Say It, What Do You Want!

In a pure white space.

Hey, hello there! We finally meet.

When those words reached his ears, Imu's heart sank, because in his senses, there was no feedback from behind him.

Fortunately, he could still feel the Haki within his body.

Imu turned around calmly, his sharp, golden eyes, like those of an eagle, coldly scrutinizing the strange object that had come into view.

There are two strange points.

First, its appearance: a white sphere about the size of a basketball is outlined in a Black Mist- like silhouette, with only a cracked mouth and teeth visible on its surface.

Secondly, there was the aura; it was right in front of him, but his senses told him that there was nothing there.

This made Imu, who was used to being in control of the entire situation and even reading minds at will, somewhat uncomfortable.

"I think you must be the 'Truth' mentioned in alchemical theory."

As a transmigrator, Imu had already guessed the existence of the 'Gate of Truth' long before he learned of the existence of Alchemists and the Philosopher's Stone in the Teigu World.

"Interesting. You're the first one who didn't come up here and ask where this place is or who I am."

"Good."

"I am the Truth, the world itself, the universe itself, or God himself, or everything, or the only one."

After hearing the other party's incredibly sophisticated words, Imu frowned slightly and uttered a profound question.

"Is that all? I think it would be better to add 'or perhaps it's you, or 'I am you' as the ending."

"???"

Suddenly, three white question marks with outlines of Black Mist appeared on the white ball's head, which had a mouth.

Every time he met Alchemists who appeared before him, he would indeed add the phrase "I am you" at the end.

Because they are all people in my own universe, and I can easily see through their inner and outer selves, instantly understanding them better than they understand each other.

That's why it didn't say that to Imu.

It was because Imu was neither a person from its own universe, and it discovered that it was completely unable to read Imu's thoughts, memories, and physical information, which made it somewhat uncomfortable.

In this situation, saying anything like "I am you" would be pure nonsense.

"I think the reason you said 'we've finally met' was because of the Star Gate I control."

"As for why you didn't come looking for me immediately when the Star Gate opened, I suspect there are two possibilities."

Imu seemed to have no intention of waiting for its reply and continued its analysis on its own.

"Either you decide to wait and see out of caution, or you can't contact me directly, or perhaps both."

"Think back to how we met. I suspect you need to activate alchemy to bring the Alchemists's consciousness into this space to communicate."

'Truth' listened silently, and watched Imu talk on and on without saying a word.

Is something wrong here?

It seems like it actively brought the other party here, so shouldn't the initiative be in its hands?

The fact that Imu said something so irrefutable left it speechless.

"That."

'Truth' tried to steer the conversation back to its intended topic, but Imu suddenly posed a question to it.

"Now that you've seen me, what's your plan? Are you going to use your power to take it?"

"No, if you were really as powerful as you claim, or if you were truly capable of seizing control of my Star Gate, you would have already done so, and there would be no need for me to say all this."

"So you actually don't have the ability to seize it, and therefore you're prepared to talk to me about cooperation, right?"

Those familiar with Imu should be able to see by now that his current incessant talking is highly unusual.

Because he is very nervous right now.

"Ahem, more or less, I meant..."

Seeing that Imu had finally given him a chance to speak, 'Truth' was about to share his thoughts, but Imu unexpectedly cut him off again.

"But this is strange. The Star Gate is right there, and it's always open. If you want to enter another world through the Star Gate, you should be able to do so at any time, right? Or is it..."

At this point, Imu's eyes flickered as he gazed intently at the 'Truth' floating in mid-air.

"For some reason, you can't enter directly through the Star Gate, so what are you in front of me now? A clone? An illusion?"

Now.

After saying a lot, he relaxed a lot because he could tell that the other party didn't seem to have any ill intentions.

At the same time.

Imu manipulated a Star Map to appear before him, hoping it might offer some clues to his questions. However, he miscalculated this time; there was nothing there.

"Are you done talking?"

'Truth' remained silent for a long time. Seeing that Imu was no longer speaking, it finally asked a question, as it was quite 'terrified' to be interrupted earlier.

"Um."

Imu nodded calmly.

"The general situation is similar to what you described. I do want you to allow me to enter another world through the Star Gate and access unknown knowledge."

After saying that, 'Truth' felt a strange sense of relief.

At the same time, I am happy that I can finally speak a complete sentence.

That's absolutely absurd!

"Why?"

Imu asked, puzzled, "The Star Gate is right there outside, you can come in through it anytime."

"Because that's your Star Gate, according to the principle of equivalent exchange, I need to wait for your consent and pay a price of equal value."

'Truth' answered him in this way.

"I see."

Imu understood that what bound 'Truth' was none other than its own core rules.

He felt much more at ease, and a smile appeared on his face.

"So what are you going to give me?"

"I can grant you access to the gate and the same knowledge as those gained through the Star Gate, which will also allow you to use alchemy without relying on 'transmutation circles' and 'tectonic forces'."

"It means making me a so-called 'Stigmata Alchemist'."

"That's right."

'Truth' grinned, revealing a mouthful of neat White Fang. It thought Imu wouldn't refuse, after all, no one had ever refused such a good thing before.

Imu merely glanced at the Taiseki behind 'Truth,' its surface etched with various patterns and designs, and coldly uttered three words.

"I refuse."

"Ha?"

'Truth' was stunned for a moment, even doubting whether he had misheard.

But Imu calmly replied, "We've just met. How could I possibly step into a completely unknown place just because of a few words from you?"

'Truth' looked at him helplessly.

"But you already know that I am the Truth, and you are now in my space. If I had any intention to harm you, would I have waited until now?"

"My claim that you are 'the Truth' is purely speculation. Just because you say you are 'the Truth' doesn't mean you are. You know better than I where the word 'lie' comes from."

Imu said dismissively, "I was dragged in by you against my will, with no choice but to accept it. But if I were to walk through that door on my own accord based on a few words, I would be a foolish person who easily trusts others."

As the saying goes, those who have nothing to lose are not afraid of those who have something to lose.

He's currently wearing gold shoes studded with Diamond, so how could he possibly walk into the small, dark room the other party has prepared based on a few unverifiable words?

Furthermore, even if the other party truly holds the 'Truth,' so what?

Who can guarantee that 'Truth' will never deceive, or that it will never harbor harmful intentions?

Isn't deception also a form of knowledge?

As for 'Sacred Mark' level alchemy, having it is certainly good, but not having it is not a big deal. If you need it someday, just call Dean Isaac over.

"But how can I let you gain knowledge if you don't enter the 'door'? Our previous deal can't be completed." 'Truth' sighed, then complained, "Aren't you the boss of that World Government? You're such a coward!"

Imu watched it calmly.

"That's precisely why I need to be so cautious. As for the deal, why can't it continue? You can offer me a different price."

'Truth' replied dejectedly, "Then tell me, what do you want!"

A huge thank you to the reader "Molotov Cocktail" for the 1500 Qidian Coin! Thank you so much for your encouragement and support!