Chapter 16: The Puppet’s Ball

Chapter 16: The Puppet’s Ball

“Father King, aren’t you coming in with me?”

“Nope. This Ruins only works when one person enters. If more than one goes in, it’s just a simple cave.”

“Fine, I’ll just go in alone then.”

I was hoping this would be different from a game that forces a solo entry into dungeons. If I could just cling to Father King’s leg, this mission would be a breeze. Guess I was too naive.

“You better be careful. I can’t help you once you’re in there. I have no idea what kind of things you might encounter.”

“Huh? Father King, you don’t know what’s inside either? Haven’t you been in before?”

Logically, if Father King had become the king of the Blood Clan, he must have visited this place. How could he not know what’s inside?

“Everyone encounters different things inside; I can’t predict what you’ll find, but I can guarantee that whatever it is, it will be your biggest challenge.”

“Is that so? Well, I think I can guess what’s waiting for me inside.”

Thinking back to that dungeon in the game, if this world is anything like the game’s setup, what awaits me is probably a Phantom just like me.

Aierjisi didn’t overthink it and ventured in alone.

Meanwhile…

“Mmm, I can smell it, that enticing aroma.”

Freya was intoxicated by the scent filling her nostrils. It felt too good, and she couldn’t help but wonder what kind of creature could emit such a delightful smell. It must be delicious!

“Let’s hurry up and see what kind of tasty prey it is!”

Following the scent, Freya headed toward the Tribe.

Behind her were several skeletons of creatures she had just feasted on. Judging by those bones, it was easy to deduce that these creatures were probably Beastmen who lived nearby.

“Finally, it has come, the Ultimate Life Form. Bring it on; we Beastman Tribe won’t just sit idly by. Everyone, are you ready? That despicable creature is here!”

On another front, Xiuliein also sensed the predicted Ultimate Life Form approaching. A week ago, he had already informed everyone in the Tribe, yet they chose to stand and fight rather than flee, even if it meant they would resist until the last second.

Their fate was undoubtedly to be wiped out by that Ultimate Life Form.

That’s why Xiuliein acted indifferent towards Carl just now; they wouldn’t even live long enough to reach that point.

“Uh-oh? Hey there, what’s going on? Are you all welcoming me? This welcome party seems a bit too enthusiastic!”

Freya followed the scent to the Tribe, only to find the Beastmen all armed and not welcoming her at all.

“Of course, it’s to stop you from moving forward, Ultimate Life Form, Freya.”

Xiuliein stood at the forefront, fearlessly staring at the woman. Despite knowing just how powerful she was, he wouldn’t be afraid!

“Oh? You already know my name? I’m so happy! But I don’t think we have any issues between us. Why stop me from moving along?”

“You don’t need to play dumb. Even if we let you pass, you’d just eat us all, wouldn’t you? After all, that’s just the nature of being the Ultimate Life Form.”

“Oh? I see, so you already know. How boring! I was thinking if I could sneak by. Can’t you at least pretend a little? I might leave a few of you alive.”

Freya glared uncertainly at the Beastmen in front of her; seriously, she’d come out to have fun, and they ruined her mood.

“Anyway, since you all know the score, I won’t play pretend anymore. Now that you know I’m the Ultimate Life Form, you should also understand your fate.”

With a grin, Freya extended her hand toward the Beastmen.

“Let’s get started; my concert is about to begin, let the thunderous applause commence!”

…

“Hmm? What’s that ruckus over there? Is something going on?”

Carl, who had been waiting for his daughter at the God Palace, suddenly heard a loud commotion from the Tribe. Out of curiosity, he had a look at what was happening.

“Wh… what’s going on here?”

Seeing the scene, even Carl, known for his brutality, couldn’t help but gasp. This was absurdly morbid.

Those Beastmen seemed to be having some sort of mishap, wielding weapons and attacking each other wildly. Some even started twisting their limbs. No matter how you looked at it, it didn’t seem normal—something had clearly gone wrong in the Tribe.

“Is it that woman? I can sense an aura from her similar to Gilbalis.”

Carl observed closely and noticed that among the abnormal Beastmen, the woman was the only one looking normal. It seemed like she was controlling the Beastmen, continuously moving her fingers.

Threads, it’s threads.

Squinting, Carl looked more carefully and discovered those nearly invisible threads. That woman was using these threads to control the Beastmen, making them slaughter each other or harm themselves.

What a twisted sense of humor.

Although Carl didn’t want to watch, he had no intention of intervening.

After all, she was the Ultimate Life Form. If he rashly attacked, he could end up like those Beastmen, toyed around with. Moreover, those Beastmen weren’t his concern; he had no reason to get involved regardless of what happened to them.

Of course, that was assuming Yake didn’t join the fray.

“What on earth is happening? Why are they all attacking each other?”

Yake, who had been resting in a tent, suddenly heard the commotion outside. Naturally, he couldn’t continue resting and had to check out what was going on. But as soon as he stepped outside, he was left dumbfounded.

“Oh? Another one who slipped through the cracks! You too can join the ranks of my loyal puppets and dance with them.”

Freya spotted Yake, who had just stepped out of the tent and hadn’t yet fallen under her control, and decided to ensnare him with a thread.

“What? My body… acting on its own…?!”

Before Yake could process what had just happened, his body began to move against his will.