The shard of death glints in the light of dusk, its shine dimming as the burgundy-colored blood trickles down its length. The blade that was meant for protection against monsters now turned to their own.
At least that's what Carnage thought.
"Put it down." Carnage urges sternly, his sword already extended at Nullen in his moment of hesitation.
He knew deep down that if it weren't for that, Evrad wouldn't still be standing with a major yet survivable gash etched around his neckline.
"What are you doing?" Carnage questions, noting the deep shade of red his blood held.
It was unnatural, even for a former god like himself. The sight still caught him off guard, yet somehow, whether he realized it or not, he felt it. As if, without fully understanding, he had already uncovered the reason behind Nullen's actions.
"I made a promise." Nullen's voice begins trembling as his eyes switch from his shard to Carnage's sword.
He was no fool. He knew Carnage at any given moment could attack and prevail, reason or not.
"Something I need to accomplish or else..." He lets out a shaky breath. "Or else I won't forgive myself." Then, as if his resolve solidifies with him, he tightens his grip on his weapon. "I'm going to accomplish it. At. Any. Cost."
Carnage watches Nullen's determination, but he also sees the fear beneath it, a fear he realizes every human carries, though it takes a different shape in each of them. It's like a stain on a white shirt: it never truly washes out, only fades until it's less noticeable.
That's how he became certain; there's a reason behind his nonsensical actions.
"Please help me…" Evrad's plea reaches Carnage. "I didn't do anything." His hands fling up into the air once Carnage refocuses on him.
Carnage finally acknowledges it, closing the gap between the sword and Nullen's face.
"Explain." Carnage says, and Evrad becomes more frantic, moving around as desperation seeps in. "A bit of silence is much needed," he suggests coldly at Evrad, seeing through the act, disgust rising beneath his skin. "To know a two-faced vermin slipped his way among us." He adds, and Nullen's first confusion shines with relief.
"I first noticed it when he appeared. I didn't receive a notification of what his persona was beforehand, so at most I chalked it up to a malfunction in the glasses; however, that thought fell away once I heard of his 'gift' and I knew it wasn't just a coincidence." Nullen elaborates.
"Shut up!" Evrad shouts, anger eroding his deliberate pitiful facade. "You noticed nothing! My disguise was perfect!-" He halts, eyes widened, and a small smirk tilts at Carnage's lips.
Nullen grins, moving his weapon from his neck, and backs away as Carnage's sword drops to Evrad's bleeding neck instead.
"His power to copy the physical abilities of humans? The signs were all there; I just needed the right time to act and the right person to help me." Nullen's eyes lock on Carnage. "That happens to be you. So my conclusion to what he truly is..."
Nullen doesn't get the chance to finish before Evrad lunges at Carnage, fingers elongated into sharp talons.
「Demonic beast grade: D (Tormented)」
「Power level: 50」
Carnage's speculations were answered, and that's all the confirmation he needs.
"He's a skinwalker." Carnage concludes, shifting to the side effortlessly, avoiding his attack. "A weak one at that."
Evrad skids, after missing him, and jerks back to continue his pursuit but is stopped in his tracks. Carnage's sword glimmers, its point gently grazing his chest.
"Don't you have any shame?" His eyes gleam a devilish red, catching the light like smoldering coals. "Walking the world, bearing the faces of others?"
Evrad doesn't speak, only growls, his face convulsing but not deconstructing; the only odd thing about him remains only his fingers.
"Answer me." He moves his blade closer, driving it just an inch into his chest, and he squeals in pain.
"No!" He blurts out. "If it means I also get to live like them, then I will!"
Carnage pulls it out. "You might've passed for one." He admits. "The only thing that gave you away to me was your emotions."
'Real emotions are etched into the very essence of your body; no matter how hard you try to cover it up, something will always give it away if you look closely.' Carnage thinks. 'For him the emotions only reside on the surface, for example, his facial expression...nothing deeper.'
"Where did you get this exterior from?" Carnage inquirers.
"What are you doing!" Nullen steps closer, and Carnage hushes him with a wave.
"It was given to me." He answers, holding his bleeding chest, panting.
"I see." Carnage straightens up, letting his sword fall to his side. "Then let's strike a deal."
"Yes… I'll do anything!" Evrad bows his head, thanking whatever being that granted him this chance. "Thank you. Thank you for sparing me!"
Carnage for a second felt the same thrill that being a god had given to him, the sight of seeing one bow to him and thank him for something as meager as sparing their life, and for a moment he basked in it before resuming.
"Continue to aid us until the end of our task, and if I deem you useful enough, I promise I'll find a way for you to also survive our trial."
"Really?" He smiles, hope coming back to his eyes. "I accept it! I promise to continue as I did before!"
"Good. Oh, and Nullen." He spins, and Nullen flinches. "Trust in me. My goal is to make it out."
Nullen analyzes his stoned expression and nods. "Okay."