Chapter 74
In a luxurious bathroom decorated with golden trims and sleek black walls, Haruto stood before the massive mirror with one hand resting against the polished sink, his reflection staring back at him beneath the warm golden lights.
He tilted his head slightly as he studied himself through the mirror, his normally golden eyes flickering faintly with crimson light, while the unnatural intensity behind his stare carried enough pressure to make an ordinary person instinctively look away.
(I don't understand what's happening to me...I feel...different.)
Haruto's fingers slowly tightened around the edge of the sink, the material beneath his hand beginning to creak from the pressure as his expression remained unusually serious.
『Answer: Master is entering the Spider Emperor Instinct, a state in which personality, mindset, and moral boundaries may undergo significant changes.』
Haruto's eyes narrowed slightly at Seraphina's explanation before his grip gradually loosened, allowing the strained sink to settle back into silence.
Oh, so that's what's happening. Said Haruto as he took a step away from the sink, his expression remaining thoughtful as he continued to stare at his reflection. Can I stop this?
『Yes, Master. However, to suppress the instinct, you must satisfy its fundamental predatory impulse by feasting upon living beings.』
Haruto's expression immediately changed as his eyes widened slightly, clearly understanding what Seraphina was implying.
What?! Are you talking about something physical or spiritual? Asked Haruto with a concerned tone as he looked toward his reflection.
『Physical, Master.』
(Thought so.)
Haruto slowly turned away from the mirror and began walking toward the bathroom entrance, his footsteps echoing softly across the polished floor.
Yet something was wrong.
His reflection remained completely still.
Even after Haruto had already left the position in front of the mirror, the figure reflected within the glass continued staring directly ahead, its crimson-flickering eyes fixed upon nothing with an unnervingly emotionless expression.
(No thanks.)
Haruto disappeared beyond the mirror's view, leaving the reflection standing alone in the golden-lit bathroom as the silence gradually became heavier.
As Haruto walked through the beautiful hallway, the soft lights along the walls illuminated his figure while he continued forward without saying a word, his expression remaining strangely empty as his surroundings slowly began to change before his eyes.
His vision suddenly became stained with crimson as thick black liquid appeared to drip from the ceiling, each drop falling toward the polished floor before disappearing the instant it should have touched the ground.
The entire hallway carried an unnatural chill that seemed to follow Haruto wherever he went, and even the S-Rank Void Hunter who had accompanied Butler Kim could feel something deeply wrong when she passed him.
Her fingertips trembled slightly as she continued walking, her instincts screaming at her not to turn around and look at him.
She knew that if she looked back, something would happen, and whatever that something was, every instinct within her told her that it would be something terrible.
For a brief moment, she felt as though an enormous black figure had placed its hand upon her shoulder from behind, patiently waiting for her to turn around so it could finally recognize her as prey.
(Don't look...don't look...don't look...don't look.)
She repeated those words inside her mind while forcing herself to keep walking, yet every step felt strangely difficult, almost as though invisible hands were gripping her body and trying to hold her in place.
The pressure surrounding Haruto continued to grow as his footsteps echoed through the empty hallway, his eyes remaining fixed ahead while something increasingly primal stirred within him.
(I'm so hungry...I need to eat.)
The thought emerged with such intensity that even Haruto's remaining sense of restraint struggled to suppress it, his fingers twitching slightly at his side as he fought against the instinct taking hold of his mind.
(Prey...I need prey...anything will do.)
Inside the ballroom, Yuna finally encountered Rose, who looked down at her with an arrogant smile because of their noticeable difference in height.
You must have quite a lot of confidence to show your face here. Said Rose mockingly as she flicked Yuna lightly on the forehead, causing Yuna to lower her gaze while her bangs fell across her face and hid her expression in shadow.
Uh...I–I... Said Yuna as she struggled to get the words out, her fingers tightening around the edges of her dress while she desperately tried to suppress the fear and nervousness rising inside her.
What's wrong, little mouse? You still can't speak properly after all these years. Said Rose as her smirk gradually widened, her eyes narrowing with cruel amusement. The last time I saw you, I told you to kill yourself, so why are you still here?
Ahahahah...she's so scared to the core that she can't even function. Said a young man with shoulder-length red hair as he casually placed a hand on top of Yuna's head, deliberately adding to her discomfort.
He wore a tightly fitted white suit and had been assigned as Rose's personal protector, yet his blatant behavior immediately drew the attention of several people nearby without making him care enough to stop.
Not far away, Velmaria and Valerius were speaking with a group of wealthy guests, although Velmaria had been doing most of the talking while Valerius quietly observed their surroundings.
Huh?! Isn't that Haruto's little sister? Said Valerius quietly to himself as he followed the attention of the surrounding people.
Velmaria immediately noticed the change in his gaze and followed it, her eyes narrowing the instant she saw Yuna standing beside Rose with another man resting his hand on her head.
Velmaria was about to walk toward them, but she suddenly stopped when she noticed Haruto approaching through the crowd.
Valerius sensed the overwhelming wrath beginning to radiate from Haruto and slowly closed his eyes, giving a quiet shake of his head as he already understood what was about to happen.
Rose's bodyguard hadn't even noticed Haruto's approach before a swift backhand struck him across the chest, sending him flying backward and forcing his grip on Yuna to break immediately.
What the–?! Said Leon as he caught himself against the floor on one knee, his hand instinctively moving toward his chest where a thin trail of smoke curled from the point of impact.
Huh?! Where the hell did you come from? Asked Rose as she took several uneasy steps backward, her arrogant expression disappearing the moment she recognized Haruto. You're...
Are you alright, sister? Asked Haruto as he turned his back toward Rose and Leon, completely ignoring them while gently pulling Yuna into his arms and stroking her hair.
Hey...who are you? Asked Leon firmly as he rose to his feet and moved back toward Rose, his expression becoming irritated when Haruto refused to acknowledge him.
Haruto didn't even bother responding, keeping his attention entirely on Yuna as though Leon's existence wasn't important enough to interrupt their conversation.
Now then, everyone, please calm down. Said a young man with narrow crystal-purple eyes as his ink-black hair remained swept backward, leaving a single strand hanging over one eye while a sharp smile rested upon his elegant face.
—Ren Valtor—
Rose's eyes widened the moment she noticed Ren, and her previous arrogance immediately disappeared as she forced a polite expression onto her face.
Lord Ren Valtor. Said Rose as she straightened herself, suddenly speaking with a noticeably more respectful tone toward the man who had hosted the gathering.
Ren merely glanced at Rose with an unimpressed expression before looking away, clearly treating her behavior as beneath his attention, although that indifference disappeared when his gaze shifted toward Haruto and Yuna.
I won't ask for the reason behind this situation, but it is obvious that we have a problem. Said Ren with a faint smirk as he gestured toward the two sides with one hand. The laws of this gathering dictate that when a conflict occurs between Protectors, the matter must be settled through a duel.
The surrounding guests immediately began whispering among themselves before their expressions filled with excitement, clearly eager to witness the confrontation rather than hide their anticipation.
(This is perfect. If Protector Leon wins, I'll definitely earn Lord Ren's recognition.) Said Rose internally with a possessive smile as she turned toward Leon. Hey, Leon, are you up for a little fight?
Always. Said Leon as he rolled one shoulder and loosened his joints, his gaze remaining fixed on Haruto with growing confidence. I want to return the favor for hitting me.
State your reward if you win the duel. Said Ren as a quiet smirk formed across his elegant face. There is no limit to what you may request.
If I win this duel, I want you two. Said Rose as she pointed toward Haruto and Yuna with an arrogant smile. I want both of them to become my obedient slaves for eternity.
The moment those words left Rose's mouth, the surrounding guests exchanged confused glances, almost as though they couldn't believe she had seriously made such a request.
(Insufferable trash...even I couldn't make a demand like that with my entire family backing me.) Said Ren internally with quiet disgust as his expression remained composed. (She has no idea what kind of reward she just requested.)
They're going to duel...this is bad. That guy is an A-Rank Void Hunter. Said Velmaria as shock flickered through her eyes while she watched Leon enter the battlefield.
In this world, A-Rank Void Hunters were considered the second-highest rank beneath S-Rank, which made Velmaria increasingly worried because she couldn't sense any Mana from Haruto that suggested he had awakened a power of his own.
You think so? Then let's simply watch and see what happens, because you should have a little more faith in him. Said Valerius as he calmly took another bite of his cupcake. (Besides, what exactly is an A-Rank Void Hunter supposed to do against a God?)
Haruto and Leon stood within an enormous open space that had been prepared specifically for the duel, while Ren and the other wealthy guests remained seated along the sidelines with their attention completely focused on the two combatants.
Ren casually tossed a small crystal toward the center of the battlefield, its surface containing what appeared to be a crimson eye, and the moment it touched the ground, the crystal shattered into countless fragments before releasing a powerful barrier that enclosed the entire battlefield.
Haruto briefly turned his attention away from Leon to check whether Yuna was alright, but Leon immediately took advantage of the opening and rushed forward, throwing a powerful punch toward Haruto's jaw at the speed of sound.
Haruto effortlessly avoided the incoming strike without showing the slightest hesitation, and before Leon could recover from his missed attack, Haruto leapt upward and seized the back of his head before driving his knee directly into his face.
Blood burst from Leon's nose upon impact as the force of the strike produced a sharp shockwave that spread through the battlefield, but Haruto gave him no opportunity to recover before twisting through the air and delivering a powerful back kick directly into Leon's chest.
Leon was sent flying backward until his body crashed against the barrier with a tremendous impact, leaving the surrounding observers staring in stunned silence as they struggled to comprehend how quickly the battle had turned against him.
The spectators' eyes widened in disbelief when they realized that the duel appeared to be over almost immediately, but their expressions quickly changed when Leon slowly forced himself back onto his feet.
I...I underestimated you. Said Leon shakily as he wiped the blood from beneath his nose, his expression gradually becoming more serious. I didn't want to use my power, but you've left me with no other choice.
Several dark portals suddenly tore open behind Leon, their distorted surfaces twisting unnaturally as an ominous presence began pouring out from within them.
Open "Realm of Undead".
Countless armored skeletons began pouring from the portals, each one equipped with weapons and armor forged from materials that glittered with gold and diamond beneath the dim light of the battlefield.
Every undead warrior possessed its own specialized combat class, with swordsmanship, magic, archery, and countless other abilities represented among the seemingly endless army that continued emerging from the portals.
(There are so many...can he really—)
Velmaria's fingers tightened around her clothing as she watched the overwhelming army surround Haruto, and for a moment, the thought of stepping into the battlefield and helping him crossed her mind.
Yet the memory of her father's words immediately stopped her, leaving her standing where she was despite the growing concern in her eyes.
Ahahahaha! Laughed Rose as she watched the undead army surround Haruto, her expression twisting into cruel excitement before she turned toward Yuna. Better prepare yourself to live a life of absolute hell.
Haruto was immediately surrounded from every direction as countless physical and magical attacks were launched toward him, with fireballs, arrows, blades, and enormous spears of ice descending upon him from every side.
Yet Haruto merely raised one hand before calmly snapping his fingers.
The entire battlefield fell silent for a fraction of a second.
Every incoming attack suddenly tore apart in midair, while the countless undead warriors surrounding Haruto were simultaneously ripped apart by an invisible force that erased their formations before they could even reach him.
Rose's face turned pale, her arrogance disappearing almost instantly, while the expressions of those around her changed in the same way. Ren's jaw tightened as he stared at what had just happened, yet even he couldn't explain the cause behind Haruto's overwhelming display.
Leon's mouth hung open in shock and disbelief, but he quickly forced himself to regain his composure as he looked toward Haruto.
Even if you destroyed my skeleton army, I can simply summon more. Said Leon as he tried to maintain his confidence despite what he had witnessed.
(What am I even saying...my Mana is almost gone, and I can't keep these portals open much longer.)
Leon silently sweated as he felt the remaining strength within him rapidly diminishing, knowing that his words were nothing more than an attempt to hide the situation from everyone watching.
Oh, is that so? Since your power allows you to connect a gate to another realm filled with undead, let's change that, shall we? Said Haruto coldly as he raised his hand and activated "Nihil Severance".
『Absolute Severance.』
The core authority of "Nihil Severance" manifested through Haruto's ability to sever nearly any Existence Thread that he was capable of perceiving and understanding, reaching the underlying principles that allowed Leon's power to function.
The portals behind Leon suddenly shattered like glass, causing his eyes to widen instantly with genuine fear as he finally understood what Haruto had done.
Without those portals, there was no way for him to stand against Haruto, assuming he had ever possessed such a chance in the first place.
(What happened? Why did my portals suddenly disappear? I still have Mana left.)
Leon desperately tried to reopen his portals again and again, yet nothing happened regardless of how many times he attempted it.
His power still existed within him, but its function was gone, leaving behind nothing more than an empty shell that could no longer accomplish what it was designed to do.
Leon began to panic as Haruto slowly approached him, the realization that his power had become useless causing fear to overwhelm whatever confidence he had left.
Rose's expression twisted as she watched him collapse, and she began shouting at him to stand back up, but Leon could no longer hear her words clearly.
All he could hear was Haruto's footsteps steadily approaching.
Before long, Leon felt Haruto's kick strike him, and the world around him seemed to disappear into darkness as his awareness became consumed by the overwhelming confrontation.
His face struck the marble floor repeatedly until his teeth were gone and his features were left unrecognizable, while Haruto seized one of his legs and repeatedly slammed him against the floor more than thirty times until every bone in his body had been broken, leaving Leon barely alive.
You so-called noble people wanted to see true violence, didn't you? You people enjoy this sort of thing, so consider this a gift. Said Haruto as he looked over his shoulder at the surrounding nobles with furious eyes, still holding Leon by the leg as every person in the room stiffened.
Now behold the power of a true God. Said Haruto as he activated "True World Of Illusion".
Once activated, there was no escape and no concept of an exit, trapping those affected within the illusion as naturally as one remained a part of reality from the moment of birth.
For what felt like zero time to those inside it, the spectators witnessed Leon die more than one hundred million times through countless different scenarios, including being torn apart by a black hole, being skinned alive, and drowning.
The moment the illusion ended, all one hundred people present collapsed unconscious as their minds could no longer endure what they had experienced.
The only ones left standing were Haruto, Yuna, Velmaria, and Valerius, because Haruto had deliberately prevented the two girls from witnessing what occurred inside the illusion.
"Ahaha… Well then, it seems negative emotions like despair and fear satisfy me as well," Haruto said, gradually regaining a small portion of his normal composure.
"Haru… what did you do?" Velmaria asked in shock as she approached him through the unconscious bodies, while Valerius followed behind her, quickly taking another cupcake from the table as though nothing unusual had happened.
"Mmm…" Haruto looked toward Velmaria and raised an eyebrow, while Yuna held tightly onto his arm, covering part of her face against him to hide a mischievous smile.
"Ahahaha…" Haruto laughed softly, narrowing his eyes at Velmaria. "Nothing… I don't even know what you mean by that. They simply drank a little too much."
"I'm not that stupid," Velmaria replied, crossing her arms with an annoyed expression. "Did you really think I'd become so frightened that I wouldn't be able to think straight?"
"Mmm…" Haruto hummed softly, pretending to think as he gestured with one finger. "You're dead right."
His elbow immediately struck him in the face.
"Owww… that hurt."
"Right, because you were asking for it," Velmaria said as she turned her back to him, clearly frustrated. "Annoying brat."
"Ahaha…" Haruto laughed quietly, slipping one hand into his pocket as though he had gotten away with something.
"Now then, I guess I have to take my reward."
His gaze shifted toward Rose, who remained unconscious on the floor.
"You were serious about that?" Velmaria asked softly, looking over her shoulder through her bangs with an expression Haruto couldn't quite decipher. "If so, I guess I'll leave, then."
"Then you better go," Haruto replied with an empty smile, extending the arm Yuna was holding onto so tightly. "Take my dear sister with you… please."
"Of course."
Velmaria gently took Yuna's hands and began guiding her toward the exit through the unconscious crowd. Valerius followed behind them, clearing a path by kicking several bodies aside before Velmaria immediately smacked him on the head.
Yuna continued glancing back at Haruto as they walked away, her expression becoming increasingly uncertain.
Haruto's smile disappeared the moment they left the mansion.
Slowly, he withdrew the hand he had placed inside his pocket earlier and stared at it in silence.
His hand had transformed into a black, mist-like spider limb.
"So this is the price for this power…" Haruto murmured, staring at the transformed limb with an unreadable expression. "I don't want my sister or Velmaria to see me like this, so I have to do whatever I must."
His gaze slowly shifted toward Rose.
For a moment, he looked at her as though she were something he desperately needed rather than a person lying unconscious before him.
Haruto approached her and reached down, taking hold of her arm without hesitation.
"Feasting on their negative emotions isn't enough."
His expression darkened.
"If I don't eat… I'll turn into a monster."
Haruto hesitated for only a moment before making his decision.
He consumed part of Rose's arm.
The moment he did, the strange transformation covering his limb began to recede, painfully slowly, as though whatever existed within him was finally being satisfied.
Haruto remained silent throughout it.
The ballroom had become completely still.
No voices remained.
No laughter echoed through the halls.
Only the faint sounds of Haruto feeding repeated through the empty silence, creating an unsettling contrast with the elegant ballroom that had been filled with celebration only moments earlier.
Humanity is strange.
We call ourselves monsters when we lose our compassion, yet we call ourselves survivors when compassion becomes inconvenient.
I had two choices: become a monster, or do something monstrous to remain human.
I chose the latter.
I still don't know which one won.
The creature inside me whispered that it was necessary.
The human inside me whispered the same thing.
That was when I knew they had become indistinguishable.