Chapter 222. The Almighty [Hermit Purple]
---
"Everyone lives to overcome insecurity and fear, seeking a peace of mind for themselves."
"Whether it's achieving fame, ruling over others, or amassing vast wealth... all of these are to gain a peace of mind."
"Marriage, friendships—these too are for peace of mind. Saying you want to help others or that you seek love and peace... those are just excuses to feel at ease."
"You could say that the pursuit of peace of mind is humanity's ultimate goal in life!"
DIO's words were calm and deliberate.
In contrast, Polnareff panted heavily, as if trying to feel something beyond fear.
"So tell me, why is loyalty to me so unsettling for you, Polnareff?"
"Haa... haa..."
Polnareff's response was nothing but his quickening breaths.
Because...
"All you have to do is submit to me, and you will feel a peace like never before."
DIO, aware of the terror in Polnareff's heart, continued with a soft chuckle, "Taking this death-defying stance against me... doesn't that only heighten your anxiety?"
"Haa... haa..."
Hearing this "truth" from DIO, Polnareff felt as if even his survival instincts were betraying him, urging him to submit to DIO.
Even his will seemed to waver, questioning if DIO's words were really incorrect. Was his resolve to face death only deepening his unease?
This was a stark contrast from the Polnareff of moments before!
And all because of this encounter with DIO!?
"You are a skilled Stand user; it would be a pity to kill you. Why not forsake the Joestar group and pledge eternal loyalty to me?"
"Let me bestow upon you everlasting peace of mind."
DIO watched Polnareff, observing his struggle with a gaze as lofty as a god looking down on an ant he could crush at any moment.
DIO's words were undeniably seductive, almost philosophical, leaving no room for rebuttal.
It wasn't just Polnareff.
Even Sora felt the same way.
Though, unlike Polnareff, Sora's response was somewhat different—
Instead of fear or terror, Sora felt...
"...This is just too cool!"
As if he was entirely detached from the tense scene in "Stardust Crusaders", Sora declared excitedly, "I've decided! This line makes it into our top ten phrases we want to say the most!"
"Bro, GOOD JOB!" Shiro chimed in, equally impressed.
"Just like my sister! Our taste is exactly the same!"
Sora and Shiro gave each other thumbs-ups.
It was as if they were experiencing the strange appeal of terms like "Schrödinger's cat" and "Pavlov's dog"—phrases that, while difficult to grasp, had an air of mystery and sophistication.
DIO's philosophy on peace felt the same.
For Sora and Shiro, DIO's words hit home perfectly.
And just as DIO said, people do indeed live in pursuit of peace of mind.
If they hadn't known DIO's Stand power...
They might have lost the courage to resist, just as Polnareff did in "Stardust Crusaders".
But the fact was, Sora and Shiro already knew DIO's Stand ability!
Like having the exam answers beforehand, they felt at ease and even eager.
DIO's Stand secret was already exposed.
After understanding that DIO merely manipulated the stairs to work like an escalator, sending Polnareff automatically to the bottom, Sora and Shiro were confident that Polnareff, Jotaro, and the rest would ultimately prevail!
Though DIO hadn't yet said that iconic line, "There are no invincible Stands, only the weakest [Hermit Purple]."
But as viewers, they weren't blind.
They knew [Hermit Purple]'s ability to gather intel, even acquiring knowledge its user didn't consciously seek. Yet they also acknowledged one fact: [Hermit Purple] had almost no combat power.
It could be said that in combat, it was practically useless!
Even Joseph, when using [Hermit Purple], relied on its intel-gathering ability and Hamon conductivity to fight.
So here was DIO—armed with a Stand two generations outdated and one that was all but useless in combat. Against Jotaro and company, battle-hardened Stand users, and Joseph, a veteran vampire hunter, how did he expect to survive?
As for the possibility that they could be mistaken about DIO's powers...
Impossible!
DIO's drawn-out speech was proof he was merely posturing.
If DIO's Stand wasn't just moving the stairs, then why couldn't Polnareff get up them?
Surely, DIO wouldn't be using his Stand to bring Polnareff down each time he climbed? He could've killed Polnareff several times over by now if that were the case!
So...
"Avdol, Iggy, grant me courage once more!"
Praying to his departed comrades and reminding himself that he was here thanks to them, Polnareff gradually summoned his courage.
Although it was limited...
It was enough. Even if he were to die, he would expose DIO's true Stand ability before that!
With this resolve, Polnareff charged at DIO, choosing to leap over the stairs with [Silver Chariot] rather than climb them!
And DIO, whose ability to control the stairs was now useless, could only...
"...?"
"Wait... who are you!?"
Because, to Sora's utter shock, a golden figure emerged from DIO's body!?
Where was [Hermit Purple]?
Where was that almighty [Hermit Purple]?