It's Raining

"I'm leaving."

On the fifteenth level of Silent Helix, Yin Gula, wrapped head to toe in bandages, did not look especially surprised when he heard Black Crow say that. He lay half-reclined on the carpet against a pile of miscellaneous items, his smooth blond hair tied up by Gwen, exposing the back of his neck, which was like white silk satin. His upper body, with its ape-like arms and wasp waist, was bare, and a curtain had been casually wrapped around his lower half. Add in all his injuries, and in his own words, "I look exactly like a doll that's been played with until it's ruined but still has to keep taking customers."

Gwen was holding a small knife, shaving away, stroke by stroke, the rotten flesh on Yin Gula's body that had been charred by Thunder Water Arrow Rain, then using Hydrotherapy Spell Spirit to regenerate blood and flesh. She had to be extremely careful, because the Fraudster could no longer withstand any more blood loss. His face was as pale as paper, yet he still remained perfectly calm under this torture that was almost lingchi—a Mind Artificer was best at cutting off his own pain receptors.

Many people thought the main use of the Mind School was to deceive others, but Mind spells were used far more often to deceive oneself. To deceive oneself that it did not hurt, to deceive oneself that one did not care. As long as the deception went on long enough and deep enough, it was as if one could truly grow used to loss and parting.

The Fraudster's lips moved slightly. Countless words seemed to be brewing in his throat, but in the end, they turned into only one question:

"You're leaving now?"

Black Crow stood. He was still wearing a