Labyrinth: Chapter 101/104

Chapter 101: Skill Fusion

Outside Chishiya's house, beyond the city limits…

A group was gathered anxiously in the courtyard.

Suddenly, a sound echoed across the sky.

[Individual Chishiya Shuntaro is beginning evolution into a Demon Lord]
[Once completed, all monsters under his lineage will receive blessings]

Everyone froze in shock.

"Wait… Was that the Voice of the World?"

"Chishiya-sama is evolving into a Demon Lord?!"


---

Voice of the World

In the worldview of [Tensura], the "Voice of the World" only speaks when major events happen—like a world shift, a new skill acquisition, or skill evolution.

It works like a global announcement system.

This is part of the canon setting, representing the will of the world.


---

At the same time—

The same message echoed within the Labyrinth.

[Individual Chishiya Shuntaro is beginning evolution into a Demon Lord]

The crowd inside the Labyrinth, still buzzing over the strange phenomenon above, was momentarily stunned.

Two seconds later—

The entire place exploded with noise.

"That was the Voice of the World?! Another Demon Lord's awakening?!"

"Wait… isn't Chishiya the name of the boss who runs this whole place?!"

"He's the Demon Lord?! It's over, we've all been duped! Was this all a trap?!"

"You're overthinking it. Why would someone that powerful waste their time setting up a trap for us nobodies?"

A merchant chimed in.

"Plus, he just saved our butts. I doubt he's the villain type."

"And honestly, if this city's under a Demon Lord's protection, isn't that a good thing?"


---

Inside the room.

Chishiya's consciousness floated in total darkness.

He couldn't move his body. His vision was completely blacked out.

Based on the situation, it looked like the evolution process had started.

"Let's see…"

Chishiya tried to open his interface panel.

No idea if the system was still functional during this state.

With just a thought—

A familiar display appeared in front of him.

Still works.

[Name: Chishiya Shuntaro]

[Core Staff: Megumin, Yunyun, Queen Ant, Aqua, Kazuma, Vanir, Wiz, Darkness, Rimuru, Frieren, Fern, Stark]

[Skills: Explosion Magic Lover, World's Shelter, Lone Wolf, Leadership, Knight's Body, Great Sage, Predator, Degenerate, Experienced Magician, Quickshooter, Explosive Blood, Careless One]

Once opened, a wall of skill data popped up in front of him.

With this many skills, maybe something new could be synthesized through the Degenerate trait.

"The Great Sage, start a mutation."

[Notice:]
[Integrating: Explosion Magic Lover, Lone Wolf, Experienced Magician, Quickshooter]
[Fusion complete]
[Acquired Unique Skill: Dominator]
[Effect: Retains all effects of the integrated skills. Also gains the ability to copy other people's magic.]

[Integrating: Knight's Body, Explosive Blood]
[Fusion complete]
[Acquired Unique Skill: Fighter]
[Effect: Retains all prior traits. Additionally, the user becomes more powerful the longer they fight, with the upper limit increased fivefold.]

Chishiya blinked.

"Not bad."

[Notice:]
[Demon Lord Evolution initiated]
[Reconstructing body. Evolving into a new species]
[Species Evolution: Human → Conceptual Lifeform]
[All physical functions massively enhanced. Can freely switch between physical and spiritual forms]
[New inherent skills acquired:]

1. Infinite Regeneration

2. Universal Perception

3. Demon Lord's Dominance

"Conceptual lifeform…?"

Chishiya blinked.

"Wait, I'm… not human anymore?"

That was… mildly concerning.

Conceptual lifeforms… those were basically gods in some isekai, right?

Settings vary between worlds, but in most alternate-world anime…

Gods were conceptual entities given divine power through the belief of mortals.

"Is that what I've become…?"

---

Then the Voice of the World chimed again in his mind.

[Notice:]
[Skill: Great Sage requests evolution from Voice of the World]
[Request approved]
[Evolving…]
[Failure]
[Retrying… Failed again…]

Chishiya: "The Great Sage's aiming for the Lord of Wisdom?"

In the original setting, the Lord of Wisdom was a top-tier ability evolved from the Great Sage, requiring the sacrifice of the Degenerate skill and a Demon Lord's blessing.

It granted insane mental computation, almost freezing time itself from the user's perspective.

It also inherited the effects of the Degenerate—allowing ability fusion, type conversion, and skill crafting.

Chishiya: "Sacrifice Degenerate and reapply for evolution."

If he could evolve into the Lord of Wisdom, it would be a massive power spike.

[…]
[Retrying… Success]
[Unique Skill: Great Sage has evolved into the Ultimate Skill: Lord of Wisdom]

Success.

Just as Chishiya was celebrating—

A new voice—softer, more feminine than the Great Sage—echoed in his mind.

[Requesting sacrifice of "Careless One" to evolve "Dominator"]

Chishiya paused.

Was the Lord of Wisdom offering guidance?

This wasn't part of the original storyline.

After all, Dominator was a skill synthesized from system rewards. Could that even be evolved?

"…Fine. Approve."

[…]
[Success]
[Unique Skill: Dominator has evolved into the Ultimate Skill: Lord of Ruling]

Lord of Ruling – Effects:

1. Ability Preservation – Converts acquired abilities into stored knowledge, allowing instant reuse.

2. Ability Replication – Analyze and copy other people's skills. (Ultimate Skills can only be copied at 50% effectiveness.)

3. Ability Gift – Grant copied skills to others or revoke them.

"???"

"Okay, that's actually busted…"

Chishiya's jaw dropped.

"Seriously? You're not even trying to be subtle anymore."

Even if analysis required time, the Lord of Wisdom could run thought processes at a million times the normal speed. Any ability could be cracked in seconds.

Granted, Ultimate Skills would take more effort…

But still—he could copy Ultimate Abilities.

Even at half power, that was absurd.

[Requesting sacrifice of "Leadership" to evolve "Fighter"]

Chishiya's eyelid twitched. "You again?"

He sighed.

"Fine. Last one."

In the original series, Rimuru only awakened with two Ultimate Skills.

Even among top-tier characters, having more than two Ultimate Skills was extremely rare.

"…Approve."

As soon as he said the word—

The Voice of the World responded.

[Success]
[Unique Skill: Fighter has evolved into the Ultimate Skill: Lord of War]

Lord of War – Effects:

1. Endless Growth – The longer the battle, the more all attributes increase. No cap.

2. Fighting Spirit – All monsters under your command gain the Fighter skill.

---

Third Ultimate Skill acquired.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 102: Open the Door to Free Trade!

The third Ultimate Skill has arrived…

Lord of War.

This ability was kind of like Milim's "Lord of Wrath."

One scaled with anger, the other scaled with fight duration.

"Lord of Wrath" increased magic power infinitely through rage.
"Lord of War" increased all physical stats infinitely the longer the battle dragged on.

"An ability that scales by time in combat... Sounds perfect for war of attrition."

Chishiya opened his panel.

[Name: Chishiya Shuntaro]

[Core Employees: Megumin, Yunyun, Queen Ant, Aqua, Kazuma, Vanir, Wiz, Darkness, Rimuru, Frieren, Fern, Shuttarque]

[Special Abilities: World's Shelter, Lord of Wisdom, Lord of Ruling, Lord of War, Predator]

Now only Predator hadn't evolved.

In the original series, this skill evolved by fusing with Hungerer—first becoming Glutton, then eventually Gluttony King.

That was the standard evolution path.

But with both Lord of Wisdom and Lord of Ruling in his hands...

It was no longer a fair game.

Hardcore players followed the rules.

Cheaters rewrote them.

With two Ultimate Skills at his disposal, who was even still playing by the book?

"Lord of Wisdom, is there a way to evolve Predator into Lord of Gluttony?"

[Notice:]
[Analyzing memory...]
[Activating Lord of Ruling to replicate unique skill: Hungerer]
[Success]
[Acquired Skill: Hungry One]
[Skill fusion in progress...]
[Success]
[Acquired Unique Skill: Glutton]
[Activating Lord of Ruling to replicate skill: Heartless]
[Success]
[Request to sacrifice "Merciless" to evolve "Glutton"]

'Agree.'

[Success]
[Unique Skill "Glutton" has evolved into Ultimate Skill "Lord of Gluttony"]

A whole chain of system messages flew by.

Chishiya just stood there, stunned.

"…Oh my god."

His eye twitched slightly.

For a moment, he didn't know what face to make.

He could only blame his lack of vocabulary. A simple "Holy shit" said it all.

Another Ultimate Skill.

Born in mere seconds.

He had four Ultimate Skills right after awakening. He had to be the first.

And at this rate… there might be more coming soon.

Just like that—

Chishiya's skill panel updated again.

[Skills: World's Shelter, Lord of Wisdom, Lord of Ruling, Lord of War, Lord of Gluttony]

The panel had now officially entered absurd territory.

God-tier protection, stacked with four Ultimate Skills.

With Lord of Ruling and Lord of Wisdom in play, he could theoretically recreate Lord of Gluttony for Rimuru.

In the future, maybe even hand out Ultimate Skills to Benimaru and the others like coupons.


---

Meanwhile…

The Voice of the World echoed across Lapris.

[Notice:]
[Individual Chishiya Shuntaro has completed evolution into a Demon Lord]

"Chishiya-sama has succeeded!"

A grin spread across Shion's face.

This was big!

She needed to make a huge feast tonight to celebrate properly.

[Bestowing blessings upon monsters under his lineage...]

"Blessing...?"

Everyone paused.

Then, one by one, they started feeling sleepy. Shion and the others staggered slightly.

Holding her head, Shion tried to stay conscious.

She was still worried—until she saw Chishiya walk out.

"This is…"

Shuna murmured, "This is a blessing. I can feel my connection to Chishiya-sama deepening."

---

Door open.

Chishiya stepped out.

Now evolved into a Demon Lord, he looked far more refined. His presence carried an unspoken majesty.

"Everyone, go rest. I'll handle the rest."

"Yes!"

Falmuth…

"Open the door. I'm about to bring the gospel of free trade."

---

Falmuth Kingdom – Royal Meeting Room

The nobles were seated in a circle, laughing and chattering.

The king seemed genuinely committed to this "war."

Three summoned heroes. Twenty thousand elite B-rank soldiers.

That kind of force could level a small country in a day.

And with Razen and Knight Commander Folgen leading the charge, plus backup from the Church…

There was no scenario where they didn't win.

As long as they crushed Lapris, the merchants would have no choice but to crawl back.

"Your Majesty, your strategy is brilliant."

"Using the summoned ones to provoke trouble first, giving us the excuse for a righteous war…"

"The key is speed. A blitz attack with twenty thousand elites will crush them before any neighboring nation reacts."

The nobles laid on the flattery.

King Falmuth laughed heartily.

"I said it before. That backwater country's nothing. Just a few tricks, and they'll break."

Then—

A soldier burst in, panicked.

"Your Majesty! Bad news!"

Before he could finish—

Boom!

A blast of overwhelming force sent him flying into the wall with a sickening thud.

"?!"

"What the hell?!"

The nobles froze, laughter vanishing from their faces.

"Hello, everyone. You all seem pretty cheerful."

A boy strolled in casually, smiling.

King Falmuth snarled, "Who are you?!"

"How dare you barge into the royal chambers?! Guards!"

"Shhh. Quiet."

Chishiya pointed casually.

An invisible magic cannon fired from his fingertip.

BANG!!!

Blood sprayed like a fountain.

The once-arrogant king collapsed forward onto the table, lifeless.

Silence.

The entire room went still.

The nobles turned their heads stiffly, throats dry.

Chishiya dusted his hands.

"Now that it's quiet, let's chat."

"Name's Chishiya Shuntaro. I'm the king of Lapris."

"That would be the 'Monster Kingdom' you've been gossiping about."

The nobles stood frozen.

The Monster King?

Why was he here?

Wait…

Didn't Razen and Folgen take the army to destroy them?

How did this guy get past them?

Could it be…

A terrible thought struck everyone at once.

No… impossible… They couldn't have lost.

They had three otherworlders. Twenty thousand elites. The Western Holy Church.

And yet—

Chishiya spoke again, casually.

"No need to guess. Your army's wiped out."

He said it like it was nothing.

Then—

He tossed a body onto the floor.

"Recognize this guy?"

That was… Razen!

WHAT?!

He's dead?!

Falmuth's strongest court magician was dead?!

The nobles' eyes bulged. Their scalps tingled.

How… How could this be happening?

Was the front line… actually lost?

One noble finally gathered the courage to speak.

"Um… May I ask why Chishiya-sama is here today…?"

His tone was painfully polite.

When a sword's at your throat, you don't get cheeky.

Unless you're in a hurry to die.

Chishiya didn't answer right away.

"I'm pretty easygoing."

Easygoing?

The noble's eye twitched.

He glanced at the king's still-warm corpse.

This… was easygoing?

No, the only reason they weren't all dead yet was because they might still be useful.

Otherwise, they'd already be decorating the carpet in chunks.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 103: My People Are Very Gentle, So How Do You Want to Die?

Chishiya stepped forward and dropped a document onto the table.

"This time, I came to bring you free trade."

Free… trade?

The nobles stared blankly.

Was this… a chance to turn things around?

Otherwise, what else could "free trade" possibly mean?

Chishiya continued, "On behalf of Lapris, I demand that you submit and become a tributary state. From now on, your entire country will fall under our administration."

"We'll be taking control of your agriculture, industry, trade—every production sector. You'll be required to provide a set amount of resources annually."

"All military forces will be disbanded. Our forces will be stationed in your territory."

"And here are the rest of the terms…"

The nobles stared, frozen.

What the hell?!

This was "free trade"?

The lead noble flipped through the first two pages of the document. The tribute breakdown was exhaustive—magic crystal ore, lumber, textiles, agricultural goods.

Tribute ranged from one-fifth to one-half of national output.

Clearly, the other party had an intimate understanding of this world's economic productivity and social infrastructure.

The stripped resources wouldn't cause starvation… but would wipe out their ability to accumulate capital or develop further.

"This… This is a completely unequal treaty!" one noble finally shouted.

Chishiya nodded. "Isn't that what I just said? It's an unequal treaty."

"We won't accept such outrageous terms!"

Chishiya smiled. Genuinely.

That was adorable.

They still thought he was here to negotiate.

The lead noble's face turned pale.

He suddenly wanted to strangle the idiot who just spoke.

Can't you read the room?!

If you want to die, at least don't drag us all with you!

Bang!

A second later, a shockwave blasted out—silent and invisible.

The noble who had just objected had his head reduced to mist on the spot.

His body collapsed backward onto the floor.

Chishiya casually brushed the dust off his sleeve.

He smiled warmly. "It's fine if you don't accept it. I'm a very easygoing person."

"Just… be more cautious in your next life."

The nobles stared, paralyzed. Cold sweat poured down their backs.

The situation was clear now.

If you don't say yes… you die.

"..."

"…We accept your terms, Chishiya-sama…"

The lead noble finally spoke, his voice trembling.

He signed and stamped the treaty.

"Falmuth agrees to become a tributary of Lapris and will comply with all future arrangements as dictated by the suzerain."

"Excellent. You have a good attitude."

Chishiya tucked the document away.

He spoke lightly. The nobles nodded frantically, praying he'd just leave.

But instead, Chishiya spoke again.

"Now that trade is settled, let's move on to… liquidation."

…???

Liquidation?

The temperature in the room seemed to drop.

Everyone's blood ran cold.

Chishiya gestured toward Razen's body.

"That guy put a 1,000-gold bounty on my head."

"You know, I'm a very chill person."

"So I'll give you a discount. You can buy your lives back for 10,000 gold coins each."

"The first person pays 10,000. The second, 20,000. And it keeps doubling."

"Simple math, right?"

He smiled again.

The nobles slapped themselves across the face to snap out of it.

How much?! 10,000 gold?!

Take it up with Razen! This had nothing to do with them!

Ten thousand gold… that was equivalent to the annual tax revenue of a small country!

They'd have to liquidate everything just to scrape that much together!

If he wanted them dead, he could've just said so. Why bother with the theatrics?

What now?

They glanced around nervously.

They were nobles. They had pride.

Agreeing to this? Unthinkable. Better to die with dignity.

Yes… they would never give in.

Everyone turned away dramatically, refusing to look at one another.

"…"

After a brief pause—

"I'LL PAY THE 10,000 GOLD!!!"

"ME TOO! TEN THOUSAND!"

"Bullshit! I called it first!"

"Screw you, I was ahead!"

"You had all that backbone a second ago. Where'd it go?!"

"Shut up! What can backbone buy, huh?! Chishiya-sama, I was wrong!"

"No honor among nobles, huh?! You all switch sides like it's a sale day!"

"Hah! Everyone's the same. No shame left in the room."

"We're just trying to stay alive, alright?! Nobody outlives me!"

The entire chamber descended into chaos.

Nobles tripped over each other, scrambling to throw money at Chishiya.

As if the whole "we'll never surrender" moment had never happened.

And as the frenzy escalated—

Thud!

One noble dropped to his knees before Chishiya, kowtowing like mad.

It was the same guy who had led negotiations.

"Chishiya-sama! I'll sell off my estate immediately! I'll flee Falmuth tonight and never return! Please spare me!"

Was he joking?

Chishiya had killed Razen. Twenty thousand elite troops were wiped out like they were nothing.

Who would dare resist?

Crushing a noble like him was probably easier than stepping on a bug.

Money meant nothing now.

If you could live, that was divine mercy.

Revenge? Who had the guts to even think about it?

As the noble knelt shamelessly—

The others glared at him with undisguised hatred.

Damn it! He beat us to it!

They were just about to kneel!

If only they hadn't hesitated!

The first price was just 10,000 gold. Still painful, but doable.

Now it'd just get worse.

Regret hit them hard.

They never should've provoked Chishiya.

This whole war had been a monumental screw-up.

If they didn't seize the chance now, it'd be too late.

Chishiya clapped once.

"Well, that gentleman got us off to a great start."

"You all better hurry. The longer you wait, the more expensive it gets."

"And I'm not joking. If you can't pay… I will kill you~"

A bright smile spread across his face.

Everyone felt their scalps go numb.

Panic set in.

They scrambled to contact servants, offload assets, and beg for loans.

It was a frenzy.

No matter what it took—sell property, sell family heirlooms, beg relatives—they had to get that money.

Chishiya leaned back in his chair, totally uninterested in the chaos around him.

Let them fight it out.

He was already thinking ahead.

This country needed a new manager.

Preferably someone powerful with administrative skills.

He already had a candidate in mind.

Didn't he still have 20,000 fresh corpses in storage?

Perfect opportunity to summon a demon.

Now that he had Vanir recruited, he also had the Demon Affinity buff.

If he summoned the Primordial Black, that'd be pure profit.

The Primordial Black was summoned when Rimuru became a Demon Lord.

One of the original seven primordials.

He wasn't sure who was stronger—Vanir or Primordial Black—but they were probably close.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 104: Pretending to Be Controlled, Is This Something a Normal Person Can Do?
"Lord of Wisdom, sacrifice 20,000 corpses and summon demons."

[Notice:]
[Initiating summoning.]

A magic circle lit up in the center of the Falmuth conference room.

Arcane energy swirled into a rising whirlwind.

The nobles, who had just been arguing about ransom payments, were stunned.
All heads turned toward the glowing circle.

Now what?

Another summoning?

Soon after, the magic winds died down.

From within the circle, a dark figure slowly emerged.

The nobles' eyelids twitched in unison.

An ominous chill crept down their spines.

"A… demon?"

Fwoosh—

Wings unfurled.

Black-feathered, regal.
Golden irises with red pupils.
Obsidian-black hair slicked back.
Tailored gentleman's tux.

One pull, full SSR. Primordial Black.

He took a slow breath through his nose and glanced at Chishiya.

"Aah… how nostalgic."

A content smile appeared on his face.

"The scent of a freshly minted Demon Lord, how subarashi~."

He bowed with grace. "And such a glorious offering. It's been a long time since I've felt this motivated."

Chishiya blinked.

He didn't realize it, but the butterfly effect of his corporate shenanigans had sparked a particular curiosity in Primordial Black.

Chishiya was technically human.

But his body exuded both divine and demonic auras.
The protection of both a god and a devil fused in one being.

It was… unsettling. Intriguing, even.

Primordial Black looked toward the trembling nobles.

A grin curled at the corner of his lips.

The ambient pressure spiked.
His mana surged violently.

The nobles dropped to their knees in a cold sweat.

Terrifying.

Whatever this creature was, it wasn't just a demon.
It was a walking calamity.

A nightmare in a tux.

Primordial Black.

He was actually summoned.

One pull.
No SSR pity.
What kind of broken gacha rate was that?

Was this the work of the Goddess of Luck again?

The skill technically didn't do anything on paper.
But lately, Chishiya's life had been suspiciously smooth.

"Anyway," Chishiya said, adjusting his coat. "This country needs a manager. You in?"

Primordial Black placed a hand over his heart.

"It would be an honor to serve."

"Great," Chishiya nodded. "Then I'll leave this mess to you."

He waved casually at the nobles. "Anyone who doesn't pay, just kill 'em."

He turned to leave. Straightened his collar. Dignified exit.

But then Primordial Black called out again.

"My king, may I follow you directly from now on?"

"Sure," Chishiya said instantly.

You don't just say no to top-tier free labor.

He gave him a friendly slap on the shoulder.

"From today forward, your name is Diablo."

"Welcome to Underground Labyrinth Enterprise, Inc. Looking forward to your contributions."

—

A few days later

The news shook the continent.

All nobles of the Kingdom of Falmuth officially abdicated.
Government authority was handed to Lapris.
Falmuth was now a vassal state.

This once-mighty commercial empire collapsed overnight.

Lapris had officially taken Falmuth's place as the continent's new economic hub.

—

Demon Lord's Castle

In a dimly lit chamber.

Clayman, dressed in a pristine white suit, gently tapped the table with his index finger.
Every movement reeked of affected elegance.

"Well done, Myulan," he said with a smile, swirling wine in his glass.

At his feet knelt a trembling woman, unable to lift her head.

Clayman continued, "You did great keeping the Falmuth mobilization under wraps. Dowargo and the Beast Kingdom couldn't even respond in time."

"If there's anyone to blame, it's Falmuth's king for being utterly pathetic."

"He still managed to fail despite us laying the entire road for him."

Myulan's hands clenched on the floor.

Her heart was still bound by Clayman's Puppet Master skill.
Complete mind control.

She couldn't resist even if she wanted to.

And then there was… her.

Myulan dared to glance sideways.

There stood a girl with twin pink ponytails.

Emotionless eyes.
A black collar around her neck.

Demon Lord Milim.

Even Milim had been brainwashed?

What kind of monster was Clayman...?

Clayman took another sip.

"Falmuth may have failed, but the plan moves forward."

He turned to the hollow-eyed girl beside him.

"Milim, the Beast Kingdom is yours now."

—

Beast Kingdom, Eurazania

Carrion reviewed the report from his three beast warriors.

"Falmuth and the Church moved against Lapris?"

"Are they insane?"

"Do they not know I already signed a non-aggression pact with Chishiya?"

Albis, standing nearby, added, "They may have blocked all troop movement intel. We only just got wind of it."

Carrion frowned.

"They jammed the news? So it was premeditated."

His eyes narrowed.

Just then, the door burst open.

Phobio rushed in, pale-faced.

"King! Demon Lord Milim is here!"

"Milim? What's she doing here?"

Carrion stepped outside.

And found Milim floating midair.
Expression blank.

Carrion's brow twitched.

Something was wrong.

"Hey, Milim! What brings you here—"

BOOM—!

A shockwave rocked the castle, glass shattered, and rubble flew.

Carrion recoiled.

"Milim! Are you nuts?!"

But Milim didn't stop.

Her fists only flew faster.

Not a single word.

No reaction to his voice.

Carrion's expression changed.

He turned and shouted, "Evacuate everyone! Now!"

Then he looked back toward Milim, gritting his teeth.

Please, let Chishiya be right about this...

—

Meanwhile.

Clayman smirked as he gazed into the crystal ball.

Everything was going according to plan.

Using the Control Orb given by "the President," he had completely seized Milim's mind.

Milim would now eliminate Carrion.

Once Carrion fell, he would harvest all the beastfolk as nutrients for his evolution.

And then…

Blame it all on that human.

That was the plan.

Clayman chuckled.

"Oh, this is going to be delicious."

—

Up in the sky.

Two figures clashed in midair.

The aftershock alone from their fists caused massive storms to tear through the sky.

Carrion dodged again, breathing heavily.

Each strike reinforced the same thought.

Milim really looked like she was being controlled.

Exactly what Chishiya had warned about two weeks ago.

"If Milim tries to fight you like she's brainwashed, just say this:
'Chishiya knows you're faking it. If you keep goofing around, there'll be no snacks next time.'"

Carrion's temple throbbed.

Pretending?

He looked at the manic pink-haired girl punching faster than ever, eyes full of glee.

Wait a minute...

Now that he thought about it… she did look kinda excited.

Was she just bored?!

Pretend to be mind-controlled, then pick a fight with me?!

Carrion's brain short-circuited.

Who even does that?!

Is this something a normal person would do?!

(To be continued.)