Chapter 65: The dancer's corruption
Instantly, a heavy silence passed between them.
A chilling atmosphere filled the room.
"What do you mean?" Haley asked, his voice dead and flat as he glared at the old scientist.
The scientist swallowed hard in fear but forced himself to speak. He tried to steady his thoughts enough to say the words clearly.
"My master, I speak the truth… This power is far beyond control. If I amplify the Dancer's corruption even slightly, no one will be able to restrain it. They'll go mad."
Haley inhaled deeply after a few seconds, but a trace of discomfort and doubt lingered in his eyes.
"Then why was he still able to control it… as if nothing could affect him?"
…
This time, the scientist managed to collect himself, grounding his thoughts by focusing on his work.
He began to explain slowly.
"Yes, my young master. This is a special case. The boy has a unique ability—to regulate and suppress his negative emotions. It's… exceptional. Honestly, I believe he might be the only one who can do it."
He added more cautiously:
"But he can't hold on forever. It's temporary. Once he reaches his limit, he'll lose all reason—everything that makes him human—and descend into madness."
Haley grimaced, holding his breath for a few moments before exhaling slowly. A quiet sigh escaped his lips.
"…Is that true?"
It was clear he still couldn't completely believe it. He needed one last confirmation.
After all, he had placed great hopes in this. He had invested an enormous amount of money and resources into this project.
"I swear it's true, my young master!"
A deeper silence spread between them.
Then, a sudden sound broke the stillness.
Thud!
A stream of blood burst from the old scientist's neck, and his torso collapsed to the ground instantly.
The sharp, metallic scent of blood filled the lab, sending a wave of dread and horror over everyone present.
But no one dared to scream, move, or make the slightest sound that might disturb him—until he finally spoke in a voice void of life.
"Hey... You… Are you listening to me?" Haley muttered with a hollow tone.
Almost instantly, another figure appeared from the far end of the lab—another scientist. He answered politely:
"Yes, I'm here, my young master."
…
Haley closed his weary eyes and exhaled slowly. Then, he turned toward the exit of the lab and spoke as he walked:
"Kill all the remaining prisoners in this place. Destroy everything. Erase every trace of things, able to betray."
"At this moment, you're the new leader. Don't disappoint me."
He paused.
"I don't care about second-rate products. I want the most powerful one."
…
"Yes! I'll do it. I'll make you proud. I promise."
Several hours passed.
In the dim hallway, lit only by dying artificial lights, there were faint footsteps and the low grumbling of someone walking alone.
"Fuck... Why does everything always fall on me like this?" Haley muttered, pressing his forehead in frustration.
"Maybe I should accept that offer. It might help me grow stronger… stronger than ever."
"Just like that, I'll finally surpass him."
When he thought of that person—the one he wanted to kill and crush more than anything—his jaw clenched tight, grinding his teeth.
"I'll defeat you, Kevin."
"With the power you stole from me."
***
Days passed.
Everything felt dull and meaningless. The prisoners, though technically no longer confined to cells, had nothing to do but wait. They were still inside this place — a massive prison disguised as freedom. And in truth, only one person had truly escaped: him.
During those days, Hector received a message from Tyrone — the man he had met not long ago.
They spoke in private.
Tyrone had suggested something dangerous: escape. He knew of a route that could lead them out — a hidden exit. But he couldn't do it alone. He needed help. And Hector, with his strength and determination, was the perfect candidate.
It was a golden opportunity.
Of course, Hector knew Tyrone's intentions weren't born of friendship. It wasn't trust — it was value. Tyrone simply needed Hector's power. But that didn't matter. If it could help him flee this godforsaken place, that was enough.
He had sworn to himself — once he got out, he'd change everything. He had plans.
But fate didn't make it easy.
One day, a chilling announcement shattered the fragile peace: all the common prisoners were to be slaughtered by the privileged prisoners.
He would have no choice, no voice in his own survival.
He now stood between two impossible decisions.
He could ignore Tyrone's offer, escape alone, and leave behind those who had given him a shot at life — but that meant letting them die. And he wasn't the kind of person who could do that. Not yet. Especially after defying Haley.
He wouldn't survive alone anyway.
So, he chose. He'd stand with Tyrone's group. And he had a plan. A dangerous, desperate plan.
A way for all of them to escape.
***
"Prepare yourselves," the jailer said coldly, his voice echoing through the hall as he faced the privileged prisoners gathered before him.
"Don't waste this final gift from Master Haley, miserable worms."
He gestured toward the weapon crates lined up before them.
"Take whatever you want. Don't let any of the common prisoners escape. Whoever kills the most... will earn a spot under Master Haley's command."
Inside the crates were weapons — swords, blades, armor, and more. But not ordinary tools. These were enchanted, charged with mana.
Advanced gear from one of the most powerful forces in the world — the Big Clan.
"…Hard to believe they're letting us touch this stuff," one of the privileged prisoners muttered, eyeing a gleaming blade with disbelief. "I've only ever seen this kind of gear in the world... unless you're rich or stupidly lucky."
"Haha! Blood! I'm going to become an underling of the Great Clan! I'll marry Lady Berry!" Oscar howled with laughter, rushing toward the weapons like a mad dog.
Most of the others felt the same — maybe not as crude, but they were hopeful. Hungry. They saw this as a chance to change their fate.
But Hector?
He moved forward with the crowd, silent.
His thoughts were different.
"This... is a step toward destiny."