Chapter 288: Pure White (4)

Chapter 288: Pure White (4)

Perhaps my response was too quick. Maybe I should have pretended to agonize over it a bit more.

I was slightly worried, but fortunately, the other party didnt seem to find it odd.

On the contrary, this might be better.

For now, I must become a man who loves Johanna.

I must appear as a man who is deeply worried about Johanna, a man who is extremely angry at the kidnappers, and a man who is clouded by emotions, acting without any rational thought.

lnteresting.

The man said. I clenched my teeth and gripped the sword at my waist.

Theres no time.

Hmm, understood.

The man who had taken the briefcase handed me a card. The coordinates were written on it.

I glared at him, my mind racing.

lf this is a lie

lm not that fearless. Everything is true. Ill disappear as if I never existed.

Youre confident youll survive?

I asked him. He laughed in response.

Do you have time to tussle with me?

True to his words, my immediate goal was clear.

Where is Miss Zia?

Youll find out naturally. I promise.

I stood up from my seat. Right after, the mans body turned pitch black and he sank into the ground.

Johanna must have hired someone with real skill.

Sigh.

I left the abandoned factory, checking the coordinates. They were much farther than I expected. It would take at least half a day of nonstop travel.

My head throbbed, but I couldnt show any sign of weakness.

Johanna was lost in thought, quietly. Her body was tightly bound, unable to move, and the filth around her made her reluctant to even open her eyes.

It wasnt as if she had never experienced such humiliation before. Her twenties were full of conflicts, after all.

Back when she was full of youthful vigor, kidnappings, confinements, and battles were almost annual events, but now, all those who were once enemies of Johanna are dead.

In other words, this is the first time shes encountered something like this in nearly five years.

Thats why its so absurd, why she occasionally feels a sense of doubt about why she's in this situation, and why shes confused.

All of this is because its a play she has orchestrated herself.

Johanna quietly opened her eyes.

Hssssss

Its real poison gas rising, not a fake. In 24 hours, it will fill the space and kill Johanna.

Of course, she has no intention of just sitting still until then.

Sigh.

Johanna let out a sigh.

At this point, even she no longer understood herself.

Why is she doing this? Why is she committing such idiotic acts?

This is not like Johanna of Libra.

Far from being noble, its rather pathetic and ugly.

It has nothing to do with the tangible values of money, honor, and power that she has always pursued.

Rather, its an act that damages those very things.

Therefore, Johanna begins to doubt. She starts to ponder and think.

Is love supposed to be like this?

Is love something that makes you give up a part of yourself?

Johanna doesnt know yet.

So, she will simply wait.

To see the end of this torment today, to wait for himwho may or may not come for her. She will wait.

I am running through the desert. At a speed that kicks up sandstorms, I am moving quite swiftly.

But my mind is a bit hazy.

I feel worried, confused, and somewhat relieved.

Shion Ascal.

As Shion Ascal, before and after my regression, what I have always desired is the downfall of Libra.

They led my father to his death and ruined my life. Even the cancer all the diseases I suffered from were largely because of them.

Libras elixir 'Perion' wasnt a project that just happened overnight. It was secretly developed over decades.

The truth Theia Esil revealed to me in the past.

The precursor of Perion recorded in my [Notepad] .

Initially, it was a drug developed by Libra for standardization purposes. It was more efficient to create a drug that would strengthen the weak majority rather than one for the strong.

Libra offered it to my father.

My father was a low-ranking knight but wished to be of help to Libra. Libra exploited my fathers pure heart.

If there exists an elixir that could make you much stronger, and thus be of help to the family, would you be willing to take it?

Of course, I didnt know about that day. I didnt know what my father had struggled with, what kind of resolve he had made.

I only caught a glimpse of the fragments with the help of Theia Esil.

Libra injected the elixir into low-ranking knights to observe their growth.

At that time, Libra used knights as samples, who were not only under Libras command but also fathers of families, someones sons, brothers, friends, siblings.

Some became stronger, some died, some remained the same, but a rare few suffered fatal side effects.

It felt strange to say such things, and she felt a blush of embarrassment that made her hands and feet tremble, but it was bound to come to this.

Shion Ascal. Come to me. I can give you what you desire.

Johanna already knew what Shion Ascal desired.

But Shion remained silent. He just looked at her quietly. Johanna leaned her face against his shoulder.

Do you know why you came to me?

Lady Johan na.

Because you love me.

Johanna continued in a low voice.

Shion. You are like me.

Shions body trembled. That tremor reached Johanna. It was a gentle gesture.

Johanna looked up at him from his embrace.

So come to me before its too late. Time is too short to be apart.

Suddenly, the wind swirled around them. Thin streams of sand danced beside them.

Shion was silent, and Johanna waited.

Whooooosh-

The hot wind of the desert stretched out long. Even as time passed, his silence was too persistent. Johanna would have normally stayed quiet, but she was an impatient person.

She furrowed her brow in frustration.

Answer me.

Then, Shion bit his lip. He then quietly shook his head. At that series of actions, Johanna felt a sharp pain in her heart.

lm sorry.

Johannas complexion turned pale.

It was as if a window had exploded beneath her ribs. It felt like all the shattered fragments were tearing through her skin and guts.

lm sorry.

Shion stood up, leaving her behind. Johanna quickly grabbed him as he started to trudge away.

Stop.

Shion did not stop. His strides crushed the sand dunes. Grains of sand, stirred by the gale, obscured her vision.

lf you don't stop, Zia will die.

Johanna eventually took Zia hostage. Finally, Shions steps halted, and she glared at him, breathing heavily.

What's the reason?

Shion did not answer.

You love me, and you came to save me before Zia. Even so, you cant give up on Zia? You're lying to yourself right now.

Shion did not answer.

I made it clear. I always get what I want. If you dont come to me, Zia will die today.

Shion did not answer.

Johannas face sharpened like a bird of prey. She even raised her magical power as she shouted.

Answer me!

Shion quietly closed his eyes.

Now, this was the moment.

All emotions were reaching their climax, the perfect time for Libra to confess to him. The perfect situation to carry out his revenge.

l'm sorry. I cannot go to Lady Johanna.

Shion murmured softly.

Suddenly, Johannas entire being turned cold. Her frigid magical power made even the desert feel chilly.

Why?

Shion opened his eyes. With a face that seemed sorrowful, as if he was too guilty, he bit his lip.

And then

Because I love you, Lady Johan na.

It shook Johannas heart once more.

It was an incomprehensible statement to Johanna.

Because you love me, you cant stay by my side?

She let out a hollow laugh. It was a rage she had rarely felt in her life. If it had been anyone other than this man, she might have already killed them countless times.

Meanwhile, Shion counted the years in his heart.

Perhaps there were 9 years left.

Dont talk bullshit. If you love me, just stay by my side. I wont say it twice. If you dont come to me, Zia will die

lts not because of that.

Shions tone settled calmly. There was no need to delay any longer, as everything was set.

I am going to die soon.

Shion spoke plainly. At last, he confessed his secret to her.

?

Johannas fingertips trembled slightly. One eyebrow arched oddly.

To her, who still couldnt fully accept his words, he added one last sentence.

I have cancer.