The Purple Passage

Passing to nothing but darkness. Under Dylan's lead, the group arrived at the statue. The statue had its head tilted upwards; it looked as if its gaze had penetrated the outer space. The only thing that destroyed its beauty was its dog head in a human body.

Even Dylan finds it hard to consider it aesthetic no matter what perspective. Its two arms were spread wide as it was welcoming someone.

Kevin and Kenjaku curiously caressed the statue in different parts and they felt the texture of cold sensation in their touch.

"It looks like some kind of unique race. A beastkin perhaps?"

"Maybe, beastkins are the result of a human and a beast that had sex. However, that's kinda forbidden no matter where. Just the existence of beastkins warrants their death."

"Nah, I think this isn't a beastkin." Kenjaku lifted his glass with a distant look on his face.

"Huh? If not, what do you think it is then? Are you fucking kidding me?" Hank said with a mocking expression.

Kenjaku ignored Hank's provocation and continued: "This is just my speculation. But I think this is more like someone, maybe a mad scientist, severed the head of a pet dog and grafted it to a human body for experimentation."

"Damnn... That sounds disgusting and horrible. If there's really someone who could do such an immoral thing. Then this world is hopeless."

Kevin had a sad expression. In his view, such a thing is immoral and utterly unforgivable. If one day, he meets such a person. He won't hesitate to kill him.

After all, no matter what kind of experimentation. What could one even achieve by replacing a human head with the head of a dog? Out of revenge?

"You may not think about it. But there are a lot of scientists who would do that for the sake of exploring the mysteries of human biology. The human body has boundless hidden potential." Dylan couldn't help but offer his thoughts. "Is it worth it? Maybe for scientists who want to uncover the mysteries of the universe. To seek the truth. They won't hesitate to make sacrifices."

Dylan smiled. "That's literally how our society advances its knowledge of medicine, technology, and biology. Through countless sacrifices, trial and error, and experimentations. The truth is, underneath all the things benefiting us are hiding sacrificed lives."

"Well, that's dark but it's true." Kenjaku nodded at this time.

Orochi listened to the two but he didn't care about the topic. Why would he care about worldly matters? The affairs of mortals? In his opinion, in the face of the Domain of Gods, no matter how advanced science is, it won't even be able to put resistance. The power of gods is absolute!

"So how do we proceed now?" Kenjaku asked.

Dylan jumped on the feet of the statue and kicked the back of its head lightly. Something clicked. The legs of the statue parted along with the ground. The sound of rumbling appeared in the mind of the group. Yes, only in their mind. After all, the environment they were in devours sound.

Just like that, an underground stairs leading to a purple light-covered narrow passage revealed itself to them.

"Are we supposed to go down there? After all the shits that we went through in this mountain. I feel that it's not wise to do so."

With a chuckle, Kevin spread his hands somewhat nervously.

Kenjaku smacked Kevin in the back of his neck. "Don't tell me you're chickening out now? After all the danger and tribulations that we faced. You're going to back down now?"

"Where did you even get your courage now? Aren't you the one that loves his life the most?" Speechless, Kevin argued. Then he let out a helpless shrug and exhaled a mouthful of air. "Okay, I'll admit that I am indeed scared. But fear is what helps us survive in the end, right? Just think about it... Once we go down inside, I'm sure that there's no sun. How would our captain use sunlight? We would lose our most powerful guarantee."

Hearing this, Hank and Kenjaku became silent as they realized the gravity of the situation. After all, Orochi's sunlight was one of their reliance that gave them hope of survival. What if, without the existence of the sun, Orochi's ultimate ability didn't work?

"Does your sunlight work even without the existence of the sun?"

Hearing Dylan's question made Orochi frown. With knotted eyebrows, he stayed silent for a few seconds, before opening his mouth to say:

"No, It doesn't work. If there's no source, how would it work?" With a sigh, Orochi walked down the stairs while leaving strong words behind. "However, only the weak fully relies on their abilities. Don't get me wrong. Even without the sunlight, I alone am Invincible."

Such arrogant words. The group was already used to. But this made them more confident and the morale was visibly lifted.

'As expected of a God Incarnation.' Dylan smirked. Following that, he looked at the others and decided to offer words of consolation: "Do not worry. I am still here. With my firebody, you don't have to worry too much about sea tactics. I'll protect you guys if push comes to shove." He said with a sincere expression.

'Heh? Save you? Dream on...'

Dylan inwardly thought which was contrary to his performance just now. He only said these words to lift their spirits. He still needs them to do their best to act as a pathfinder. After all, even though he knew the general details inside the Star Domain. He doesn't know the nuances. Nuances that can determine success. Most of the time, the devil is in the details.

Dylan disappeared as his entire figure was swallowed by the purple light below.

"That was heartwarming." Hank and Kevin looked touched.

"Well, I've already learned my lesson. You have my word this time. I won't run away!" Leaving this promise, Kenjaku briskly walked down the stairs and his figure disappeared.

Now, only Kevin and Hank were above. The silence and darkness made them feel a chill on their spine.

"Do you believe that bastard? With his pragmatic way of doing things. I doubt that he would keep his word. He's always the first one to run away."

"I don't know... Perhaps? Whether Kenjaku keeps his promise or not. We will survive! Let's go, this place gives me a creep."