Chapter 370: Manic Laughter in a Cave ( 370 )

The assassin’s eyes widened in surprise at the beautiful glowing stone. He slowly moved toward it, his fear temporarily forgotten as he stared at the shimmering light. He noticed ancient runes glowing on the pedestal, forming words he couldn’t understand.

What is this stone... it’s beautiful...

He was snapped back to reality when he heard footsteps echoing through the cave, followed by a distant, manic shout getting closer.

"Come out, come out, wherever you are~ I know you’re in here~"

Ah shit! I’m going to be dead! I have nowhere to go!

His eyes darted around the chamber in panic, searching for any escape, any crevice, any shadow to hide in.

Just as panic began to set in, a soft, calm whisper brushed against his ear.

Hide...

The assassin glanced around wildly, his eyes landing on a section of the wall where the stone seemed to shift.

A hidden door was sliding open, revealing a narrow, dark passage.

Without a second thought, he dove inside, scrambling on his hands and knees as the stone door slid shut behind him with a soft, quiet thud.

Moments later, Hazuki leaped into the chamber, landing with a heavy thud. His eyes scanned the room, glowing with manic intensity. His face was twisted into a savage grin, his tongue lolling out like a wild beast.

"Found youuuuuu~"

He tilted his head, his grin faltering as he saw the empty chamber. His eyes narrowed, and he let out a low, dangerous hiss.

"Damn! Where is that man?"

Hazuki let out a long exhale before patting his hands and wiping them on his dirty, blood-stained clothes. He paused, his eyes narrowing as they fixed on the glowing stone.

He moved casually, both hands stuffed in his pockets, stopping in front of the pedestal. He leaned down, hands still in his pockets, and tilted his head, examining the stone closely.

"Hmm? Where have I seen this stone before?"

He straightened up, crossing his arms while still rubbing his chin, his gaze drifting upward as he racked his brain.

"If I’m not mistaken, I think I’ve seen this stone somewhere before... but where?"

He shrugged, slapping the stone casually with his palm before turning to leave, grumbling under his breath.

"Whatever. Not my problem."

He took a few steps toward the entrance.

Then stopped.

He stood still for a moment, his back to the pedestal.

Slowly, he turned back to face the glowing stone.

The runes on the pedestal began to pulse faster, brighter. The light intensified, swirling upward like a vortex of pure energy. A low hum filled the chamber, vibrating through the stone floor and up Hazuki’s legs.

The stone cracked, a thin fracture spreading across its surface before it shattered, releasing a thick plume of purple smoke that swirled upward, coiling lazily in the air.

A loud, exaggerated yawn echoed through the chamber.

"Hmm~? Is it one thousand years already?"

The voice was groggy, stretching out like someone just waking from a long nap. A purple puffball shape slowly solidified, hovering in the air, arms stretching lazily above its head.

"Man... it felt like just a few days. I wonder which dumbass I’ll need to guide this time."

Well... first thing first, whoever they are, it’s time to scare the shit out of them. Make them piss their pants, maybe even shit themselves~ Kekeke~

He descended slowly, his form shifting, glowing red eyes emerging from the purple smoke, sharp fangs baring in a menacing grin.

"Huryaaaaa!!!!"

Ridan charged toward the figure, then paused mid-air, swallowing hard in surprise.

Hazuki stood there casually, both hands in his pockets, covered in torn clothes caked in dirt and dark, splattered blood. His hair was a mess, clothes torn. He looked up at Ridan with calm eyes.

What...

How...?

If this is already a thousand years later, does that mean this guy managed to outlive a normal human lifespan? No... that doesn’t make sense. Even with those Life Fruits, he’d only live a few hundred years at most, not a full millennium...

He shook his head.

No... I don’t think so.

But... why is he here?

Those two said I wouldn’t be able to meet Hazuki anymore. And that Hazuki would forget about me. They said the memories would be erased. That he’d move on without knowing I ever existed.

So why is he standing right in front of me?

Ridan’s intimidating aura flickered and died, leaving only a floating purple puffball staring in stunned silence.

Ridan glanced at Hazuki, who still stood there in silence, staring up at him with an unreadable expression.

Well... whatever... if he doesn’t remember me, at least I’m free from the seal now.

But... really... I can’t believe he managed to live this long and that he’s the one who broke the seal again...

When those two mentioned I’d be sealed for a thousand years before being released by the next fate, I thought I’d never see him again.

Ridan floated down, crossing his arms, and stopped just in front of Hazuki, hovering slightly above eye level. He puffed out his chest, putting on his most grandiose voice.

"Good job releasing me, oh mortal~ It is I, the great ancient spirit, a master of magic, the arc wizard, the most powerful and genius spellcaster to ever exist! You should be honored, no, blessed to be in my presence! Consider yourself lucky that I, the great Ridan-sama, have chosen to grace you with my magnificent existence! Bow before me, and I may consider blessing you with a fraction of my wisdom!"

Hazuki stared up at him with a flat, bored expression. His arms crossed. His eyes narrowed.

"So... you finally done sulking over that noodle, you dumb purple puffball?"

Ridan’s grandiose pose faltered. His eyes blinked in surprise, his mouth hanging slightly open.

"Huh?"

Before he could react, Hazuki’s hand shot out, grabbing him mid-air with a manic grin stretching across his face.

"No so fast now, are you, huh!? You dumb purple puffball! How dare you leave me at that icy hell alone!"

Hazuki’s fingers found Ridan’s spiky hair tufts and yanked hard, pulling them like reins as he burst into manic laughter.

"GYAHAHAHA! I told you I’d pull your hair when I found you!"

( End Of Chapter )