Void Hunters

Mani held the little money pouch and shook it, but it made no sound. Then she grabbed both sides with her hands and tipped it toward the floor. With a long clatter, all sorts of treasures came pouring out.

"Wow!"

Mani's eyes sparkled, and she immediately picked out the gold and put it into her own little treasury.

The True-Self Perfect One came back to his senses. Looking rather helpless at the sight, he turned to Hawkins and asked, "You'll compensate me, won't you?"

"You didn't stop her yourself. What does it have to do with me?" Hawkins refused.

If Mani had stolen it in secret, he might have compensated him. But now she was taking it right in front of him, and the True-Self Perfect One hadn't stopped her. What did that have to do with Hawkins?

The True-Self Perfect One looked at Mani, who immediately asked cautiously, "Can I pay with my body?"

"No need!" the True-Self Perfect One said in disgust.

He reached out and snatched the little money pouch from Mani's hands, dropping the subject of compensation.

"Tell me... if I took her hostage, would you hand over the undying will?" His hand settled on Mani's head, and his voice suddenly turned sinister as he glanced at Hawkins.

Hawkins wasn't surprised by the True-Self Perfect One's sudden change of face. He said calmly, "Do whatever you like."

"Right, whatever you like!" Mani immediately chimed in.

Finding the pair utterly impervious to persuasion, the True-Self Perfect One released her, bored. Propping his cheek on one hand, he asked, "Name your terms, then. What would it take for you to hand over the undying will?"

"Go into Infinite Space and take it yourself, and I'll give it to you!" Hawkins said with a half-smile.

The True-Self Perfect One