(T/N): Decided to change the cover for this fic to fit the title more, anyways enjoy the extra chapter
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"Living… is this still considered living?"
This sentence should have been like a cup of poison, harshly poured into Phainon's heart.
But, he no longer cared.
He truly… no longer cared.
"Living?"
No emotion could be heard in Phainon's voice, as if he were discussing something unrelated to him.
"No, I am not living. I am just… compelled to exist… Only by existing can I witness a different outcome."
Sampo listened to this madman-like whisper, and he wished he could slap himself twice.
Sampo, oh Sampo, why did you have to be so meddlesome?!
He forced out a smile uglier than a cry, "Alright, buddy! I admit defeat! My stage, you can use it however you like, you can even be the protagonist, how about it?"
Phainon slowly shook his head, "No…"
He extended one finger, "One stage…"
Then, he extended a second finger, "Two good plays…"
Sampo's expression completely froze on his face, "What do you mean? You… you're going to set up a stage too?"
This sentence, damn it, piqued his inherent curiosity.
For a guy carrying such terrifying despair, what kind of thrilling "fun," what kind of "drama" would he create?
"Need any help, buddy?"
Sampo almost instinctively blurted out, "I'm good at setting up stages! This time it's free! Just consider it making a friend!"
Phainon did not answer.
His gaze passed over Sampo, falling upon the lonely city at the end of the wind and snow—Belobog.
There were the actors he needed, the scenery he needed, and… the most important audience.
He needed to ignite more sparks, he needed a justifiable role!
"I need an identity."
Phainon's tone was cold, "Silvermane Guards… I, need your help."
"Oh my goodness!" Sampo almost jumped up, "Buddy, you're not serious, are you?! You want to join the Silvermane Guards first, then legitimately throw me into jail?!"
You're looking for fun at my expense?!
He had no doubt that this madman in front of him was absolutely capable of doing such a thing!
"Here's the map, you go by yourself, let's part ways now, and never meet again…"
"I said." Phainon's voice suddenly turned cold, and the scorching aura around him surged, "I, need your help."
That was not a request.
It was a verdict.
The muscles on Sampo's face twitched wildly, then completely slumped, an expression of resignation.
"Sigh… I guess I'm unlucky, who told me, Sampo, that I'm just a rotten good guy who loves to help people?"
He turned around weakly, preparing to lead the way.
"Let's go, I still have a tiny bit of connections among the higher-ups in Belobog."
"Wait."
Phainon called out to him.
He asked a question that had puzzled him since the Space Station.
"The mask… The Reverie… Where does it come from?"
Upon hearing this, Sampo was stunned for a moment, then his scalp tingled!
This guy doesn't even know what he believes in?!
Where on earth did Aha dig up this monster from?!
But on second thought, this extreme chaos, this illogical disorder… truly had the flavor of The Reverie!
Sampo spread his hands, saying half-truthfully:
"What is The Reverie? If I could explain it, Aha would be standing in front of you. It has no form, no logic, perhaps it's a lie, perhaps it's a scam, perhaps… it's a grand destruction."
"I can only tell you that true fun comes from the deepest desires of the heart."
He did not finish his sentence.
Because in the corner of memory he had just glimpsed, there was no "desire" whatsoever.
Only endless, pure, all-consuming destruction and pain.
"As for this mask…"
Sampo pointed at Phainon's face, his voice dry.
"their power depends on your obsession. So, you should ask yourself. What kind of obsession led to your ability?"
"My obsession?" Phainon murmured to himself.
The ability of Make-believe reality originates from the depths of my heart.
If that's truly the case… what change do I ultimately hope this ability will bring me?
"Brother Torchbearer." Sampo announced, "The wind and snow have stopped, now is the perfect time to set off!"
—
At the same time, Belobog Plaza.
The three youngsters had already completed their meeting with The Supreme Guardian.
Gepard, who had been waiting for a long time, came forward.
"Everyone, it seems The Supreme Guardian trusts you greatly. I have already lifted the restrictions on you."
A hint of anxiety was barely concealed in his handsome brows.
"I still have to rush back to the garrison immediately. I wish you a pleasant visit in Belobog!"
"Is it because of the fragmentum creatures?" Dan Heng hit the nail on the head.
Gepard's expression became serious: "It seems you truly understand. Don't worry, the Silvermane Guards will handle everything."
"By the way," Dan Heng stopped him, "we have another companion who got separated. Please trouble the Iron Guard to help find him. His situation is a bit special."
Gepard smiled, looking very confident: "Don't worry, in Belobog, there's no one the Silvermane Guards can't find. As long as he's still safe and sound."
"I'm not worried about his safety."
Dan Heng paused, swallowing the latter half of his sentence.
I'm worried about Belobog's safety.
"…Then I'll trouble you."
"Please describe your companion's characteristics again." Gepard took out his notepad.
March 7th immediately blurted out the answer, tapping her finger lightly on her lips, trying to recall: "Let me think… A black robe, a golden mask, he's super tall, and has a super strong aura! Oh, and when he smiles, it feels like something big and extraordinary is about to happen around him!"
Stelle added from the side: "A man out and about alone always needs to be a bit careful."
March 7th gave her a look that said, "You're misplacing your concern."
"Hmm… The characteristics are very distinct, I will personally draw a missing person poster for him."
With that, Gepard left in a hurry.
"Hey, Dan Heng," March 7th asked somewhat uncertainly, "Do you think… Captain Gepard can really find Phainon?"
Dan Heng looked at Gepard's receding back and sighed softly.
"I don't know."
"I just feel that the next time we meet him, it will probably be in a situation none of us could have imagined."