[Chapter 66 part 2] Free - Answers

-----------------------------

…

They departed with Kain’s arm. The ISF can fetch Sarah later. The secret passage descended a mile and half, with stairs or elevator. They chose the easier option. Sprinting was faster on the way up. Despite the risks, Free approved of Hope’s decision. After everything we’ve been through, we’ve a right to learn why.

Reaching the exit, they found a large circular hole leading to the abandoned warehouse. “How did you break in?” Free asked. That moving wall was made from the Isle’s bedrock.

“This,” Simon fondly displayed his dagger. “There’s nothing it can’t cut. It’s saved many lives.”

The empty, foggy city felt eery as they made their way through. It’s my first time with such poor visibility. Simon stopped them at the glass bridge to the pillar, “I’ll deal with the soldiers——”

“They’re dead.” Wise interrupted. “The Laughing Man is waiting for us.” Everyone tensed.

“Should we give up?” Hope asked.

“No…” Simon answered, eyes ahead. “If his intent was to obstruct us, he wouldn’t have killed Lithorn’s men. This is likely a bit of theater. Once we humor him, he’ll leave on his own.”

As they crossed the bridge, Free recalled their past encounters. He’s always playing to the unseen audience. It’s why he gets away with so much.

The smiling blond man was waiting on the far side, “I killed them, the men stationed here. No thanks needed. It was merely to pass the time.”

“How did you know we’d come?” Rose asked.

“An educated guess.” The Laughing Man responded smugly. “Although I had complete faith in my plan for young Hope, I suspected Sion would ultimately fail. That immortal vastly underestimated the HEAVENLY DAO’s wrath, daring to carry out three major terrorist attacks against the Isle. He was doomed from this karma, and, with the story wrapping up, it was time for his departure. The fool likely never understood just how much fate conspired against him… Anyway, assuming your survival, I was certain I’d find you here. The need to know has a way of gnawing at a person.”

They regarded him warily. His perceptiveness is close to foresight… Will he really retreat quietly?

“Don’t be so nervous.” The villain reassured them. “You’re the victorious heroes of this tale. The HEAVENLY DAO wouldn’t take kindly to its happy ending being tarnished at the last minute. We aren’t in a Dark Age ——yet.” His gaze shifted to Simon. “Besides, there’s a man with a scary knife at your side.”

“What do you want?” Soul asked harshly.

“Right, to the matter’s heart.” The Laughing Man declared jovially. “Today has been a splendid day, and I’m in a fine mood. I’ve decided to reward you. Since post-climax is time for resolution, I’ll allow you each one question which I’ll answer as truthfully as any necromancer. So consider carefully, because unresolved plot points are deeply unsatisfying.” I see. Once we play along with this farce, he’ll leave.

“Why so upbeat?” Soul jumped in. “We thwarted your schemes, saving millions. Your attitude makes no sense.”

“Oh, but it does.” The Laughing Man countered. “This evening, I had the chance to engage in something I haven’t done in the longest time. It brought back all manner of memories. That alone made it worth it.”

“As to the ‘failures’ you mentioned, I was never vested in the outcome. This time around I was just a spectator, so to speak.”

“What?” Light lashed out. “You were the root cause of everything!”

“From your perspective it may be upsetting, but it’s the truth.” The Laughing Man apologized. “The Isle of Dreams belongs to the HEAVENLY DAO, and I always tread lightly here. If not for the lure of a Dark Age, I would’ve never considered getting involved.”

Noting no one was convinced, he sighed, “I see you’re skeptical. As proof, recently my attention has been focused on a far-off region deep underground called Lomistan. I’ll spare you the tedious details, but the place is wonderfully divided hotspot of two hostile ethnic groups: the Kulmen and the Aburd. Kulmen royalty currently rules, and tensions have been flaring up in recent weeks. This culminated last night, when King Orswalt returned to find his only son dead. A mute Aburd had somehow snuck into the palace and murdered the crowned prince. Orswalt was delirious with rage. After a lengthy torture session for the unfortunate assassin, he turned his attention to the Aburd population.” The Laughing Man gazed off serenely. “Once I’m done here, I‘ll spend the next few hours basking in the fires of genocide.”

“Let me guess, you’re the one who killed the prince.” Light ventured.

“No, no, no. I would never…” The Laughing Man objected in mock indignation. “You tarnish my name with your crass accusation. On my honor, I did nothing to end the prince’s life. That said…” He admitted sheepishly. “I might’ve cut out his tongue.” The timidity melted into a savage grin. He’s a genuine monster.

“If you didn’t care about their success, why cooperate with them?” Rose asked.

The Laughing Man shrugged, “I was merely keeping up my end of the bargain. Several weeks back, I struck a deal with Sarah and the Northern Emperor. In exchange for my heart’s desire, they gained my aid.”

“Since the next one is obvious, I’ll ask.” Wise said. “What did they provide you?”

“Arther Bard’s head.” The villain sneered. “It’s not easy to slay a legendary hero. He and I were about evenly match. I needed to trap him someplace where there’d be no outside interference. The Blood Arena was the perfect choice, and Sion the ideal bait. Sarah orchestrated the timing. Without this assistance, it might’ve taken decades for a similar opportunity.”

“Why the urgency?” Dawn inquired emotionlessly.

Slowly, deliberately, the man smiled, “He exists. The ‘Necromancer of the End’. I have met him in person. While cloaked in death, I recognized what he was. Before disappearing, he spoke a single line, ‘If Arther Bard dies, a new Dark Age will begin.’”

He let the revelation sink in, “I’ve been loitering the Isle about in anticipation ever since. Helping Sarah and Sion was a convenient means to keep occupied.”

“Why do you want a Dark Age?” Silver asked.

“Because I desire freedom.” The Laughing Man exclaimed. “I grow tired of laboring under the stifling conventions of these peaceful times. Take your confrontation with Sion Gale. When weaklings battle their superiors, they’re supposed to perish in agonizing regret, like those two saints who challenged me today. In your case, nine children prevailed against an immortal. I despise such contrivances.”

The Laughing Man expression darkened as he appraised Simon Black, “You’ve no idea how aggravating it is to leave someone for dead only to discover them alive. Not only that, but many grew up to become insufferable pests. Hell, one had the audacity to become the Mask of Xarst. That was an infuriating century…” He shook his head. “Anyway, I look forward to a time where I can once again leave children crucified to walls secure in the knowledge that they will die the excruciating deaths they’re destined for.”

He composed himself with a deep breath, “Look at me rambling. Three more.”

Kate went next, “Does anything you do have a purpose beyond pointless tragedy?”

The Laughing Man chuckled softly, raising his arms to heavens, “Yes, I have an ambition, a glorious vision of the future. My deeds are more than wanton mayhem and cruelty… They’re done in pursuit of a dream.” He Looked over from the corner of his eye. “Terrifying, isn’t it?”

“Are you targeting the Pillar?” Hope demanded.

The Laughing Man leaned on his spear, exhaling gently, “Even if I were to kidnap your lovely self and access to the interior, what could I accomplish? The inside might be vulnerable, but it’d still require an instrument of unimaginable power to shatter that structure. Three weeks is not enough to prepare such a tool. Besides, would the HEAVENLY DAO allow its monument to fall to a whimsical ploy?”

He shook his head, glancing behind. “No, destroying the Pillar of Enera would require a plan years in the making. A story worthy of the ages, full of betrayal and spice. While I’d joyfully laugh as it crumbles, as of now I’m not targeting it.”

I’m last. Since all critical points had been covered, she asked what she wanted most, “How does someone become like you? Or more precisely, how do you even exist?”

At this, he burst into laughter. Subdued at first, it gradually became deafening. As he struggled for breath, he let himself plunge over the glass railing. The cackling echoed as his figure vanished into the mist.

“He never answers that one.” Simon said quietly. “Let’s enter the pillar.”