*Content Warning: This chapter contains mature themes, violence, blood, and morally dark actions. Reader discretion advised.*
***
Within the humble hut where herbal vapors curled like whispering ghosts through reed-woven walls, the air thick with the scent of crushed leaves and simmering elixirs under flickering oil-lamp glow, tension coiled tighter than a predator's spring, Leon's gaze hardening like forged steel amid the old lady's probing words.
Leon said with an annoyed expression on his face.
"One of the Great Sects? The hell are you even talking about, old hag?"
The old lady said with a reassuring face.
"Uh, well, that's great if you're not from one of the Great Sects. And don't you know what manners are, huh?"
Leon grew more annoyed by the second, then said with a serious voice.
"I don't know what the hell you're talking about with Great Sects or whatever, and I don't give a shit, you know?"
The old lady said with a kind smile on her face.
"Well, you're quite rude for someone your age, child. But anyway, tell me—where did you come from and—"
Leon cut her off, speaking with a furious face.
"That's enough, hag! You're talking too damn much. Who do you think you are to ask me questions, huh?"
Leon continued while slowly standing.
"I'm truly grateful you saved me, and I'll repay this debt someday. But that doesn't mean you can pry into personal things about me, you know."
Suddenly, while Leon spoke, he flinched, realizing how much he'd changed—the irritation twisting his face, annoyance spiking, expressions shifting wildly. Sweat beaded like bullets on his cheeks as he mumbled.
"Wait... I-I just realized it now. I've changed. I have Changed too damn much. The way I'm talking to her, screaming at her, my expressions are flipping too many times. I wasn't like this. What's happening? How did I change so suddenly"?
Leon continued mumbling while looking at the old lady with a sad expression. The old lady looked troubled by his erratic speech.
"This—this is too suspicious. That damn Mind Demon hasn't said a single word, and at the same time he hasn't done anything to my body. Then what the hell is happening"?
Suddenly, Leon flinched harder—his hands trembled not from fear, but as if unearthing forbidden truth. The old lady paled, terrified, mumbling worriedly.
"Did I get too personal? I Shouldn't have asked about his family. But what's worrying me more is—that the way his expressions are change so drastically how is that even possible. Just what is happening with him"?
Leon mumbled while shaking.
"Uhh, damn it—don't tell me that damn Mind Demon got stronger or something? Or is it something else"?
Deep in Leon's consciousness, atop shadowy throne amid mental void swirling with crimson storms, the figure silent too long stirred—the life-stealing sadist, absent for ages.
The Mind Demon said with a smug smile.
"Oh my, my—did you miss me that much, huh? Seems like you've discovered it, huh?"
Leon mumbled, sweat dripping steadily.
"Well, well, well—will you look at that? Our great Mind Demon lord has finally decided to talk now."
The Mind Demon grinned devilishly.
"Tch, tch, tch—you damn little bastard, don't you dare act tough in front of me. But I really didn't expect you to figure it out so soon, dumbass."
The old lady sat on a chair, looking at Leon with a worried face—as if wanting to speak but holding back. She mumbled.
"What's happening? Somehow that child stopped those weird expressions, but now it's weirder. He isn't saying anything, and isn't moving either. By the look of it, he's in trouble. He's Sweating like bullets".
Leon mumbled with a worried face.
"To think he's gotten so much stronger in such short time. Now I finally understand—that bastard was controlling my emotions. He's become strong enough to take over my body anytime if he wants".
"But what's troubling me more is—why isn't he making a move? That bastard is truly cunning. I Can't sit here all day doing nothing— and that old lady just keeps staring at me".
Leon said while looking at the old lady with a bright smile.
"Hey, old hag."
The old lady flinched.
"Y-yeah? What is it? Are you okay now, child?"
Leon mumbled, glancing at his feet.
"There is No point in acting kindly now. I Should behave like i did before, or she'll think I'm strange".
Leon said with an annoyed expression while looking at the old lady.
"Old hag, you wanna know where I come from, right? Well, how should I say this—I don't really remember it either. But I do remember one thing."
The old lady looked at Leon full of pity, mumbling.
"So he doesn't even remember his past? Then that must mean he doesn't know his parents either"...
Leon continued speaking while looking at the old lady with the same expression.
"If I remember correctly, when I woke up, I was in sand— and all I could see was endless red sand that didn't end no matter how much I walked."
The old lady suddenly stunned, trembling in fear—voice caught as if throttled, gasping before collapsing to the floor.
Leon caught her safely, worried look flashing.
"Hey, hey—old hag, what happened? Are you okay?"
The old lady barely spoke, words forcing out little by little.
"H-how is this possible? No, that's just not possible. If what you're saying is correct, then how are you still alive? It just doesn't make sense!"
Leon mumbled with a troubled expression on his face.
"What happened? Why is she making such weird expressions? No—now that I'm looking at her closely, I can tell what she's feeling. Right now, it's pure fear."
Leon continued mumbling while gently helping the old lady sit back in her chair, holding her hand steady.
"But why? Why is she so terrified? And to begin with, which part of my story scared her this much? Was it the reddish sand... or something else?"
"Now the question is what should I do now".