around the merchant¡¯s cart, greedily rifling through its contents, removing the bags filled with gold and jewels, completely forgetting that the killer who had finished off the merchant and his daughter was still there.

    But before they could escape with their loot, the sound of crashing rocks resounded.

    The ground shook violently.

    Kraxx appeared, his massive stone body rising from the earth like an ill-omened statue. His stony face was cracked, his eyes gleaming with a dark, earthen glimmer. He raised his enormous arms to strike the ground, and suddenly stone pillars burst forth, piercing the adventurers¡¯ bodies, literally tearing them apart. One was split in half, his innards scattered on the ground as he screamed wildly before falling silent. Another tried to escape, but a rocky spear erupted from the earth, lodging itself in his lower jaw, tearing his head completely off.

    In less than a minute, the area was filled with piles of mutilated corpses and blood covering every inch.

    While Karsu stood on the edge of the chaos, watching in silence.

    But the pain began to creep into his body.

    Deep wounds had formed in his body, and some toxins seeped into his blood. He withdrew slowly toward a dark cave, his body aching, his breathing accelerating.

    While Karsu lay in the cave after days of exhaustion and wounds, the sound of heavy footsteps of Al-Gha¡¯ir pierced the air. He tracked the scent of Karsu¡¯s blood until he reached the cave¡¯s entrance, pausing for seconds to inhale deeply, before roaring in a muffled growl and charging inside.

    But before he could get closer, an enormous aura of Qaranus exploded from Karsu¡¯s body, nearly distorting the very air. It was heavy, dark, as if warning existence itself to stay away. Al-Gha¡¯ir, whose body was already trembling, collapsed to the ground involuntarily, and began to growl hesitantly, then retreated while emitting weak, raspy sounds before fleeing in a stagger, as if his body had been temporarily paralyzed by an overwhelming, irresistible terror.

    ¡°Although the ¡®Bloody Al-Gha¡¯ir¡¯ is rated only at half a skull, he is relatively clever and his emaciated form helps him deceive enemies, covered in dark gray skin interspersed with dark, pulsating purple veins, he has four long limbs ending in sharply curved claws, and a jaw filled with hooked teeth resembling rusty nails. His eyes are large, a pale yellow without a pupil. He emits a heavy breathing sound and sometimes an annoying crackling as if his bones move with every step.¡±

    And Karsu continued, saying:

    ¡°Despite his advantages, Al-Gha¡¯ir is by nature a coward and is considered an opportunistic hunter, attacking only when he senses weakness in his prey.¡±

 Taking dues

    After days of recovery, Karsu had almost regained his strength. During that period, he noticed an unusual movement of adventurers who kept gathering in the area. They filled the forest with noise, talking excitedly about their anticipated target.

    Karsu muttered sarcastically as he watched them from afar:

    "Fools... if my guess is correct, they are now counted among the dead."

    As Karsu deduced, it seems that a group of adventurers is pursuing fame and fortune by killing the Monkey King, that legendary beast with the two skulls and the half. Greed had blinded their eyes, yet they did not realize they were facing a force that could not be confronted easily.

    At the entrance of the cave, the shape of the confrontation began to become clear. Their leader finally appeared¡ªa man with a strong presence and sharp eyes, looking battle-hardened and possessing a powerful qiz. He was issuing orders and organizing the ranks of mercenaries, laying out a clear plan to face the beast. Despite their confidence, Karsu did not need to think long to know that this arrogance would turn into terror in moments.

    From his position among the tall trees, wearing his dark cloak, Karsu silently observed. He looked at the adventurers and saw shining weapons and heavy armor, but behind the appearances he could glimpse in their eyes the tension and fear hidden behind their feigned courage.

    "They do not realize what awaits them... even if they were a hundred, their chance against that beast is nil."

    As if his words were an omen of doom, a tremendous roar echoed from the depths of the cave, the ground trembling powerfully, and every whisper among the adventurers ceased. Then the Monkey King emerged from the shadows.

    A giant beast, with the body of an enormous gorilla, six massive arms, and four eyes glowing like embers, stood tall as if he were the embodiment of terror itself. He was not merely a beast... he was a moving catastrophe.

    Karsu, smiling lightly, murmured:

    "Six arms... four eyes... this is not just a beast. This is a force of nature itself."

    The adventurers, despite their fear, gathered their courage and charged toward the king, each hoping to deliver the killing blow. But the beast was ready.

    He raised two enormous arms, each bearing strange inscriptions:

    "Al-Jao" and "Al-Ji."

    In an instant, the flames of Al-Jao burst forth like a torrential stream, sweeping over the adventurers with rapidly spreading fire, followed by the flames of Al-Ji, denser and hotter, turning bodies to ash in the blink of an eye.

    Karsu, his eyes gleaming in analytical light, murmured:

    "The flames of Al-Jao spread quickly, but they are not immediately lethal... as for Al-Ji, it burns everything in its path without mercy."

    The adventurers realized they were facing a power beyond their abilities, so they began to retreat, trying to reorganize their ranks. But the beast gave them no chance.

    By merging the powers of Al-Jao and Al-Ji, the beast clapped his enormous hands together, causing a massive fiery explosion.

    The ground shook, rocks scattered, and the battlefield transformed into a sea of flames, devouring anyone who wasn¡¯t fast enough to escape.

    Karsu, gazing at the scene with pride, said:

    "Like the fall of a meteor... magnificent."

    Only a few adventurers remained, hesitating between attack and retreat, so the beast decided to finish off what was left.

    He raised the next two arms, "Al-Kao" and "Al-Ki." Al-Kao erupted with a torrent of water, flooding the ground and slowing the adventurers'' movements, while Al-Ki employed a healing ability that allowed the beast to recover from any wounds it had sustained up to that point.

    Karsu, murmuring with admiration, said:

    "He defends with water, and heals himself at the same time? This beast truly deserves its title."

    But the beast was not satisfied with that.

    With a gesture from one of its arms, it used "Al-Zan" and "Al-Zi," causing the forest itself to rise up in its protection. The grasses transformed into sharp whips, the trees twisted around the adventurers like vipers, and sticky ropes dragged them one by one toward their inevitable fate.

    Within a few minutes, not a single survivor remained. The ground was covered with corpses, and the beast¡ªdespite the injuries it had sustained¡ªremained standing, victorious.

    Karsu, with a mocking smile, said:

    "He didn¡¯t even use the frenzy mode... he was merely toying."

    He laughed lightly, then whispered to himself:

    "Thank you, O Monkey King... you did a wonderful job."

    Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.

    Then, without hesitation, he leaped from his position, his feet empowered by a halo as he descended forcefully among the corpses, and began gathering the spoils.

    "Well then, what do we have here?"

    He examined the ground and found poisoned arrows, serrated swords, heavy armors, rare potions, and quantities of gold.

    He smiled maliciously as he raised a sack filled with loot:

    "Thank you to the foolish rich man who thought this was a good idea."

    He gathered everything he could carry, then moved quickly, heading away from the massacre scene, leaving behind the ashes of the adventurers and a land reeking of death.

    He carried all those items using the Storage Qiz found in the book¡ªwhich is the fifth qiz in it: Qiz of Flame, Qiz of Water, Qiz of Light, Qiz of Healing, and finally the nearly unlimited Storage Qiz.

    After that, he headed to the second merchant, Obiss, and entered the city to fetch the Energy Stones.

    Karsu moved like a shadow under the cover of darkness, using the Shadow Qiz to sneak into Obiss¡¯s warehouse. The high walls posed no obstacle for him, as he launched the Thread Qiz toward the top edge and pulled himself up smoothly. There, amid the dim lamp light, he saw Obiss sitting on his luxurious chair, counting the stones with trembling hands.

    "Isn¡¯t it foolish to think you can escape your debts?" Karsu said in a calm voice, dripping with a threatening tone.

    Obiss sprang up like a terrified cat, before stammering:

    "W-what do you want? We gave you half!"

    "Half?" Karsu laughed a cold laugh, then tilted his head slightly:

    "If you mean the gold coins of the slain merchant, then you are even dumber than I thought... Do you think I will fall into your trap and say, ''Oh, really? In that case, I¡¯ll leave!''?"

    He paused for a moment, then added in an even colder voice:

    "Or would you prefer that I send a piece of you to your comrades... as a souvenir?"

    "S-screw this person! How can he use more than one qiz? I¡¯ve heard that he uses at least five qiz... Does that mean he is the most human capable of using qiz? No... Wait, there¡¯s an old legend that speaks of a person who managed to control seven qiz at once, but what is the real difference? Five or seven¡ªin the end, they all exceed the limits of ordinary humans!"

    He looked around anxiously, recalling his previous efforts:

    "I searched the entire city for strong guardians, selecting those with the best reputations... and yet, I found no one who could even use three types of qiz together!"

    He gripped the edge of his chair tightly, and a feeling of helplessness began to creep upon him...

    "It is a nightmare... a living nightmare!"

    Obiss attempted to scream for the guards, but the threads of the Thread Qiz wrapped around his neck like a hidden snake, squeezing his throat and choking his voice before it could finish.

    "Ah... ah..." His body slammed into the ground, his fingers futilely trying to untangle the threads, while his widened eyes streamed with terror. In that moment, Karsu approached with calm steps, and his sword glinted under the moonlight sneaking through the window, reflecting a cold shine devoid of life.

    He bent slightly, then whispered in a quavering voice that barely carried any emotion:

    "There is no need for chaos. Give me the stones... or I will let the Flame Qiz consume this warehouse entirely... with you inside."

    Obiss saw a spark of fire flickering in Karsu¡¯s palm, as if it were a living threat on the verge of igniting. His trembling fingers hurriedly began opening the boxes, his voice coming out in broken fragments:

    "Ta-take them! All of them! Just don¡¯t... don¡¯t burn me!"

    Karsu did not move for a moment; he only stared at the terrified Obiss, as if assessing his sincerity. Then, without a word, he raised his hand, and the threads of qiz pulled the boxes toward him smoothly, piling them at his feet.

    He bent down and opened one of them quietly... dozens of shimmering stones sent out a faint blue glow in the darkness. He took one between his fingers, examined it for a moment, then rotated it in his palm before murmuring:

    "Good... at least you did not try to deceive me this time."

    Obiss recoiled backward, crawling on the ground, his body trembling as if the cold had pierced him to the bone. He attempted to speak, to justify something, but found nothing to say. He knew that any wrong word could be his last.

    Karsu raised his eyes to him, and a faint, unwarm smile crept onto his lips.

    "But you still owe me."

    Obiss stopped breathing for a moment, as if a new nightmare had begun to manifest before him.

    "O-owe? I... I gave you everything!"

    Karsu tilted his head slightly, as if contemplating Obiss¡¯s sentence like a child pondering a silly lie. Then he whispered:

    "And did you think that would be enough?"

    In the blink of an eye, the threads of qiz were unleashed again, but this time they did not target his neck... but his hand. They tightened forcefully, and Obiss let out a faint scream as he felt his bones nearly shatter under the pressure.

    "A simple gift..." Karsu said coldly, letting the threads wrap further around his fingers. "To remind you of who holds your life now."

    Obiss raised his head, his eyes glistening with tears and fear. In that moment, he knew he had become nothing more than a puppet... and Karsu was the one holding the strings.

    Karsu seized one of the stones between his fingers, turned it slightly while watching its faint glow, then began counting the rest quickly¡ªwith a calm yet sharp gaze... 1437.

    "Not a bad number..." he thought to himself, "Their quality is average, but sufficient to grant the life of a Qiz Master of Level One absolute luxury. As for a Qiz Master of Level Two, they will be a tremendous boost to his energy and refining power..."

    He paused for a moment, his eyes lighting up with deeper thought. "But I consume more energy than any ordinary human... and considering the large number of qiz I use, these stones will not suffice for a long time... yet they are acceptable for now."

    He turned his gaze back to the merchant, staring at him with a cold look before saying in a low voice that carried the weight of a mountain:

    "These are not the smuggled stones... are they?"

    Obiss felt as if a lightning bolt had struck his head, his body freezing, as if life had decided to torment him mercilessly. His eyes widened in terror, and he nearly collapsed to the ground in shock.

    "Y-yes... these... were designated for my firstborn... my only son..."

    He fell to his knees, his full body trembling, and tears streaming incessantly. His face was pale, and his quivering lips along with his trembling made him appear even more miserable. His tight clothes were torn, as if life itself had ripped them apart just as it had torn his dignity.

    But Karsu showed no sympathy. He simply stood there, like a black shadow engulfing a broken man, silently watching his collapse.

    "And do you think I will pity you?"

    "Well... as we agreed, the half, huh?"

    Karsu said it in a low voice carrying a hidden tone of threat, while he extended his hand and forcefully grabbed Obiss¡¯s face, his fingers digging into his swollen cheeks.

    He moved closer, until he nearly pressed his face against Obiss¡¯s, his cold breath striking the trembling merchant¡¯s skin, and a terrifying smile appeared on his lips, revealing sharp teeth like the fangs of a demon freshly emerged from hell.

    Obiss could not even breathe; he stared at Karsu¡¯s face as if he were witnessing the embodiment of death itself, his deep, dark eyes slowly devouring him.

    He felt as if life were being drained from him drop by drop, as if Karsu¡¯s grip on his face was not merely a human hand, but the claw of a wild creature testing his fragility before crushing him completely.

    "Tell me, Obiss..." Karsu whispered, his voice resembling a murmur from another world, "do you think I will accept such generosity?"

    Obiss could not withstand the pressure... his eyes rolled, his body trembled for a moment before collapsing unconscious.

    Karsu looked at him silently, as if he saw nothing more than a scrap of discarded flesh on the ground. He sighed lightly, then cast one last glance at the stones he had gathered before kneeling beside Obiss¡¯s body without any hesitation.

    He tore at the flesh of Obiss¡¯s hand with a sharp dagger, his fingers moving with cold precision, indifferent to the silent scream that nearly escaped from the unconscious body. Blood began to flow, but Karsu did not stop; he raised his bloody hand and began to write...

    "Falkahf Al-Nisf... The half... do not forget..."

    He inscribed it on his forehead in twisting red lines, pressing slowly as if carving it into his skin, as if imprinting an indelible mark.

    After he finished, Karsu stood up and wiped his bloodstained hand on Obiss¡¯s torn clothes, then cast one last glance at him before murmuring in a barely audible voice:

    "When you wake... you will never forget that you owe the half."

    Then, as if the shadows of the night had swallowed him, he disappeared from sight, leaving behind a shattered merchant and a body bearing an indelible mark of terror.

    Then Karsu slowly withdrew to the cave, pondering his next move..

    The following morning, Karsu went out to hunt a few animals for food, when suddenly the sound of fierce winds heading toward him appeared.

    Karsu: "What is that sound?!"

    In an instant, Karsu heard the sound of tearing immediately after the impact, and the area was filled with dust. Karsu quickly retreated backward with careful steps, not turning so as to keep watching what was happening, his eyes darting quickly to the right and left. Usually, Karsu uses his left hand to operate the qiz, keeping his right hand free to wield his sword. However, the qiz did not respond to Karsu and did not emit any flame.

    Karsu: "W-what is happening?!"

    To his surprise, Karsu saw that his hand was completely twisted; the bone had been ground, the blood squeezed out, and the skin torn. His shoulder was torn and bleeding heavily.

 Carsos death

    The Next Morning

    The next morning, Karso went out hunting, searching for something to eat. But suddenly, a raging wind howled through the air, rushing toward him at terrifying speed.

    Karso (alert): "What is that sound?!"

    In an instant, he heard a violent tearing noise followed by a massive impact, filling the area with dust. Karso swiftly stepped back with calculated movements, avoiding turning around to keep his eyes on the scene. His eyes darted rapidly, scanning the surroundings, but before he could comprehend the situation, he realized something horrifying¡ªhis left hand, which he usually used to unleash Qaz, was unresponsive. No flames, no energy, nothing.

    Karso (shocked): "What... what''s happening?!"

    He looked at his hand, and his eyes widened in horror¡ªit was completely twisted, the bone crushed, blood gushing out, and the skin torn down to the nerve.

    Karso (stunned): "What the...?!"

    Footsteps pierced through the thick fog, revealing a mysterious figure walking confidently as if the scene was nothing unusual.

    Mysterious Person (smirking, amused): "Wow, you''re impressive! I was aiming to cut you in half, but you managed to dodge and only lost a hand? That''s truly remarkable."

    Karso (furious, thinking to himself): "What the hell is this bastard saying?!"

    With a cold voice, Karso shouted, "Who are you?!"

    Mysterious Person (lazily): "Ah? Pardon me, I forgot to introduce myself. But shouldn''t you introduce yourself first before asking others?"

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    Karso (sharply): "Shut up and answer me."

    Mysterious Person (laughing): "Hahaha! A mere Fani dares to insult me?! Looks like I found someone truly interesting!"

    Karso (suspicious, alarmed): "Fani?! Don''t joke... Is he from the Empire?!"

    Karso quickly attempted to activate Shadow Qaz to escape, but...

    Mysterious Person (calm, arrogant): "What do you think you''re doing? You haven¡¯t answered me yet, and you''re already trying to run? That''s not allowed."

    Suddenly, the man released an overwhelming aura, flooding the area with a terrifying force. Even the beasts of the forest fled in fear. His aura spread across half the forest, suffocatingly dense.

    Karso (internally, tense): "This power... He must be one of the high-ranked ones."

    In a blink, the man appeared directly in front of Karso, pressing two fingers against his neck, forming his aura into a sharp blade, injecting an immense amount of energy into it.

    Karso (shocked): "Damn... Aura shaping?!"

    Mysterious Person (surprised): "Wait... can you see the aura?"

    Karso didn¡¯t waste time¡ªhe immediately released his enhancement aura at full strength, as all types of Qaz (except for Qarnous) were unable to function in the presence of this overwhelming aura.

    Mysterious Person (intrigued): "This is truly fascinating! A Fani who can see aura, no, even use it! Hahaha! What else can you show me?"

    Karso didn¡¯t reply, instead retreating swiftly, his mind racing for a strategy. He couldn¡¯t defeat him directly... but if he could lure the King of the Forest, even a ranked individual wouldn¡¯t handle it easily.

    Mysterious Person (mocking): "What now? Trying to run?"

    He paused briefly, then sneered, "Heh... You...!"

    Suddenly, his eyes narrowed as he grasped Karso¡¯s intent. Even though Karso had distanced himself by dozens of meters, the ground beneath the mysterious man exploded from the force of his movement, propelling him at an insane speed. In an instant, he reappeared in front of Karso, cutting off his escape with brutal precision.

    Karso (frustrated): "Damn it!"

    There was no time to react. A sudden, vicious kick struck Karso¡¯s face directly, shattering his teeth. If not for his full-body aura reinforcement at that moment, his skull would have been crushed, and his insides would have burst. His body was sent flying, crashing through trees before slamming into a massive trunk, leaving him bloodied and broken¡ªevery bone in his body barely intact.

    Karso (vision blurred): "No... way..."

    He had no time to catch his breath. Through his hazy vision, he saw the aura blade approaching his neck, ready to end him completely.

    Mysterious Person (observing his body): "Tch, that bastard actually tried to lure that three-skulled beast... Or was it two and a half? Doesn''t matter. The important thing now... Let''s see what this Fani has."

    He crouched beside Karso, inspecting his shattered body.

    Mysterious Person (curious): "I don¡¯t usually care about Fani corpses, but you''re a special case. A Fani who can use aura, not just see it, but enhance his body with it! Maybe you¡¯ll be useful for research. The Emperor¡¯s dogs will love examining you."

    He lifted Karso¡¯s body and slung it over his shoulder, but the relentless flow of blood annoyed him.

    Mysterious Person (grumbling): "Damn, even in death, this damn Fani is troublesome. I¡¯ll wrap him in my clothes for now, so his scent doesn¡¯t attract beasts."

    Without wasting another moment, he dashed at full speed toward the Empire, carrying Karso... or rather, what remained of him.

 The Empire

    ??? ???? ????? ?? ????? ?????????

    ?????: "???? ???? ??? ?????? ??? ???? ????? ??? ???? ????? ??? ?????? ???? ?? ??????."

    ??????? (?????? ??????? ????? ??? ???????): "?????? ???? ????? ?? ????? ??? ??????? ?? "??????". ??? ???? ?????? ??? ????? ??? ????? ??? ????? ????."

    ?????: "??? ?????? ?? ???. ??? ????? ????."

    ???????: "?? ???????. ???? ?? ????. ??? ???? ??????? ??? ???? ?? ???? ?? ????? ?????? ????????".

    ?????: "?? ??? ?????? ????? ????? ???? ??? ??? ???? ???? ?? ???? ?? ??? ?? ??? ??????."

    The door creaked open, and Kanel, the strongest swordsman in the City of Adventurers, entered.

    Kanel: "Excuse me for interrupting, but I think we need to gather with the City Lord immediately. All the commanders, leaders, and other decision-makers have been summoned."

    Krax: "Huh? What¡¯s going on here?"

    Hebnari: "Don¡¯t worry. We¡¯ll find out soon."

    They headed to the meeting hall, where more than twenty influential figures from across the city had gathered. This was only the second time such a large assembly had been called since the city''s founding twenty years ago.

    The City Lord (in a hoarse and weak voice): "I have gathered you here today to discuss the theft of the Millennium Book. It was stolen months ago, and we have failed to retrieve it. This is a grave failure and a deep disappointment. However, there is no time for sorrow. I want every person with an army or a force to gather more than three thousand brave warriors."

    Silence fell over the room, followed by expressions of confusion, deep concern, and then outright discontent. Murmurs spread among the attendees:

    "What? Are you telling us to spend our own wealth to assemble an army because of a failure that was your responsibility?"

    City Lord: "Silence! This is not a request. It is an order. If we do not recover the book within a week, every last soul in the City of Adventurers will be wiped out!"

    "W-what?!"

    City Lord: "Don¡¯t be surprised. This information is certain. That book is one of the five most sought-after books in the entire world. Naturally, the Empire heard that we possessed it and sent me a letter demanding that I hand it over, in exchange for ceasing tax collections for the next two decades. This letter arrived right after the ceremonial exhibition.

    Of course, the Empire does not want to hear something like, ''We don¡¯t have the book.'' But when I sent an envoy to inform them that it had been stolen just a few days prior, I later found his head placed on top of a jar. When I opened the jar, I found his entrails and the rest of his body inside.

    That was a clear enough message. But since they still see us as mere mortals, they sent another letter stating that if the book is not found within a month, we will be eradicated. That is why I gathered you all."

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    A heavy silence filled the room. The young turned pale, and the elderly trembled. Those words meant one thing: they were finished.

    Before they could even process what was happening, the entire ceiling of the palace they were in suddenly collapsed in an instant. A figure hovered in the air above them, looking down.

    Everyone present immediately recognized the sheer danger of this destruction. But what terrified them even more was the realization that the ceiling¡ªmeasuring kilometers in size¡ªhad been obliterated without the use of Qaz. It had been done through raw physical strength alone (or so they thought, as they knew nothing of Aura).

    ??? ???????? ??? ????? ?? ?????: "?- ?? ??? ?? ???? ?? ?????????????"

    ??? ????? ??????. "???? ?? ???? ??? ??????? ??? ?????? ??????"

    ????? ????? ??? ?????? ??? ???? ?? ?????? ??? ????? ?????? ??????? ??? ??? ??????? - ??? ??? ??? ??????? ??? ???.

    ????? ????? ??? ????? ??? ??????.

    "???????! ?????? ?????? ??????!"

    ???? ??????? ??? ????? - ????? ???? ???? ??????? ??????? ???? ??? ??????? ????????.

    ??? ???? ????? ???? ???? ???? ???? ????? ?????? ??????.

    ????: "??? ??? ?? ??? ???? Millennium Qaz. ???? ??? ???"

    ??? ???????: "???... ???... ??? ????? ??? ???????? ??????? ?? ?????? ?? ???? ??????? ??? ?? ???? ??? ??? ?????..."

    ???? ???? ???? ??????? ??????.

    ?? ?? ???? ??? ??? ??? ??? "????"

    ?????? ?????? ???? ????? ??? ??? ??? ?????? ?????? ?????? ??? ??? ?????.

    ???? ???? ?????.

    ????: "?? ??????!"

    ?? ??? ??? ??????? ?? ??? ?? ????? ??? ????.

    ?? ??? ????? ??? ?? ???? ??????? ????.

    ????: "???? ??????? ??? ????? ???? ???????. ?? ??????."

    ??? ???? ?? ????: "??? ???? ??? ?????? ??????... ????? ?? ???? ?? ???? ????? ??? ?????? ???? ?????. ????? ?? ????? ?????????!"

    ?? ????? ??????: "??????????!"

    ????? ??? ????? ????? ?? ?????.

    ????? ????? ??? ??????? ??? ????????? ???? ??????? ??? ?? ????? ????? ??????.

    ---

    (????? ??????)

    ????: "?? ???? ?? ???? ??? ????? ?????? ?? ?????. ??? ???? ??? ??? ??? ?? ????? ??? ???????? ??? ?? ??? ?? ????? ??????. ??? ????? ??? ???????????? - ?? ?????? ?? ?????? ???? ???? ?? ??????? ?????? ?? ????? ????? ????????. ????? ??? ??? ????? ??????? ??".

    ???? ??? ??? ??? ??? ????????????? ???? ???? ???? ???????????.

    ---

    ?? ??? ??????: ???????????? ?????? ?? ??????

    ????? ??? ??? ?????? ?? ???? ??????. ????? ?????? ??????? ??? ????? ??????? ????? ????? ?????? ???? ?????? ???? ?? ????. ??? ??? ?????? ???? ?????? ??? ???????? ????? ????? ???????? ???????? ????????? ?????? ????????? ??? ??? ???? ?? ??????.

    ???????? ????? ??????? ?? ?????? ??????? ?? ???? ?????. ??????? ???????? ??????? ?????? ???? ??? ??????? ?????? ????????? ???? ????? ?????? ????? ??????? ??? ???? ????? ??? ?????? ?? ????? ?? ?? ??????? ???????.

    ????? ???????????? ??? ???? ???????? ???? ??????? ????????. ????? ??????? ???????? ??????? ??????? ??????? ????? ?????? ?????? ?? ???????? ???????. ?????? ??? ???? ?????? ??? ?????? ????? ???? ?????? ???????? ????? ?????? ?? ?????? ?????? ???????? ?????.

    ??? ??? ???????????? ?? ??? ?????? ??????? ????? ?? ????? ????? ??????? ?? ?????? ????? - ???? ????? ???????. ????? ?? ????? ??????? ???? ???????? ???????? ???? ?????? ?????? ???????.

    ????? ???????????? ?????? ??? ??????? ?????? ?????? ????? ?????? ?? ????? ?????? ??????? ????? ????? ??????? ?????? ?? ??????. ????? ?????? ???? ?? ?????? ????? ?????????? ???????? ???????.

    ??? ???????????? ???? ???? ??? ?????? ???????? ?? ?? ??? ???????? ??? ????? ??? ???? ???????? ?? ?????? ??????? ??? ???????????. ???? ???? ?? ?????? ??? ??? ?? ?????? ??? ?? ???? ??? ??? ?????? ??? ?????? ??????? ?????. ???? ??? ????? ????? ??????? ??? ??? ??? ??????.

 Round table

    In the Kingdom of Beasts: The Sixth Kingdom of the Seven Kingdoms

    King Basto, one of the Seven Kingdoms'' rulers, received a message from his spies. He opened it and read its contents. After a few moments, he set the letter aside and scoffed, saying,

    "Huh? What is this? I sent him to gather intelligence on the Empire, not to praise and glorify it."

    His deputy, Mosk, known as one of the most intelligent human minds and a minister among the Seven Kingdoms, quickly responded,

    "Forgive me, Your Majesty. I will order his execution the moment he steps into any of the Seven Kingdoms."

    The king replied,

    "No, I don''t think I want that. How are things in the south with our war against the Red Tribes?"

    Mosk answered confidently,

    "Your Majesty, do not worry. Soon, they will be subdued. Only four tribes remain out of a hundred."

    The king nodded,

    "Hmm, that¡¯s excellent. You may leave if you have nothing else to report."

    Mosk bowed his head respectfully and stepped back before exiting the hall.

    ---

    (In the Empire)

    The unknown figure (Kox) arrived at the Empire and headed directly to the inner hall to meet the Fifteen Ranked.

    Banz, the Eleventh Rank, spoke angrily,

    "You damn bastard, Kox! We¡¯ve been waiting for you for three hours!"

    Hunter, the Seventh Rank, said coldly,

    "Hmm, at least he¡¯s here now. Let¡¯s begin without any more delays."

    Hold, the Fourth Rank, agreed,

    "Yes, let''s start."

    Kox, the Thirteenth Rank, laughed,

    "Hahaha, seems like I¡¯m receiving a warm welcome here."

    Banz retorted sharply,

    "You bastard, you¡¯re three hours late, and you reek of blood and filth. And who is this that you brought with you?"

    Henesia, the Fourteenth Rank, sneered,

    "Yeah, what¡¯s this trash you dragged in? Don¡¯t tell me you went to play with those mortal insects again?"

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    Kox smirked wickedly,

    "Hehehe, I was just killing some boredom and found something interesting, so I took it."

    Bair, the Ninth Rank, said seriously,

    "Enough talking. Go clean yourself up, dump the trash, and return. We won¡¯t wait for you again next time."

    Kox then took Karso¡¯s body, threw it to one of the researchers, and ordered him to examine it¡ªto check his condition, analyze his Qaz types, and confirm that Karso did not possess the book.

    Inside the grand hall, adorned with golden decorations and intricate engravings, the Fifteen Ranked sat on their elevated seats. The air was thick with aura. Massive pillars supported the high ceiling, while dim lights flickered on the hall¡¯s walls, which were covered in historical paintings.

    Hunter, a muscular man with a rugged face lined with wrinkles, wore a gleaming silver armor that reflected the light. His deep voice filled the hall,

    "Where did you take that mortal¡¯s body?"

    Kox, with his rough black hair and dark, grim attire, had sharp eyes like a hawk. He answered in a loud yet respectful tone,

    "I gave it to the researchers."

    Zyron Kaldor, the Eighth Rank, was reclining strangely on his chair, his feet propped on the armrest while slowly chewing an apple, seemingly indifferent to everything happening around him.

    He wore a long, tattered gray coat, its edges appearing burned or eroded. The inner lining of the coat was decorated with dark purple engravings that faintly glowed with every movement he made. Underneath, he wore a tight black half-sleeved shirt and dark trousers patterned with irregular silver streaks, resembling shattered glass.

    On one hand, he wore a black leather glove adorned with small buttons that resembled golden eyes, while his other hand was bare, fingers long and slender, decorated with multiple rings¡ªsome ordinary, others pulsing with an eerie energy.

    His face was as unsettling as ever¡ªpale skin, light gray eyes with pupils so small they seemed to observe everything at once. His short, messy silver hair stuck out in all directions, while an unnervingly wide grin stretched across his face at all times.

    Suddenly, he tossed the apple core into the air, caught it with his mouth, and then chuckled,

    "Ooooh, all this tension, all this blood¡­ Who died?!... Oh, right... that handsome one you threw away like a bag of garbage?"

    He then tilted his head at an unnatural angle, as if his neck might snap, and gestured as if drawing circles in the air,

    "But really, why so serious? Aren''t we here to have a little fun? Hahaha, joke!"

    He abruptly stopped laughing, his eyes widening slightly before he whispered in an icy tone,

    "Or perhaps¡­ we are simply watching a catastrophe unfold before us? Who knows?"

    A heavy silence fell over the hall, broken only by the distant dripping of water from a fountain.

    Banz glared at him in clear disgust, his brows furrowing as if he were facing a repulsive creature.

    "Fool, as always..." he muttered, his sharp blue eyes gleaming with irritation.

    Hunter remained still, his cold gaze locked onto Zyron, expressionless, but his clenched fist on the armrest betrayed his simmering frustration.

    Hold exhaled heavily, closing his eyes for a moment before fixing Zyron with a hawk-like stare¡ªfull of warning and boredom, as if watching a jester who had lost control.

    Henesia smirked mockingly, idly wiping the tip of her ornate spear as she murmured,

    "Zyron¡­ insane as ever. Perhaps we should kill him someday to rid ourselves of this mess."

    Meanwhile, Bair tilted his head slightly, studying Zyron with a detached, analytical gaze, as if examining a strange specimen in a cage,

    "Whatever he does¡­ it won¡¯t change the decision ahead. Let¡¯s continue."

    Banz, his piercing blue eyes sharp and his dark blue attire impeccably elegant, ran a hand through his short blond hair and said,

    "Then, let¡¯s begin discussing the current situation. Spy reports indicate unusual movements in the Seven Kingdoms."

    Hold, a towering man with a massive build and a thick mustache, dressed in a decorated red cloak, nodded,

    "Yes, it seems the Sixth King is preparing for something big. We must be ready for any escalation."

    ---

    (Meanwhile, in the Research Labs)

    The researchers meticulously examined Karso¡¯s body. One of the leading scientists, Dr. Elias, a slender man with thick glasses and a white lab coat, worked tirelessly to understand Karso¡¯s abilities.

    Elias:

    "These samples exhibit unusual cellular activity. It appears he possessed a distinctive aura ability."

    Another researcher, a young man with curly brown hair and an energetic face, asked,

    "Do you think he was using his aura¡¯s full potential?"

    Elias:

    "It¡¯s difficult to say, but it¡¯s possible. We need more time to analyze everything."

    ---

    (Back in the Sixth Kingdom)

    As the researchers delved into their work, King Basto closely monitored the Empire¡¯s movements.

    King Basto was a massive man, towering at two meters tall, exuding an aura like that of a lion. His green eyes held unwavering confidence, and he wore garments crafted from the finest black silk, a rare material as strong as steel yet as flexible as fabric.

    Basto:

    "Mosk, prepare the troops. We must be ready for any attack from the Empire."

    Mosk, a tall man dressed in an elegant white suit, had piercing red eyes. His sharp glasses added to his intellectual presence. Though not overly bulky, his physique was that of a peak warrior¡ªlean yet powerful. His short, curly black hair was tinged with white at the edges, and he had no beard or mustache.

    Meanwhile, the dense forests surrounding the Empire teemed with life. Beasts roamed through the thick trees, and colossal

 world conditions

    In the City of Adventurers

    The city was bustling with activity¡ªwarriors training in the arenas, and defensive preparations were in full swing. The atmosphere was tense due to the approaching Red Moon Event.

    Krax, a man with a face full of wrinkles and clad in black leather, gripped his sword firmly and said with determination, "We must be ready. The Red Moon Event is about to erupt."

    Kanel, a tall young man with wavy brown hair and a shining silver armor, responded, "Yes, we''ll gather our best warriors and remain on high alert."

    The City Lord (Lotus), an elderly man with thick white hair and royal green garments, handed Krax a letter sealed with the city''s emblem: "Krax, deliver this letter to Henari."

    Krax: "What''s in it?"

    Kanel interrupted, "Probably not the news you want to hear."

    The City Lord smirked, "Don''t be so pessimistic."

    Krax laughed, "Haha, see? My intuition never fails¡ªthis news won¡¯t be bad."

    Lotus smiled, "Well then, not this time at least."

    Krax: "Yeah, yeah... Wait, what?!"

    Kanel chuckled, "Honestly, since I''ve known you, your intuition has never been right, hahaha."

    Krax: "Tsk... Damn it."

    The City Lord, now serious: "Enough. Deliver the letter."

    Krax and Kanel walked the path toward Henari¡¯s chamber, exchanging words along the way.

    Krax: "You know, I feel like something big is looming on the horizon."

    Kanel: "Yeah, with all these movements and threats... it must be... something like a war." Then he paused before smirking, "Wait, since when does the stone-headed brute think?"

    Krax, raising his voice with fury: "KA¡ª!! YOU WANNA FIGHT?! HA! I¡¯LL KILL YOU!"

    Finally, they arrived at Henari¡¯s chamber.

    Krax knocked on the door. ''Knock'' ''Knock''

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    Henari: "Who is it?!"

    Krax: "It¡¯s Krax. I came to deliver an important letter."

    Henari opened the door, and they stepped inside. They sat around the table and unsealed the letter.

    Its contents revealed details about the newly established and approved power system.

    Karex: "Wait, what do they mean by ¡®as you have noticed¡¯? Those bastards¡­ Are they saying the world has known all along?!"

    Kanel: "Yes, that''s probably what happened. Because to them, we''re nothing more than insects¡ªslaves they exploit for taxes and labor. Our lives mean nothing to them. If anything, you should be grateful to the rare kind soul who even delivered that message to the leader¡ªI mean, the city lord."

    ---

    In the Empire

    In the vast imperial hall, heated discussions raged over the discoveries made in the Red Forests. The fifteen classifiers were meticulously planning their next moves.

    Banz: "If Bastu is preparing for something big, then we must be ready. We cannot afford any mistakes."

    Cox, his face ever-smiling but eyes razor-sharp, added, "The scouts will be delivering their findings soon. We need to use that information to our advantage."

    Hunter, running a hand through his short blond hair, spoke with a tone brimming with seriousness, "We have to prepare for every possible scenario. There have been unusual movements in the Seven Kingdoms. But¡­ they¡¯re not foolish enough to act recklessly when the Red Moon approaches."

    Meanwhile, in the imperial laboratories, researchers worked tirelessly to understand Karso¡¯s abilities. Dr. Elias and his team were on the verge of a significant breakthrough.

    Elias: "We need more time to analyze these samples. The aura Karso generates is¡­ unique."

    Another researcher: "Do you think we can replicate this ability?"

    Elias: "If we can decipher how it functions, it¡¯s possible. But we must be cautious."

    ---

    In the Sixth Kingdom

    Within his opulent palace, King Bastu was devising strategic plans for an inevitable confrontation with the Empire. He knew that time was running short.

    Bastu: "Mosk, we¡¯re in a delicate phase. We must be prepared for any sudden attack."

    Mosk, standing with his hands clasped behind his back in strict discipline, responded with a firm tone, "Yes, Your Majesty. Our forces are ready, and we remain on high alert."

    Bastu fell silent for a moment, his piercing green eyes locking onto Mosk.

    "Tell me, Mosk, do you know the difference between caution and fear?"

    Mosk, caught off guard by the question, took a moment to think before carefully responding, "Fear paralyzes. Caution is a weapon."

    Bastu smirked slightly, though a shadow of severity lingered on his face.

    "Exactly. And I want an army that is cautious¡ªnot afraid. I don¡¯t want soldiers waiting for my orders to attack¡­ I want men who know when to strike on their own."

    Mosk: "I will test the first-rank officers tomorrow and ensure they understand the message."

    Bastu: "Good. But remember¡­ The moment caution turns into hesitation, we will fall."

    ---

    In the Adventurers¡¯ City

    The atmosphere in the council hall was thick with tension, the air itself heavy as if concealing something unseen. Dim candlelight cast long, wavering shadows upon the stone walls, embodying the growing worries weighing on everyone¡¯s minds.

    Seated on a sturdy wooden chair, Henari''s expression was grim beneath the flickering glow of the lantern. His red hair appeared darker under the shadow of stress, and his sharp eyes remained locked onto the open letter before him. His fingers tapped the table slowly, each beat carrying an increasing weight.

    "This change¡­ is not just an adjustment of numbers."

    Lifting his gaze deliberately, he turned to Karex and Kanel, his voice quiet but carrying an undertone of something hidden¡­ something that made them lean in as if bracing for an explosion.

    "It¡¯s an admission that we¡¯ve never truly understood our enemies. The creatures we once considered manageable threats¡­ are now something else entirely."

    Karex, despite his muscular build and hardened demeanor, felt a cold shiver creep up his spine. He masked it with a forced smirk.

    "That just means we need stronger weapons. Bigger fortresses. We are not weak."

    Yet, there was a strain in his voice, and his eyes kept darting back to the letter, as if expecting it to lunge at him.

    Kanel, trying to maintain his composure, felt an unsettling tightness in his chest. Still, he broke the silence with a blunt statement:

    "The letter makes it clear¡­ A three-and-a-half-skull entity now represents devastation beyond what we ever imagined. If we are forced to face a four-skull entity¡­ this won¡¯t be a battle¡ªit will be a massacre."

    Silence fell abruptly.

    The wind outside howled faintly, slipping through the cracks of the windows like a whispered warning.

    Henari, who had seemed lost in thought for a moment, sharpened his focus. Leaning forward, resting his elbows on the table, he spoke in a low yet weighty tone, as if carrying the burden of the entire city.

    "I know that¡­ That¡¯s why I¡¯ve already assembled our best warriors. We can¡¯t wait for the battle to come to us before we move."

    Eyes met, tension thick in the air.

    And for the first time, fear wasn¡¯t just about the monsters. It was about the horrifying realization that the threat was now far greater than they had ever imagined.

 Kranos

    In a place engulfed in utter darkness, Karso found himself floating in a void unlike anything he had ever known. It felt like drifting through a tranquil, bottomless sea, as if he were trapped in a strange dream where his body was weightless, gliding effortlessly, carried by unseen winds through this infinite abyss.

    Slowly, he opened his eyes. At first, there was nothing but absolute darkness¡ªa crushing void that swallowed everything around him. He tried to focus, but there was only an impenetrable blackness stretching endlessly in every direction. No light, no glimmer, nothing visible¡ªjust the boundless emptiness.

    The silence was terrifying, a complete absence of sound. Even his own breath felt muted, as if the air itself had vanished. A strange coldness crept through his body, seeping into his very bones. It wasn¡¯t the cold of weather but the frigid touch of the void itself, a force that devoured warmth, turning his body into a frozen husk.

    He tried to move, but every motion felt as if it dissolved into the emptiness. There was no ground beneath him, only the sensation of drifting in an endless abyss. No matter how hard he searched for a path, he found nothing but the void, as if the entire universe had vanished, leaving him alone in this terrifying space.

    Slowly, Karso began to feel as if this emptiness was stealing something from him¡ªhis sense of time, his sense of place, even his very thoughts seemed to fade into the suffocating darkness. There was nothing to guide him, no direction, only the void, the silence, and the cold. The longer he remained, the more the terror of this abyss consumed him, as if he were staring directly into the face of nothingness itself.

    After an indeterminate amount of time, Karso realized the truth¡ªthis place was his consciousness.

    Karso: "I see nothing, I feel nothing¡­ but I still have my thoughts. This must be a self-sealing state caused by Qaranos or something similar."

    He continued, "Maybe when my neck was severed, Qaranos used his life force again to save me and placed a self-protective barrier¡­ perhaps even Qaranos¡¯ aura itself!"

    Pausing to think, he muttered, "If my assumption is correct, then this means I am inside an illusionary barrier designed to shield my mind from obliteration and insanity due to the overwhelming pressure of Qaranos¡¯ true power. That would explain why he created this barrier to protect me until my recovery was complete. But an unknown amount of time has passed, and I have yet to awaken. There are only two possibilities: either my healing is still ongoing, or Qaranos has lost the ability to pull me out due to exhausting his true power."

    Determined, Karso decided to break the illusionary formation surrounding him, based on his belief that he was inside his own consciousness. He began punching the void, but as expected, there was no effect. Shifting his approach, he attempted a mental attack: "Explosion, shatter, break, fragment, eject, bed, Qaz, potato, air, water, matrix." These were his attempts to create something, believing that he was within his own mind.

    Anyone else in Karso¡¯s place would have despaired, lost confidence, and begun doubting their hypothesis. But Karso, with the ambition of a king and the will of an emperor, would not give up so easily, even as the passing time weakened him further. There was no sleep, no food, no sensation¡ªnothing at all.

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    "Haahhhhhh!" He screamed and screamed, but¡ª "Hah, useless¡­ I can¡¯t hear my own voice except inside my mind."

    Taking a deep breath, he suddenly paused. "Wait¡­ what? I sighed? Did I just exhale?" His eyes narrowed as realization struck. "That means I can breathe involuntarily?" He tried again, but this time, nothing happened.

    At that moment, Karso understood the truth: "My enemy¡­ is my own mind."

    Then, he burst into laughter. "Hahaha, I didn¡¯t anticipate this! Hahaha!" He smirked wickedly and commanded, "Split."

    Suddenly, the space around him shattered like glass, exploding into a blinding white. For the first time in months¡ªor even years¡ªKarso could finally feel again. He could hear, breathe, and see.

    He had lost all of life¡¯s basic senses, and now, he had regained them. His joy was immeasurable, as vast as the oceans, as towering as the mountains. At this moment, he was the happiest man on earth.

    "Qaz of Fire, Qaz of Water, Qaz of Healing, Qaz, Qaz, Qaz!" Karso unleashed every type of Qaz he possessed, reveling in the sensation of his power.

    "Flame Palm!"

    Then, he realized¡ªhe was naked. Wishing for clothing, he was instantly dressed. Wishing for a sword, it appeared in his hand. Now, Karso could do anything he pleased because he was fully conscious within his own mind, no longer trapped by a formation.

    After a few moments, he looked ahead with determination and spoke one word: "Qaranos."

    And then, he saw him.

    For the first time, Karso laid eyes on Qaranos¡¯ true form¡ªsomething he had only ever perceived as a distortion in his spiritual sea.

    Qaranos stood before him, the most radiant Qaz of all, glowing with a golden brilliance, his eyes shining pure white, four majestic wings extending from his back. Then, his form shifted.

    He transformed into a humanoid figure, his eyes turning pitch black, clad in a black suit with a white shirt, his long black hair tied back.

    Yes¡ªQaranos had taken the form of the one thing he cherished the most: Karso.

    Qaranos, now in Karso¡¯s likeness, gazed at his own hands, expression blank. "Are these hands always this size?" he mused, wiggling his fingers curiously. "I don¡¯t think I ever realized humans have so many tiny things to move!"

    Touching his own face, he added, "And this nose¡­ is it really necessary? It just seems like a place for collecting dust."

    Turning to Karso, he smiled in a strange, almost mischievous way. "I must admit, being human is far more complicated than I expected!"

    Karso, maintaining his usual seriousness, replied flatly, "Really? Well¡­ yes, humans are the most complex beings in existence."

    Then, locking eyes with Qaranos, he stated, "Anyway, let¡¯s get to the main topic." His tone grew sharper, his expression more resolute. "How do I get out of here?"

    Qaranos continued to smile vacantly, causing Karso to tense up. "W-wait¡­ you do know how to get us out, right?"

    Qaranos¡¯ grin remained unchanged. Karso started sweating. "Come on¡­ don¡¯t joke around. Answer me!"

    Qaranos finally spoke. "Of course."

    Karso sighed in relief¡ªuntil Qaranos added, "No."

    "...Huh?" Karso¡¯s expression froze.

    "I was just messing with you!" Qaranos suddenly laughed, breaking the tense silence with an oddly eerie chuckle, as if trying to lighten the atmosphere. "Yes, yes, of course, I know how to get out¡­ I just wanted to adjust the mood."

    Karso stared at him, one eyebrow raised in suspicion. That joke was¡­ strange. A Qaz, laughing? The idea seemed surreal.

    But regaining his composure, Karso shot Qaranos a cold glare. "I didn¡¯t expect you to have a sense of humor, Qaranos. Given that you¡¯ve existed for thousands of years, I assumed emotions like amusement had long since faded away.

    And yet¡­" He paused, as if processing a deeper thought, before narrowing his eyes. "It¡¯s strange to see a Qaz laugh¡­ let alone speak. This has never happened in human history¡ªexcept to me. And the strangest thing of all¡­" His gaze turned sharper. "...is seeing my own body laugh without my consent."

    For a moment, a heavy silence filled the air.

    Qaranos glanced sideways at Karso before speaking again, his voice quieter, tinged with an almost imperceptible sorrow.

    "I was just trying to lighten the mood¡­ I¡¯ve never seen you laugh in this life, Karso. I only wanted to bring back a part of your old laughter¡­ or whatever is left of it."

    Karso didn¡¯t respond immediately. His lips tightened, suppressing an unspoken thought, before he shook his head. "I have dozens of questions¡ªno, hundreds. Talking to a Qaz that has lived for millennia is an opportunity that won¡¯t come again. But right now¡­" His expression darkened.

    "My body is decaying outside, and I have no idea how much time has passed here."

    Qaranos'' expression shifted, his playful demeanor vanishing. His voice turned calm yet grave.

    "Precisely¡­ You''ve been here for three years and 135 days."

 Kranus 2

    Karso froze, his eyes widening slightly before he whispered: "W-what? I felt time passing recklessly, as if it were eternity... but three years?!" He swallowed hard. "I fear my body may have completely decayed by now."

    Kranos looked at him with calm confidence, trying to ease his concerns: "Don''t worry... to the outside world, your body has been in a state of hibernation, and only a few weeks have passed. The scientists studying your aura... they won''t let your body deteriorate so easily, right?"

    Karso nodded slowly, but the worry still crept into his expression: "Still, I can''t take the risk. I don¡¯t know how long it''ll take before they consider my body a burden. A week? A month? A year? I can''t wait. I need to get out now, it''s the safest choice."

    Kranos closed his eyes for a moment, as if weighing his words carefully, before responding slowly: "I know... but it''s not that simple for you to leave."

    Karso glared at him intensely, his brow furrowing with tension: "What do you mean? Can¡¯t you just... get me out?"

    A look of exhaustion appeared on Kranos'' face, something he hadn¡¯t shown before. His voice deepened and became more serious, as if opening an old wound: "Of course I can... but when I saved you from death and transferred your consciousness here, I took severe damage. Trying to extract you now would be like a continuous hemorrhage for me. It''s like... I would need thousands of years to recover. And you, as a human, don¡¯t have the time to see that happen, do you?"

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    Karso remained silent, his expression darkening before he spoke in a low voice: "I understand... well, thank you for everything you''ve done for me. You''re the only one who hasn''t betrayed me from the start. I don''t want to burden you any further, so I¡¯ll find my own way out. But the most important question remains..."

    Both Karso and Kranos looked at each other simultaneously, their thoughts seemingly synchronized as they spoke in unison: "How?"

    Kranos smiled a faint smile, but this time it was mixed with a chilling seriousness: "Death. Death is the only way out of here."

    Karso froze for a moment, staring at Kranos as though he were joking again, but Kranos continued with a darker tone: "Don''t worry... your death here doesn''t mean your annihilation. But it will make you feel like you''re dying. And I won¡¯t lie to you... it won''t be easy. This barrier is of a sixth-level aura. And not just any sixth level."

    Karso narrowed his eyes, speaking sarcastically: "Are you praising yourself now?"

    Kranos lifted his head proudly, a mocking tone creeping in despite the tense atmosphere: "What do you expect? I bet you''ll die dozens of times before getting past the barrier."

    Karso''s lips curled into a cold smile despite the situation: "Is this how you challenge me, old aura?"

    "Of course, who else could match me?" Kranos said with a side smirk before adding more seriously: "But there''s no room for arrogance here, Karso. The only way out... is to break your consciousness completely. You have to face yourself, literally."

    Karso''s face stiffened, his brow furrowing intensely: "Face myself?... Explain more?"

    Kranos nodded slowly, then raised his hand, gesturing in front of Karso. Suddenly, the white space in front of them split open, revealing a precise reflection of Karso, but this version was slightly different. His features were darker, his eyes glowing with a faint red light, and his aura was suffocating and terrifying.

    "This... is you, Karso. But it''s the you that you haven¡¯t accepted yet. All your fears, all your weaknesses, everything you try to forget or deny. This manifestation is the key to leaving. You must defeat it... or accept it."

    Karso took a step back, his eyes narrowing with suspicion: "Is it strong?"

    Kranos smiled a mocking smile: "It''s you. What do you think?"

    Karso looked at the other version, which was staring at him with a chilling calmness, before he closed his eyes and whispered: "Well... let¡¯s see what I can do." He suddenly opened his eyes, shining with unshakable determination, preparing for the battle that would decide his fate.

 World Conditions 2

    (In the Empire''s Main Wing)

    Inside the grand, ornately decorated hall, where the echoes of footsteps reverberate on the marble floor, the fifteen ranked individuals gathered once again. Despite their diverse personalities and powers, a palpable aura of tension filled the air, as if the room itself was holding its breath.

    Raija Arox, ranked twelfth, sat in a distant corner, his back resting against the wall. His dark eyes gazed up at the decorated ceiling with no clear interest in the ongoing discussion. His white hair, falling loosely over his shoulders, seemed like part of the gray dust around his torn cloak. He paid no attention to anyone, but those who knew him well understood that his mind was constantly working¡ªanalyzing, observing every movement in the room.

    In stark contrast, Liora Falston, ranked fifteenth, leaned casually against one of the columns, her red hair twisting around her finger, a sarcastic smile never leaving her face. A mix of arrogance and recklessness covered her golden eyes. She lifted her foot to rest on the chair in front of her indifferently, then whispered provocatively, "So... when do we begin this farce? Or are you waiting for an inspiring speech from the old man Zeron?"

    Zeron, who had been quietly observing from the shadows, let out a low laugh¡ªa blend of usual sarcasm and madness. "A speech? Heh... I''m not one for speeches. I''d rather make minds explode instead."

    Hunter slammed his fist on the table, creating a loud echo to draw attention. "Enough nonsense. We have a report on the movements of the kingdoms, focus is required."

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    But Banz interrupted him sarcastically, "You''re asking for focus from Liora? That might be harder than defeating the King of Hell."

    Liora laughed loudly, then her eyes gleamed with excitement as she pointed her finger at Banz, saying, "Why don¡¯t we settle this with a duel? Your loss will be quicker than your boring speeches!"

    Raija, who hadn¡¯t spoken since the meeting began, finally raised his eyes coldly and said in a calm voice, yet deep with menace: "Enough noise. Your voices are ruining my focus... If you want to fight, do it, but outside this hall."

    The atmosphere calmed slightly, though the tension still lingered. In truth, the relationships among the ranked were highly complex.

    Liora and Raija: Despite Liora¡¯s constant provocation due to his excessive calmness, she secretly respects him. On a previous mission, Raija intervened to save her from a dangerous trap when her excessive Qaz energy was about to explode, leaving a lasting impression on her, even though she refuses to admit it.

    Zeron and Liora: Zeron finds her a "fun tool" rather than a teammate, enjoying psychologically provoking her with his annoying questions about death and explosions, which irritates her. However, she, in turn, fears his intelligence and madness, always trying to hide her concern behind sarcasm.

    Raija and Zeron: A very tense relationship. Raija views him as a threat to rationality, while Zeron sees him as boring and soulless, although both silently respect each other''s intellect.

    Hunter and Banz: A clear competitive relationship, with Hunter focused on discipline and seriousness, while Banz values efficiency with a sarcastic approach. Still, there is a subtle respect between them.

    And Huld: Mostly quiet, but views everyone as potential tools in the power struggle and trusts none of them.

    At the end of the meeting, as they were about to leave, Liora whispered as she slowly approached Zeron: "You know, Zeron? I''ve always thought you''re completely insane... but I¡¯m starting to wonder, is there a mind behind that madness?"

    Zeron smiled an enigmatic smile, stepping closer to her, then whispered in her ear: "Who said that mind and madness can¡¯t walk together?"

    They exited the hall, but the tension among the ranked individuals was like a fire smoldering beneath the ashes... waiting for the moment of explosion.

 Fighting with oneself

    In a corner of the void, where time has no place and space no boundaries, the first confrontation unfolded between the real Karso (Karso1) and his past manifestation (Karso2). They stood face to face in a space that groaned under the weight of existence, in a grim scene where light and shadow intertwined, as if they represented two opposing forces of the self: one being the past, which sought to reclaim all the pain and old memories, and the other, the present, striving to transcend itself and move toward the future.

    The battle began in terrifying silence, as Karso2 moved with agility, each of his movements seemingly pre-drawn on the map of memory, while Karso1 gazed at his opponent with eyes burning with defiance and determination. Karso2 spun quickly and launched a series of intricate strikes, based on ancient moves woven deep within memory, trying to retrieve all the moments where Karso had failed in the past. But Karso1, with the maturity and experience he had gained over the years, managed to dodge those strikes with astonishing combat techniques, utilizing the Shadow Qaz that filled his body with a faint light, igniting unparalleled power in every move.

    The strikes and punches merged, their bodies danced in a bloody rhythm amidst the turbulent waves of memories and suppressed emotions. The sound of swords clashing resonated in the void as if thousands of notes were rising in a symphony of death, while blood scattered in the emptiness, painting the void with grim scenes. In those moments, Karso1 remembered every battle he had fought, every pain he had suffered, every wound that had yet to heal, and every moment of weakness he had endured. But he knew he had to resist; he had to rewrite his fate on his own terms.

    Karso2 began raising his voice, challenging Karso1 with a tone laced with sarcasm and bitterness: "Do you think you can surpass the past? I am you¡ªevery ounce of pain you never resolved, every regret you buried deep in your heart!"

    Karso1 responded with a calm yet firm voice: "I am not just a shadow of you; I am the force that evolved despite every wound. I am the one who defied time and reclaimed my will!"

    The strikes intensified and their movements intertwined; each of them struck the other as if attempting to unravel the very truth of their being, either rebuilding or dismantling themselves. Their hands moved with unmatched speed, and sword strikes and precise defenses ricocheted off the transparent walls of the reality they inhabited. Karso1 utilized his modern techniques, exploiting every ounce of strength gained from years of struggle, while Karso2 relied on the outdated techniques of the past, moves that now appeared faded in the light of new experiences.

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    With every strike, Karso1 reclaimed something of his soul, hanging between hope and despair; and with every defensive move, he challenged the confines of the past, which tried to make him weak. The battle reached its peak when the pivotal moment arrived¡ªa moment in which Karso1 made a decisive choice.

    In a corner of the space, a sudden movement took place, where Karso1''s strength concentrated in his arms, and the fiery Qaz, glowing with internal light, merged with an unyielding will. In a fleeting moment, he harnessed that overwhelming power to deliver a fatal blow to the head of his manifestation (Karso2). The swords and breaths collided with that strike, shattering the fragile walls of reality, and a spark of fire flickered in the darkness. Karso2''s head was severed from his body in a horrifying manner, leaving a void that spoke in chilling silence.

    That strike was a victory for Karso1; despite the pain that engulfed his body after the lethal blow, he proved that the true spirit cannot be easily defeated. But the price was high; all the old memories that Karso2 had tried to reclaim were ripped from his soul, and at that moment, the victory seemed fleeting, as it carried within it the pain of loss and emptiness.

    Time halted for a moment, and everything seemed still, as if the universe itself was contemplating what had just happened. As Karso1 caught his broken breath and felt his open wounds, he knew this battle was not the end; it was the beginning of a deeper struggle with his past self.

    In that moment, the thick darkness surrounding Karso dissipated, and all the burdens that weighed him down vanished as if removed by a magical touch. His cold sweat evaporated into the air, and every wound that bled with pain closed its doors, as if healed by a breath from a hidden soul. His once dark eyes, reflecting years of suffering and despair, began to sparkle with a strange light, as if life had returned to him. His black hair, which had stuck to his forehead like a heavy shadow, began to flutter with a cool breeze that brushed his face, as if nature itself was reviving him. Karso felt as though he had been born anew.

    "Truly impressive! This is what I expect from the greatest manipulator, Karso!"

    Qaranos said with pride, then turned with his usual cold demeanor and added, "Shall we move on to the next stage? What do you think?"

    But before Karso could offer his opinion, Qaranos vanished into the void, as if he were nothing more than an illusion. All traces of the previous battle disappeared, and the page of the void was folded once again, returning the space to emptiness, silent, as if it were an abandoned grave.

    Then, from the heart of the void, the emptiness cracked deeply, as if the very sky had torn apart. From that dark crack, a tall figure emerged, with eyes as black as the endless night, and his long black hair hanging like the curtains of death. He wore a long cloak that brushed the ground, black as coal, adorned with red twisting lines like an aggressive Chinese dragon, writhing as if ready to pounce. The dragon, with its open jaws and glowing eyes, seemed to carry an ancient curse within it¡ªa curse that could never be forgiven.

    The man''s face was scarred, as if it were a map of pain and suffering, rough like a stone battered by the storms of time. He looked at Karso, standing before him, in heavy silence, then spoke in a hollow voice that shook the depths: "What is this? Is this some form of illusion magic? I was sure I was in the great forest, the Forgotten Emperor¡¯s forest... This is strange. I always believed my mental barrier was impenetrable, but it seems I need to rethink that."

 The Return of the Demon Emperor

    Karso, the original version, quickly analyzed the situation and immediately recognized who stood before him. Yes, it was himself, but from the past, one year before "the return."

    The embodiment gazed into the void and said, "So, what is this place, exactly? And who is this little wretch standing here?" He then looked a little longer, smiling a wide, mocking grin. "Heh, I described my past self as a wretch! How absurd!"

    But Karso interrupted coldly, "It seems I need to get rid of you in order to move past this... Still, this will be a difficult challenge. After all, he¡ªno, I¡ªam from the past, and his power is not mine. It''s overwhelming, but it doesn''t matter who he is now. I must eliminate him."

    "Eliminate me...? Do you mean get rid of me, the Demon Emperor?!" shouted the embodiment, then added, his anger rising, "Oh, the arrogance, boy! I don''t know who put me in this illusion, but I''ll take their life for it!" He then looked at Karso with eyes filled with murder and said, "I don''t have time for nonsense. Let''s finish this now."

    The darkness split with a cold gleam, sparkling like a devilish grin before plunging into Karso''s body. It wasn''t an ordinary sword strike but a wave of raw chaos that shredded his body like wet paper. He was cleaved in two in an instant, with no warning, no sound of movement. The lower half of his body fell like a chopped tree trunk, muscles twitching like a slaughtered snake, while blood poured out, forming a sticky pool that reflected the image of his upper torso swaying.

    "Huh?! I didn¡¯t even see it coming!" The words came from Karso¡¯s mouth in broken gasps, choking on crimson bubbles that boiled from his open throat. His eyes met his fallen half, where intestines dangled like a dead snake, intertwining with his shadow sprawling across the ground. He felt a cold gnawing at his bones¡ªnot the cold of death, but the cold of nothingness creeping from his torn belly toward his heart. He tried to move his hands, but they were stuck to the ground, soaked in his own blood. Even his screams became whispers, drowned by the whistling wind in the void.

    And just before he lost consciousness, he saw his face emerge from the darkness like an embodied nightmare, grinning without teeth, crushing Karso¡¯s shattered skull underfoot, turning it into a mist of bones, blood, and hair beneath the light.

    Later, in an atmosphere thick with dread, the embodiment (the Demon Emperor) awaited his return to the forest or at least the transition to the next stage, if one existed. But nothing happened. After a long wait, he said to himself, "Hmm, it seems this trial doesn¡¯t rely on eliminating my past self... Well, as evident, there was no real competition. It would have been strange if the trial ended here. It seems more like a mental puzzle than a physical challenge."

    He then began to walk through the void, trying to sense any presence, but found nothing. After reflecting on what had happened, he said, "I don¡¯t think I was like this in the past¡­ Or perhaps that was an embodiment of me in a parallel world? Something like that. I remember being thin and weak at that age."

    As soon as he finished speaking, he felt a killing intent approaching rapidly. He turned to see Karso, the one he had just killed, returning to attack. But this time, he was surrounded by a strange aura, one the embodiment had never felt at that point in his life. Thus, in a quick deduction, he confirmed his previous theory: this person (Karso) was indeed himself, but from a parallel dimension, where he had evolved faster than he had.

    Yet, despite the sudden attack, the embodiment simply waved his hand, releasing a burst of compressed air. The air exploded like a storm of invisible blades, unseen but felt as scratches of a thousand demons on Karso''s skin. It wasn¡¯t just tearing his body apart; it was a methodical grinding of his organs, as though his body was being passed through a cosmic grinder. His ribs turned to bone dust, and his eyes exploded under the atmospheric pressure like poisoned grapes, while his tongue tasted his shattered skull as his teeth were ground to dust. There was no body left to speak of, only a lump of mashed flesh and pulverized bones, resembling red dough suffocating the earth beneath it, with warm fumes rising from it, mingling the smell of stomach acid and iron with fear.

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    The pain... was unbearable. It felt like needles soaked in burning coals piercing every cell of his being, or like invisible hands tearing the fibers of his soul one by one. Yet, he clung to the last shard of consciousness, like a drowning man gasping for breath in a sea of acid. "I¡¯m so weak!" The thought shot through the remains of his hanging brain, as he tried to piece together the scattered shards of his memory. A fleeting glance at his exposed nerve roots, tangled with the remains of his intestines, revealed the truth: "He killed me twice in less than a minute!"

    But even his internal screams seemed decayed. He could feel a shadow devouring the edges of his consciousness, not a body, but an unrelenting force, like black gravity swallowing his existence, one atom at a time. He tried to think of a plan, but his thoughts leaked from the cracks of his broken skull, leaving behind one final tremor... Every cell inside him screamed, "The void is coming," as darkness gnawed away at the last remnants of "Karso," like worms consuming a rotting corpse.

    ...

    The embodiment then noticed the first body he had severed vanish, and immediately after, he looked at the second body to find it had disappeared as well, leaving only the guts and blood behind. He quickly concluded that Karso would return again.

    He screamed in anger, "What a curse! I¡¯m the Demon Emperor, unable to escape a mental trick?!"

    Karso interrupted him and stood firm in the middle of the dark void, where only the echo of his cold breath rose like mist in a lifeless world. His torn guts and scattered blood floated around him, twisting like ghosts in an endless space. Slowly, he raised his head, his cold eyes glowing faintly like a dying star. His lips moved slowly, as if each word he spoke carried the weight of a dead world.

    "Ah, Demon Emperor..." his voice started as a whisper from the depths of darkness, then rose to become thunder that shook the void itself. "Do you think you¡¯re the first to try and conquer me?" He slowly drew his sword, the blood on it splattering into the void like droplets of darkness. "You¡¯ve torn me apart before, and I¡¯ve seen my guts scattered in this emptiness... But I¡¯m still here."

    He took one step forward toward the Emperor, as though crossing realms. "You think death is the end..." he said, running his fingers along the blade of his sword, where the blood stuck like an unforgettable memory. "But I¡¯ve learned that death is just the beginning of endless suffering."

    He stood directly in front of the Emperor, his eyes staring mercilessly into his enemy¡¯s eyes. "Even if you tear me apart a thousand times..." he whispered in a hollow voice that resonated with the echoes of dead worlds. "I will return from the darkness of oblivion because I know even oblivion cannot end my will."

    He raised his sword slowly, as though carrying the weight of the universe itself. "You are the strongest I¡¯ve seen, the fiercest warrior..." he said, pointing the sword at the Emperor. "But I know you are only defeated by yourself."

    He paused for a moment, then slowly turned his back, as if daring the Emperor to strike him from behind. "All I need is one moment..." he said, looking at the infinite void. "One moment to show you that you are but a fleeting shadow in the face of an eternal darkness with no depth."

    He slowly turned his head to look at the Emperor again, his eyes glowing with a dark light. "I know I face death..." he said in a calm voice carrying an unconquerable strength. "But I also know that death is not the end."

    He took one final step toward the Emperor. "You think you are invincible..." he whispered, raising his sword toward the Emperor. "But I know I do not break."

    Then, he released a cold laugh that echoed through the void like the sound of the end of the world. "Let our battle be a lesson to the world: true strength is not in the sword that cuts, but in the will that does not break."

    The Demon Emperor looked at him with disdain, as though gazing at something beneath notice. "How ridiculous, this child challenges me!" he said with a voice full of contempt, then slowly raised his index finger, as if playing with his prey before ending it.

    From the tip of his finger, a small flame emerged, twisting like a hungry serpent. The Emperor looked at it with a playful smile, then raised his hand slowly as if showing off his power. In an instant, the flame grew into a giant, reaching thousands of meters in height, burning with a fierce red flame that absorbed the light around it.

    "Look at the power of the one you challenge..." the Emperor whispered as he launched the flame directly at Karso, who stood firm, as though knowing he couldn¡¯t escape.

    The massive flame engulfed Karso in an instant, turning his body to ash that scattered in the void. Karso melted in the worst possible pain, feeling his skin and bones turn to ash before dying. His final scream echoed through the void like the sound of a wandering soul and the fiery explosion turning everything into nothing.

    After the great explosion, the Devil Emperor stood in the midst of the void, where nothing remained but scattered ashes and blood. He gazed at the spot where Karso had been, and a smile spread across his face, his eyes gleaming with delight. "So, all I have to do is make you feel the worst and most dreadful pain possible. Simple."

    He then slowly turned his back, as if he knew the battle had come to an end...

 The Return of the Demon Emperor 2

    "Hmm..?"

    He whispered in a tired voice, as if speaking to the void itself, while the echo of his words faded into the surrounding nothingness. He looked at "Karso," who emerged from the nothingness like a ghost that had been chasing him for eternity, his resurrected and intact body glowing with fragile golden threads, like a memory on the verge of vanishing. "Damn... Is it possible that death has not yet satisfied your hunger? Even the fire wasn¡¯t enough to quench your thirst for destruction?"

    "Well..."

    His voice bent as though pleading to a ghost in a broken mirror, "Because I am kind..." ¨C the word stuck in his throat like a bloody thorn, reminding him every time of that boy he buried one night beneath the screams of volcanoes ¨C "...and because you are me from a world groaning under the rubble of my mistakes, I will make a deal with you... Do not tempt me to regret it."

    Karso, who seemed like a shadow teetering on the brink of eternal collapse, slowly lifted his head. His eyes resembled two dusty windows looking into an abandoned room inside him: "I... am not you," he said as if denying his very existence, "You are just a nightmare that leaked through the cracks of my conscience... A curse I carried before I realized that the curse is to be kind in a universe that devours the kind like a fleeting memory."

    The manifested figure suddenly drew closer, his cracked hand gleaming like a rusted knife in the dark. "Do you know why the void always laughs when we think we know ourselves?" His laugh was like the scream of a child trapped in a dream torn apart by wolves. "Because if you saw what I see... if you knew that the ''Karso'' you carry is just a mask for an orphan who hid here after his first world burned... you would tear out your eyes to avoid seeing the truth you now deny."

    Karso turned his face, his sigh vibrating like the tremor of a storm in a glass of water. "There is a difference..." he whispered while a blue wound, like a small handprint, glimmered on his chest, "You live at the bottom of my consciousness like black mud... but I, I live in a tangible reality, my existence is my true being."

    Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    A heavy silence broke by a mysterious crack, as though the void itself was groaning under the weight of this conversation.

    A venomous sneer nearly erupted from between the manifested''s lips, but Karso''s tone ¨C that voice weighed down by fragments of certainty ¨C made his laughter break in his throat, like glass piercing the body of a dreamer. Karso¡¯s gaze was like dark arrows piercing the veil of the void: his seriousness was not just a threat... but a confirmation that every word spoken here would carve the fate of worlds not yet born.

    "Have I made a mistake...?"

    The manifested whispered to himself, his voice trembling like a spider''s thread in the path of a cyclone. He suddenly noticed that his hand was shaking... why?

    "No..."

    He answered himself, trying to convince the void more than his own self, "There is something wrong..."

    But his words suddenly stopped. In front of him, Karso stood like a fog statue, but his eyes... his eyes shone with black light, reminding him of something: an old night when he stood on the edge of a cliff, watching the stars of his world flicker out one by one, while hearing a voice whisper to him: "This is the fate of all who dare to think."

    "Or is this thing..."

    The manifested continued, his voice now like a lost echo in a metallic maze, "...just an illusion you created, you ghost from a parallel world?"

    Karso did not answer. Instead, he slowly raised his hand towards his chest, as if tearing through the skin of reality to reveal something. Suddenly, a faint light emitted from his fingers, like a screen of scattered dust showing him fragmented scenes: a child running down an abandoned street, a woman crying over a faceless corpse, a city sinking into the sand as time spits it out, and finally, a man who was righteous and became demonic.

    The manifested recoiled, his eyes wide as if seeing his ghost for the first time.

    "Are you... me?"

    He whispered, as though the question burned his tongue, "In a smaller body... not from a parallel world?"

    Karso took a step closer, the black light in his eyes swallowing the space between them:

    "Which one of us is a test for the other? Have you really thought about it?...."

    His question was like a knife cutting through the silence. Even lies here suffocate.

    Suddenly, the manifested¡¯s expression shattered. He saw in Karso¡¯s eyes something he had not been forced to see since the dawn of his existence:

    Himself.

    The same eyes weighed down with unbearable questions, the same lips refusing to utter anything that would condemn them. But Karso... Karso carried all of this, and yet stood like a mountain that would not collapse.