Chapter 258: Compassion and Tolerance
The newcomer's words made Vito pause. He had chased them so fervently, yet it was only because he was curious about the days Vito had vanished.
"I didn't find any treasure. I merely stumbled into a certain space. If you're interested, I can tell you the details," Vito said probingingly.
The newcomer kept his approachable smile and slowly shook his head. The smile never changed as he did so, as though it had no blind spots at all. Every angle of his swaying head looked pleasing and relaxing, even stirring the urge to confide in him. He carried the compassionate tolerance of an elder, yet without the distance between generations—like a considerate older brother next door, familiar and close, but with just the right amount of distance, someone to whom one could safely entrust one's private thoughts.
"Of course I'm somewhat interested, or I wouldn't be here," the young man said gently. "Every silent corner of the Nightmare World, every unusual place, may be an unimaginable treasure. The only flaw is that, most of the time, finding them requires a little luck—and eyes capable of seeing their value. You say you gained nothing. That can only prove your incompetence. Still, there's no need for you to explain it to me. I trust myself more..."
"I can twist off your head, make you bow before me, and follow me forever," the young man continued gently. "At that time, you will naturally recite your experiences before me thousands upon thousands of times—even details you never noticed yourself, even childhood memories you had long since forgotten."
As he spoke in that unhurried manner, Vito's expression darkened as well.
"And you. You cannot defeat me. Chant my name now and submit before me. I can make an exception and