Chapter 989 (1/2)

Even without Randidly pumping out some of the many images he could use to pressure Ki-Kunot, the air around him was heavy. In the past few years, Randidly had stood on too many battlefields. He had faced too many dooms. When Randidly made no attempt to suppress that wafting darkness that still clung to him, the air around him became humid and sinister. When he released a breath, his exhale came out as stormy grey mist.

In spite of the weird subconscious image, Randidly couldn’t help but be slightly amused. Is this truly the figure of a hero? Of a King? A CEO of a company? It’s hard to say what I am these days...

Although it was almost impossible to pinpoint the moment where he had reached this juncture, Randidly could now recognize that it wasn’t just the Crown that was an oppressive weight on the chest of these monsters that considered him. The other part of it was him embracing his growing influence. Seize the control that people offered him.

Well, perhaps influence wasn’t the right word. It was just an inherent quality of his growing stature. Randidly Ghosthound cast a long shadow.

No matter what Path he took forward, Randidly had gathered such political and anecdotal capital on Earth that he couldn’t escape his own story. And that brand became a strange magnetism that could be used to grasp the world and guide it toward his will.

“...unfortunately, it would appear that we have very different opinions as to our relative strengths,” Ki-Kunot said gravely. Her dark eyes were very solemn as she studied Randidly. They methodically examined every exposed inch of him. “If you believe that we would surrender, we have nothing to talk about. But I will extend to you the same offer; surrender now while your precious scourges still run as rampant as locusts across the countryside. By the time we finish with them… your power here will be broken, Randidly Ghosthound.

“Our homes have already been destroyed… we are at rock bottom. In this battle… we aren’t the ones with everything to lose.”

Randidly blinked. Well, certainly, these fools have more spine than I would have suspected. Are they hiding their true fighting forces somewhere else? If those four guards she has are truly their elites… Or do they truly believe that killing seven Riders was a sign of more things to come? I almost… feel sorry for these monsters.

How could reef sharks recognize a bolt of lightning?

From the monster’s perspective, they might not even be aware that they are currently inside of a Dungeon and being exploited by the System. As they were minding their own business, suddenly Randidly and his Riders showed up and quickly began harvesting the natural resources available in their home. And just as abruptly, they discovered a growing clarity to develop ungainly tools to address the situations.

But even if Randidly could empathize with their struggles, he was not the sort to simply stop in his own plans to right the cruelties of fate. Although he was powerful, Randidly didn’t have a god complex; he couldn’t save everyone. Everyone’s karma was there own. Whether this was sowing or reaping for the monsters, Randidly would not take their plights onto his shoulders without sufficient payment.

“...let me just say this once.” Randidly smiled at the broad-shouldered guards that were standing around Ki-Kunot. “What you’ve done is very impressive. But we both know that your foundations here are relatively unstable. And even if you think you can defeat the foes you are currently fighting… believe me when I say they are just the tip of the iceberg.

“But if you surrender to me, you will become my people. I will protect you and fight for you. Your world… well, there is a lot about your world that you don’t understand. If you agree to my terms, I’ll take you out of this closed off area.”

A Path forward for them was the best Randidly could offer. And as he considered how he would now have to manage another force, Randidly felt a headache brewing. Hopefully, they wouldn’t take as quickly to architecture as the Riders had.

But of course, this is just a flight of fancy, Randidly’s gut twitched in distaste. With the choice of phrase I employed… is there really any chance that this woman would see what I’m trying to save her from becoming?

Ki-Kunot regarded Randidly silently for quite a while before she spoke. “...I have something of a sixth sense about liars. But you… you’re not a liar, are you? You truly believe that we will be crushed by your scourges.”

“Yes,” Randidly said simply. For all that it would mean a lot of extra mental stress for me, please let my authenticity be enough.

Continuing to talk, Ki-Kunot walked several steps forward, until there were only a few meters between her and Randidly. Her guards stirred nervously but she waved them back. “In addition, I can tell from your eyes that you believe that even if we would win… you truly have no hope that we could defeat what waits beyond this… place. Even… even about yourself, you are unsure. That is how terrible your foes are that have forced you here.”

“...Yes, there are certain enemies that I don’t dare fight right now.”

Ki-Kunot took several more steps. Suddenly they were only an arm’s reach away. Looking at him, she asked. “We are strong. Stronger than you know. In exchange for information, we could assist you.”

“It wouldn’t be enough,” Randidly said softly. “I don’t have time to wait for you to grow.”

“In your eyes, are we truly so weak?” Ki-Kunot’s gaze turned sharp. Then she slowly shook her head. “Even if you truly believe the danger that awaits us, I still cannot surrender to you. Nay, there is no need to surrender to you at all.

“You might not understand this, but these are my people,” Ki-Kunot spread her arms wide. “We might not understand the wider world, as you said… but we know when to stand up for what’s right. Your scourges are consuming our homes… that’s not just. No matter what boogie monster has you so frightened that you felt it necessary to hide here and recuperate, it doesn’t justify what you are doing. So please, I’ll ask one last time. Surrender to me. With your knowledge, we can prepare for what is to come. You might be right that we are recently evolved to this state, but we sure as hell won’t stop until we control our own destiny. Betting on us would be the best decision of your life.”

Randidly laughed.

The bright light of determination and hope in Ki-Kunot’s eyes settled down into grim resignation as she calmly listened to his laughter. The two of them were still standing only an arm's length apart, although that distance seemed to stretch into a vast chasm.

And in that chasm was Randidly’s long shadow. It seeped out from him and filled the cracks and corners of the cavern, dancing in those dimly lit locations that weren’t protected by the light of the torches. Randidly saw the hands of Ki-Kunot’s guards tighten on their weapons as they regarded him with growing hostility.

“There’s only so much you can do with idealism,” Randidly said quietly.

Ki-Kunot huffed out a deep breath. “And selling out your humanity can only earn you so much, Randidly Ghosthound. As a show of respect… you can leave here peacefully. But don’t expect us to be so merciful again.

How strange, Randidly reflected. Somehow… I became the Creature and this valiant heron became the bold defender of humanity. And yet… now I firmly believe she is wrong even if I would have made the same decision, faced with the same choices. If I had been born to her Path, I would likely have chosen to resist and make a stand here. To them, I am the ultimate villain.

Still… I am not the Creature. I will not force them to choose to follow my lead.