As night gave way to dawn, the murky light seemed like the last few strokes of color on an oil painting, lending the entire volcanic belt a quiet, desolate air.
Billowing clouds of smoke burst from the volcanoes, like enormous hands lifting the gray-white sky.
"All right."
Biscuit clapped her hands, taking a few dainty steps as she fixed her blazing gaze on the two prisoners, as if interrogating them.
"Tell me everything you know about my Crystal Gem. Remember, I mean everything!"
She put extra emphasis on "my Crystal Gem" and "everything" to make herself clear.
Pariston said nothing.
Last night, Pariston and Xiyou had officially become prisoners of Gelman's group. They would be taken back to the New Continent to face trial and punishment on behalf of Beyond's expedition team.
Pariston had actually wanted to try something, using the Pauper's Rose connected to his heart.
He knew it probably wouldn't kill Gelman, but it would certainly be enough to kill Gelman's companions. He could use that as leverage to force Gelman to comply.
But Gelman hadn't even given him a chance to speak or make a move. He'd immediately produced a card.
"Greed Island card: Breath of the Archangel."
Pariston watched in astonishment as a beautiful archangel quickly healed all his wounds before vanishing.
At the same time, the foreign object bound to his heart—the Pauper's Rose—was removed.
"I can hear your thoughts," Gelman told Pariston without mincing words. "The Pauper's Rose has been removed. Give up those ideas that would hurt both others and yourself."
The smile on Pariston's face disappeared completely, leaving it utterly blank.
His throat felt a little dry and itchy. "Gelman, you're no fun at all..."
"Beyond and I have always had the same goal," Gelman said. "Do you know why I fell