Green read most of Nicrot's memories, then tossed his shattered soul into the Nightmare Kingdom. He took over Nicrot's body and strode back toward the factory workshop as if he belonged there. But just before reaching it, he frowned and changed direction, heading for a barren lot nearby. A workshop had once stood there, but it had burned down in an accidental fire and never been rebuilt. According to Nicrot's memories, few people ever went there.
Green was still getting used to controlling Nicrot's body, and his movements were a little stiff. He stepped onto the fire-scarred ruins, turned toward the empty space behind him, and said, "Come out. You followed me all the way here. Isn't this the chance you were waiting for?"
Green activated the Eye of Spirit Sight and fixed his gaze on a spot a dozen or so meters away. Light and shadow wavered, and a figure appeared out of thin air. It was the clown.
"Heh. I never thought you'd notice me. Looks like I underestimated you." The clown toyed with the cards in his hand and smiled faintly.
"Do you want to kill me?" Green asked. "I don't remember meeting you. Did someone hire you?"
The clown bared his teeth in a grin and took two steps forward, murderous intent glinting in his eyes. "Drop the act. You're not Nicrot. Your soul's fluctuations changed after you came out of Soster Palace. You killed Sinem, didn't you? Don't deny it. I can sense the mark Sinem left on your soul before he died."
Sinem? Green immediately remembered the name, and the clown's identity became clear. "You're with the Death Council too? Here to avenge your companion?"
The clown gave a thin, humorless smile and nodded. "The Death Council's tenth councilor, Clown Hylem, at your service."