Coast of Truth: The Evil Beyond Lies

18~

A voice, eerily similar to mine, pierced through the haze clouding my mind. Looking up, I saw a shadowy figure—a perfect replica of me—sitting before me, its lips twisted into a mocking smirk.

{ We both know you're more than capable of blowing everyone to bits. }

'But the students are innocent,' I retorted.

{ Hehehe, innocent? }

It snickered, leaning forward with a predatory gleam in its eyes.

{ You know as well as I do, these students—too afraid to face the monster on their own—willingly accepted the Puppeteer skill. }

'I know,' I admitted reluctantly.

On the first day of the exam, I had seen it myself—students flocking to her, trembling with fear. Some were forced, others went willingly. But the truth was undeniable: they were all now under her absolute control.

{ You know all you have to do is break through them. Those greenhorns won't last a minute against you. }

A chill ran down my spine as the shadow's words resonated within me.

"It's basic courtesy to introduce yourself when meeting for the first time, is it not?"

Her voice was calm, yet it carried a weight that pressed down on me like iron shackles. My gaze snapped to her—Sybil, sitting upon her grotesque throne fashioned from the bodies of her mind-controlled lackeys.

[ Host is being affected by skill: Mind Puppeteer ]

[ Analyzing... ]

[ Host's intelligence stat is higher than the caster. ]

[ Mind Puppeteer has failed to take effect. ]

A surge of clarity washed over me as the oppressive haze dissipated. My lips curled into a defiant smirk.

"Courtesy is given to those who deserve it," I spat, locking eyes with her. "And you don't deserve any courtesy from me."

Her expression remained unchanged, but amusement flickered in her eyes. She tilted her head slightly, regarding me as though I were an insect that had escaped her grasp.

"Hmm?" she mused, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "The little squirrel has quite the firm will, it seems."

Sybil leaned back on her throne, her controlled lackeys shifting uneasily beneath her. Her smirk widened as she spoke softly, her words dripping with malice.

"Beat him," she commanded. "Beat him until he can't move, but leave him alive. I don't want my entertainment ending too soon."

Her words hung in the air like a death sentence. The controlled students surrounding me moved in perfect unison, their blank, lifeless eyes locking onto me with predatory intent.

Two boys grabbed me by the arms and hoisted me to my feet, their grips unyielding. A third stepped forward, his movements stiff and unnatural, before slamming his fist into my jaw. Pain exploded across my face, but before I could recover, another fist struck me from the opposite side, followed by a kick to my abdomen that knocked the wind out of me.

Each blow sent waves of agony through my body, and my vision blurred. My knees buckled, but the boys kept me upright, forcing me to endure every strike. As my consciousness wavered, memories began to surface—a quiet library, the scent of aged parchment, and the voices of two familiar figures.

—---

In the library, a woman with piercing yet gentle eyes spoke to a small boy with gray hair and sapphire eyes. Her voice was firm but laced with care.

"Those who allow themselves to be oppressed are just as responsible for their suffering as the ones oppressing them," she said, her words echoing in the stillness.

The boy tilted his head, his innocent gaze meeting hers. "Then how can people who are oppressed free themselves?" he asked softly, unaware of the weight of his question.

"Strength," the woman replied without hesitation. "Only strength can break their chains. Weakness invites oppression."

A man entered the library, his sharp eyes narrowing as he added, "When a beast sleeps, even ants call themselves kings by walking across its body." He took a seat beside the boy, resting a firm hand on his shoulder. "Remember, Cardea, always put yourself first. The world does not reward hesitation."

The woman crouched beside the boy, cupping his face in her hands. "You are kind, Cardea, but remember this: not everyone deserves your kindness. If you face an enemy, do not hesitate. Show them your strength and let them know they stand before Cardea. My son is not weak."

The boy's eyes glimmered with determination. "Yes, Mother," he replied softly.

—--

The memory faded, replaced by Sybil's mocking laughter.

"What did you just say? Did you… call me 'mother'?" she sneered, striking one of the girls kneeling as her armrest. "Have you lost your mind, my little pawn?"

"No," I mumbled, the fire in my chest reigniting as her words rang hollow in my ears.

"What was that? Speak louder," Sybil snapped.

I raised my head, my voice hoarse but growing stronger. "I… was hesitant to harm others before. Thank you, Mother, for reminding me."

Sybil's eyes narrowed, her amusement fading. "Are you calling me your mother?"

I locked eyes with her, my voice sharp and unwavering. "Silence! I wasn't talking to you!"

{ Hehe, finally, the old hag did something useful. }

The air grew still, an unnatural silence falling over the clearing. Then, without warning, an invisible pressure descended like a tidal wave. The controlled students crumpled to the ground, unconscious, as the weight of my presence overwhelmed them.

Sybil stumbled, her grotesque throne collapsing beneath her. Her confident smirk twisted into raw terror as her gaze met mine.

{ Who did you call a pawn again, you arrogant b***h? }

She realized, too late, that the prey she had been toying with had never been prey at all. The aura rolling off me was primal, feral—a beast awakened from its slumber.

"Such disregard for the well-being of others," I said, my voice cold and unrecognizable. "You are not worthy of my kindness."

Sybil's body trembled as she stared at me, her mind unraveling. Just what have I provoked?

...

Hi guys hope you are enjoying the novel so far thank you for reading and hope you keep reading, add to library spare some power stones and keep reading.

also i made discord server for you guys and me to interact with each other if you guys interested join in.

Discord server link: https://discord.gg/htcCHBHjXd

Creation is hard, cheer me up!

Like it ? Add to library!