Chapter 56: Interrogation
Novarian stared into Arthur’s calm eyes. Thanks to his skill "Lie Detection," he could tell the boy was telling the truth, or at least something close to it. And yet, something still felt wrong.
’He’s not lying, but he’s definitely hiding something... I need to find out what it is.’ Novarian understood that interrogation was a battle of minds. Quietly, he activated the skill "Absolute Presence." At once, a powerful and fearsome aura radiated from him, so intense that some nearby beasts with sharp senses fled in panic.
[Novarian has directed the skill Absolute Presence at you.]
Arthur’s body trembled violently. A primal fear gripped his soul. Before he could fully understand what was happening, Novarian’s figure began to distort. His white hair turned into blazing red flames, his smooth skin thickened into dark, blood-colored hide, and his beautiful eyes morphed into hollow pits of agony from which tortured screams echoed. Enormous horns sprouted from his skull, and his once orderly teeth transformed into jagged saws. In an instant, the beautiful prince before him had become a demon that instilled terror in the hearts, which only deepened Arthur’s own fear.
[Warning: You are under the effect of an Illusion Skill.]
[Countermeasures recommended.]
’What the hell *is* that thing?’ Despite the terror, Arthur clung to a sliver of his composure and quickly activated "Logical Analysis." But the skill seemed almost useless; he regained only a shred of clarity.
Before he could calm himself, the demonic Novarian opened his gaping maw filled with fangs and thundered in a hellish voice,
"Tell me... What is your true purpose?"
Arthur’s face twisted in distress. Trembling, he began to stammer,
" I... I... all I wanted..."