The journey took even longer than expected, so William brought up another topic inside the carriage—one the coachman couldn't directly reveal.
"Does everyone have any theories or guesses about the 'Malignant Affliction' corresponding to the Tenth Abyss?"
Jin immediately put both hands behind his head and leaned back. "Aren't things that require deduction and analysis your favorite, William? I'm too lazy to think about it. Besides, it has little to do with me."
Although Jin refused to participate, Price, the City Lord sitting across from them, wore a serious expression.
"Hmm... The effects of the Abyss described by the coachman are related to replication, specifically replicating an individual's most prominent traits. If I remember correctly, the mask that condensed over my face was primarily composed of hair.
"When I tore the mask apart, I could clearly feel its texture. It was extremely similar to my own hair, and even surpassed it in terms of its ability to take root.
"Furthermore, the hair replicated by the Abyss could condense into an absolute whole. If I hadn't burned away part of the mask with Moon Spot to disrupt its integrity, I wouldn't have been able to tear it off with my strength alone."
"Replicating an individual's most prominent traits—not only perfectly reproducing them but even improving upon them in certain aspects, while also possessing integrity... Could it be some kind of special replication-type virus?
"I wonder what kind of mask my 'Face Condensation' will produce."
After the brief conversation, William already had a general direction in mind. He sat cross-legged and focused on his own condition.
The Abyssal Substance he had allowed to roam freely through his body had multiplied tremendously during this time. It was now entirely possible to suppress it in accordance with the coachman's instructions.
He could force the