Chapter 97
Karl stared at the glowing orb with determination, though the words from the voice began to creep into his thoughts. "Happiness?" he said with a hint of sarcasm. "What does happiness mean if it’s just freedom without direction? Without limits, life is empty."
The voice chuckled deeply, echoing through the room. "That’s just your narrow perspective, Karl. You’ve never tried to feel this freedom, so you don’t know what you’re rejecting."
Karl stepped closer to the glowing orb, but his steps faltered. From the circle of strange symbols on the floor, pink energy began to take shape—forming a new figure. A woman, appearing as if crafted from Karl’s deepest, unspoken desires. Her long hair, perfect body, and eyes radiated warmth and longing. She smiled gently, just like the previous woman.
"You," Karl muttered cautiously, gripping his crystal tighter. "I know your tricks now."
The woman stepped forward gracefully, her soft voice now piercing straight into Karl’s heart. "Karl, this isn’t about resisting. It’s about acceptance. You know you’re tired of fighting. Free yourself. I can give you everything you desire. Happiness. Peace. No more burdens to carry."
Karl tried to look away, but every word she spoke pierced his mind, weakening his defenses. A part of him wanted to believe, to surrender, but he knew it was only an illusion.
"No," he said, biting his lip, trying to keep his consciousness intact. "What’s the point of happiness if I lose control of myself? My life has a purpose, and I won’t let this dimension distract me from my path."
The woman frowned, her smile fading. "Karl," she said, her tone now colder, "if you won’t embrace freedom, then you’ll be destroyed by it."
Her body began to transform into something larger, more terrifying, with glowing red eyes and a frame covered in sharp spikes. The pink light from the energy orb grew more intense, and the room began to tremble.
Karl realized this was his final chance to act. He raised the crystal in his hand, which now glowed with a piercing blue light. "I’ve had enough of playing your games."
The monstrous figure growled, and the pink energy from the orb shot toward him like tendrils, trying to stop him. Karl pointed the crystal at the energy orb, focusing all his resolve. The crystal began to vibrate, and flashes of blue light enveloped the room.