Joyce grew increasingly unrestrained, even covering his face as he laughed wildly. He had already gone beyond the persona associated with that name.
"Power, a place to belong, ideals... When I inherited the name Welt, I thought I would inherit everything That Man had, but everyone looked down on my frail self. Beneath that name, nothing belonged to me.
Joyce glanced at the helpless giant beast lying on the ground.
"You understand, don't you? Whatever I achieve has nothing to do with me. I'm like someone's shadow, playing a part, just because I inherited that name.
"When I did things right, people mocked me for acting superior. Who asked for my help? When I did something wrong, they thought I wasn't worthy of the name.
"Because That Man was a hero. At least, he was to those who were once my 'neighbors.'"
There was a trace of mockery in Joyce's voice.
"Just like you. As a Doll, no matter how well you do your work, the only one who receives recognition and support in the end is the Supreme Guardian. But when things go badly, everyone makes excuses for the Supreme Guardian, because she has too much to deal with.
"Isn't that right? The Architects, my former neighbors... How alike they are."
"We are different from you."
The giant beast shook its head slightly.
Was this for that woman? This was entirely for his twisted heart that wanted to become a hero.
They, on the other hand, merely wanted to return this world to the Stellaron's embrace.
"Then why did you manipulate Cocolia? Aren't you the Supreme Guardian's assistant Doll?" Faced with No. 17's silence, Joyce sneered.
"You do have a point, you pathetic Doll. We really are different.
"You're nothing but a failed product of Room 42. Even now,