Looking at this scene, Jack felt a great sense of absurdity.
The white-haired young man sitting in a wheelchair in front of him was like a lamb that had strayed into a wolf's den. He was so innocent and harmless that he was incompatible with this mansion.
However, he was able to make the blond monster surrender. It even made this murderous monster show awe.
'It is absurd. That's ridiculous.'
"You, you are Astr Serene...?" Jack looked up at the white-haired boy and asked, "The owner of this mansion?"
Astr waved Rafeal away in disgust, his icy blue eyes squinting. looking down at the cultist lying on the ground, his lips parted slightly.
"Yes, I am Astr. Do you have anything to do with me?"
Hearing this, Jack's eyes widened, and he murmured unbearably.
"You, you. He's just a weak and sick man... How can you control such a powerful monster? This is impossible!"
'Could it be because of this mansion?'
Suddenly, Jack understood, like an enlightenment.
'Yes, it must be. This blond monster, just like the man-eating rose in the manor, is attached to this mansion. This ghostly place is unusual. Astr Serene is just protected by it.'
Jack, who thought he had figured it out, stared at Astr, with strands of blood covering his eyes.
"The person the adult demanded is merely a few steps away from me. Feeble and immobile, even in the presence of the monster
Can he truly withstand a blow with all my strength? This is our final opportunity. Even if it means perishing together, the mission will be accomplished, and the sacrifices of our companions will not be in vain."
Jack's breathing became heavy. He was so immersed in his own thoughts that he didn't notice the pity and mocking eyes of the "blond monster".
"Stupid human beings, the words 'I want to kill you' are clearly written on his face.
Those who deny reality when it contradicts their ideals are both foolish and cowardly."
Rafeal glanced at Astr and saw Astr looking down at Jack with slight interest, so he did not take action.
Jack was oblivious to all this and thought he had a glimmer of hope.
They were completely unaware that from the moment the gang stepped into the mansion, they had become nothing more than bugs on a spider's web.
What awaits them is the end of being completely devoured. There is no return.
"We just entered your mansion by mistake."
Jack said hoarsely, slowly getting up from the ground while quietly reaching into his cloak with his hands.
"Uh-huh."
Astr responded through his nose, nonchalantly. Seeing that he was so defenceless, Jack couldn't help but feel a little secretly happy and thought to himself,
'It was as expected. Astr is just an ordinary person with a terrible mansion.
He is pampered, not deeply involved in the world, and does not know the dangers of people's hearts, just like that adult said.
"Since you are the owner of this mansion, why don't you manage those disgusting monsters? My three companions were all killed by them."
'Wow. They're teetering on the brink of death, and yet they still aim to exploit the situation,' Rafeal raised his eyebrows.
A newfound admiration for the foolish bravery of human beings
"Ha..."
Astr couldn't help but laugh. He supported his chin with his hand, looked down at Jack, and asked with a smile,
"I am so miserable so I can't do anyy. Then tell me, how should I compensate you?"
"Compensation—just use your life to pay for it!"
Jack suddenly rose up, pulled out a dagger from his arms, and tried to stab Astr, who was just around the corner, hurriedly, like before anything happens.
Astr's ice-blue eyes reflected the rapidly enlarging blade.
'Breaking into someone else's home with the intent to torment a feeble and defenceless young man lacking the strength to resist—how abominable!
Yet... one cannot help but commend the courage displayed in this despicable act.'
Astr didn't move, and his fingers hanging on the armrest of the wheelchair lightly moved.
"Puff!"
A line of blood was seen, soaring into the air instantly. The shining silver dagger, together with the right hand holding it, flew out and fell to the carpet with a clatter.
"..."
Jack stared blankly at his bleeding wrist, not understanding what was happening.
After a few seconds, he suddenly burst into a shrill scream.
"Ahhhhhhh!!!"
Jack clutched his empty wrist and rolled on the ground. But more than pain, he felt fear and confusion.
'What happened in just a short moment?
Where is my right hand?
Why was my right hand broken?'
Jack was sweating, looked up, and looked into a pair of icy-blue eyes.
In an instant, Jack felt cold all over his body.
Looking down at him, there was nothing but indifference, just like the inorganic brass one-eyed mask.
Looking at each other, it was like standing naked on the ice field; the cold was biting to the bone, invading the bones and muscles.
It was only at this moment that Jack finally realised who the real owner and controller of this mansion was.
It was not the mansion that gave Astr Serene protection; it was Astr Serene who created this mansion and gave blessings to the monsters living here.
'Like... the Nightmare Lord. However, are humans becoming nightmare lords? It is simply unheard of that adult to say that we will be entering something different, but...'
Astr's unchanging soft voice brought Jack back from his thoughts: "Have you calmed down?"
Jack, who was on the verge of breaking down, said tremblingly, "Calm down, calm down."
"Then, do I need to give you any compensation?"
"No, of course not! I just lost my mind. Please, please spare me."
Astr nodded slightly. He waved his hand, and Astr quickly stepped forward and pushed him back to the bedroom.
"Come in; let me entertain you, this guest, from afar."
"If you satisfy me, I might forgive you. After all, I am not a devil."
Hearing this, Jack's eyes lit up.
He reluctantly ripped the tattered shirt from the cloak, wrapping it around his wrists and securing it tightly.
With a resigned sigh, he performed a makeshift treatment before hastily joining Astr, the urgency of the situation urging him forward.
Entering the bedroom, Jack looked around and found that the young master's bedroom from a wealthy family was not as luxurious as he imagined.
On the contrary, it is full of life and a little warm.
The bed was covered with white sheets, and the quilt was open. Next to it was a spacious window overlooking the manor, with thin white curtains embroidered with rose patterns.
A solid wood double-door wardrobe is placed next to the bedside table, and opposite it is a somewhat messy desk, with even a plate of macarons on it.
'Dreams Space is based on reality. Does this mean that this white-haired devil actually likes sweets?'
Jack suddenly became confused. The mood swings between Astr being "like a human being" and "evil is inherently evil".
"Without further ado, nightmare spaces or nightmare worlds have a corrosive effect. For the sake of your mental health, let's get straight to the point." Astr was very considerate.
Jack gulped and said, "Yes, just ask..."
However, he had already made up his mind.
Never reveal anything about that adult.
Astr didn't wait much and asked, "First of all, you were sent by the Lust Painter's men, right?"
!!!!
Jack was immediately shocked: "How did you know? Ah!"
He hurriedly shut up, but it was too late.
"Sure enough," Astr narrowed his eyes. "Let me guess which subordinate..."
"[The Oak Banshee of the Forest] is already dead; that left is the [BoneRaven]." Or [StreamSteed]—well, it seems to be [StreamSteed]."
Observing Jack's expression, Astr made a conclusion.
In this moment, Jack's heart swirled with tumultuous emotions, leaving him utterly astonished and unable to fathom the depth of his shock!
'How did Astr know? I didn't say anything yet.