Karma's tail

Dazai stood at the center of the expansive training room, his arms stretched wide as he took in the vast space around him. He cracked his neck and hopped lightly from side to side, warming up his limbs.

Dazai: "Spacious... Reinforced with mana, too. Practically indestructible. This world never ceases to impress."

-He let out a low chuckle, but his focus shifted as the door creaked open. Maria—Deadmourne—entered, dragging behind her a group of ten unconscious men. Their bodies were battered, wrists bound tightly, their breathing faint but steady-

Dazai smirked.

Dazai: "Right on time. And I see you brought my test subjects. Efficient as always... Did you handle the other task?"

-Maria's lips curled into a playful yet proud smile. She sauntered over, wrapping an arm loosely around his waist, seeking his approval-

Maria: "Of course, dear husband. The training room is now linked to a pocket dimension. It can shift locations at your will... Anywhere you desire."

-Dazai pulled her chin down, bringing her gaze level with his. He gently patted her head-

Dazai: "Good work. This will be invaluable."

-Maria's smile softened as she leaned into his touch, resting her head lightly against his forehead. Then, with a curious tilt of her head, she asked-

Maria: "If I may... I've been wondering—how do you see this world? Life itself… what does it mean to you?"

-Dazai's expression shifted, his eyes narrowing slightly as he considered her words. He stepped back, lifting his chin as if weighing his thoughts-

Dazai: "Life... Life is business. It's not just about profit or power, but the constant exchange. Every living being—big or small—plays a part in this world's economy. From the moment we're born, we're investing... Our first breath is a debt to time. We work to feel love, but in doing so, we open ourselves to hatred. We seek peace, but we must wield war to protect it. Life is a double-edged sword. It's not about avoiding pain—it's about mastering the blade."

-He paused, his voice lowering-

Dazai: "Nothing is free. The world always takes its price—whether we see it or not. So... does that answer your question?"

-Maria fell silent, her eyes lingering on him before she smiled softly-

Maria: "It does... and it suits you, husband."

-Dazai let out a quiet breath, his gaze shifting toward the bound men. The weight of the room seemed to shift. His eyes darkened-

Dazai: "These men... They're the same bandits who tried to kidnap your mother, right? Back when we rescued her?"

-Maria nodded, her smile fading into something colder-

Dazai: "Thought so."

-He stepped toward the captives. The air around him grew heavy, the atmosphere tense. His smirk returned, though now it carried a dangerous edge-

Dazai: "You lot... You're not just low-life bandits, are you? No... You were under that hero—the one I cut down. The same bastard who dared touch the Dragon Queen... my wife."

-His fingers twitched slightly, recalling the thrill of that fatal strike-

Dazai: "She's safe—far beyond your reach. And her daughter... my other wife... brought you straight to me. Consider yourselves honored."

-He knelt, eyes gleaming with cold amusement-

Dazai: "You'll pay for your sins... with your lives. But not just yet. First—you'll serve as my test subjects. Try not to die too quickly."

-Maria stood behind him, her arms crossed, watching with quiet satisfaction as her husband prepared to carve his will into the wretched souls before him-

Dazai: "After all... this is how business rolls."

-The room echoed with his chilling laughter-