The Nail of Guilt

Aiden's expression froze on his face.

"Or the King of Illusions?"

Ron went on, his tone thick with mockery. "Is it because... you can't?"

The entire Imaginary Space sank into an eerie stillness.

Aiden's face began to twist.

That affable appearance was collapsing. Cracks spread from the corners of his eyes, stretching across his entire face.

"Brat, you're courting death."

His voice turned hoarse. "Who do you think you're talking to..."

"I'm just stating the facts." Ron was not moved in the slightest.

"The King of Absurdity and the King of Illusions... I've come into contact with both of Them, and I have traces of those memories."

"But you don't dare use them." He took a step forward. "Because Their 'existence' is too powerful."

"Even if it's only an illusion, it would still hurt you."

Another step.

"You're afraid."

"Even if you're only facing Their 'shadows,' you're still afraid."

Aiden's body began to tremble.

His face had completely collapsed, turning into a mask full of cracks.

Beneath the mask, some even more terrifying "truth" could be faintly seen.

"You think saying this will change anything?"

His voice became broken and halting. "You're still trapped here, with nowhere to run!"

"I just want you to understand one thing."

Ron's voice turned cold. "You're a failure. You have been from the very beginning."

Those words were like a sharp blade, stabbing into Aiden's most vulnerable place.

"Back then, you made an enemy of the King of Absurdity in the Main World."

He continued.

"I don't need to say much about how that struggle ended."

"You lost. Utterly and completely."

"In the end, you could only become a homeless cur, cowering in that barren place, the World of Chaotic Blood."

Aiden's body shook violently.

From within him, a warped roar began to ring