Final Volume: A Tiny World in the Dust - Gloom

"Leader will begin constructing the World Crossing Gate in five days. It will open seven days from now. By then, Leader will break through every restraint and ascend to an even greater realm."

Gustav said this impassively to Huang Huo and Anubas, who were still bound.

After dropping that remark, he didn't look at either of them again. He headed straight out of the holding cell.

"Wait, Gustav!"

A hoarse voice, like that of a broken, antiquated radio, called out to him.

"What is it, Huang Huo?"

"Are you really willing to accept this?"

"What do you mean?"

"—Of course, I mean giving up your soul for Leader," Anubas cut in.

"...Heh. If you're trying to provoke me, I don't mind teaching you a lesson you'll remember in your bones."

"We're not trying to provoke you. We only want to ask how you really feel."

"How I really feel? Giving everything for Leader is my ideal ending, and the very purpose of my life."

"Even if you can never serve at Leader's side again?"

"..."

Huang Huo gave a grim, sinister smile, and Gustav furrowed his brow.

"Think about it, Gustav. When the time comes, you'll be dead while Leader is still alive. Life and death will keep you apart forever. And if your soul is used to build the World Crossing Gate, will Leader even be able to bring you back?"

"Leader, of course—"

"—The answer is 'no.'"

A fourth voice sounded without warning.

All three were startled and looked toward it. Yusuo Zai was strolling over, swinging a small jar of wine.

"Sorry. You all seemed to be having such an interesting conversation that I couldn't resist butting in."

"What did you just say couldn't be done?"

Gustav glared at Yusuo Zai. The one-eyed cripple drew all his