Chapter 393 393-Clarification
The conversation between John and Ghana plunged the onlookers into deep silence.
They couldn't fathom the bizarre turn of events unfolding before them.
While everyone anticipated Karthus summoning a formidable entity, the arrival of Soul-Devouring Devil Ghana indeed lived up to those expectations.
Merely a projection of his presence had suppressed everyone present.
However, what followed baffled everyone.
The once unassailable Devil, upon spotting John among the crowd, chose to flee, completely disregarding his previously dominating demeanor.
The more astute players quickly redirected their attention to John.
Clearly, Ghana's odd behavior was because of this man.
They might not know what John did to the Devil previously, but it was evident that it was something Ghana desperately wanted to forget, hence his evident fear.
With a chuckle, John waved his hand nonchalantly, "Why the hurry to leave? It's not often we meet; shouldn't we catch up a bit more?"
Ghana replied emotionlessly, "What past do we have to reminisce about? Last time, I owed you a favor, and I'll repay it someday. But now, there's no need for further conversation, is there?"
John tilted his head slightly, unconcerned by Ghana's frosty tone.
He inquired, "So, did you have any conflicts with the current Lord of the Abyss, the Demon Emperor, after returning to the Abyss last time?"
Ghana rolled his eyes, exasperated.
How could he casually disclose such matters to John, an outsider?
The question was far too presumptuous.
Seeing Ghana's prolonged silence, John frowned slightly.
After all, he had spared Ghana's life last time.
Now, Ghana's reluctance to share anything seemed somewhat disrespectful.
However, John's attention shifted to Karthus and the others nearby, realizing there were others present, especially Karthus and Kingserp from Dark Realm, who were vassals to the Abyss.
Some things Ghana wouldn't say in front of them.
Noticing this, John looked up at Soul-Devouring Devil Ghana, who seemed as conflicted as someone with a severe case of constipation.
John smiled and waved his hand. A sound like shattering glass echoed through the air as the space lock around the portal fragments instantly dissipated, reigniting their luminescence.
Ghana bowed gratefully to John and then left through the portal without looking back at Karthus, despite being summoned by him at the cost of blood and flesh.
The light of the portal fragments dimmed again, leaving the onlookers exchanging puzzled glances and Karthus looking utterly lost.
Turning around, John looked at Karthus with a semi-smiling gaze, "Perhaps you should consider if there are other summoning methods left? Just avoid using your own flesh and blood as a tribute next time, or I'm afraid you might not make it to another summoning..."
John's casual remark nearly choked Karthus with anger.
The bizarre tattoos on his face twitched.
After a long pause, Karthus spoke, "I admit defeat in this battle. Do as you will with us."
"But there's one thing I'd like an answer to..." he said, turning to face Adam and Blue Sea instead of John.
Karthus was utterly intimidated at this point, not daring to meet John's gaze.
After all, John was someone who could make a Devil willingly concede defeat.
As a mere player, Karthus knew he stood no chance against such strength.
Adam patted his sacred unicorn, stowing it away in the mount slot, then chuckled, "What's your question? You may ask, but whether we choose to answer is another matter."
Gritting his teeth, Karthus's eyes flashed crimson as he spat out his question, "It's simple: what were you thinking? Although there has been friction between us, it's never escalated to life and death, right? Why suddenly attack us on the road?"
"Do you really not fear making us sworn enemies because of this? Even Genesis Guild and Blue Sea Guild wouldn't be arrogant enough to disregard our retaliation, would they?" Karthus nearly roared out this inquiry, driven by sheer curiosity for an answer.
In Karthus's past experience, Adam and Blue Sea were among the most rational guild leaders in the gaming circle.
Other top guild leaders usually had their quirks—Snowla with his insults, Kingserp with his sarcasm, Ghostblade with his abrupt violence...
These were their flaws, but Adam and Blue Sea rarely displayed such traits.
Genesis Guild and Blue Sea Guild were known for their harmonious relations with other guilds.
Karthus couldn't understand why they would act so impulsively today. Was it just because of some minor friction at the auction?
Blinking in confusion, Adam replied, "What are you talking about? When did we ever intend to ambush you? This whole thing has nothing to do with you... We were after Kingserp, you chose to get involved."
Karthus was irate, "The pathways back to Dark Realm are few, and the safest is this Windy Gorge. By blockading here, aren't you cutting off our only retreat? Isn't that equivalent to trapping us in the Godslayer Continent?"
Saying this, Karthus finally mustered the courage to look at John nearby.
Karthus's hoarse voice was laced with sarcasm, "Being able to completely block a spatial passage on your own, even compelling a Devil to submit in your presence, I admit you are indeed remarkable..."
"But Galewind, the stronger you appear, the less I respect you. To strike against us with your strength, how is it different from bullying the weak? Why not find bosses of your own level to fight?"
John's eyebrows raised slightly as he replied nonchalantly, "Isn't bullying the weak precisely what you've excelled at before? How many solo players have you chased down and driven out of the game? Now that it's your turn, you can't accept it?"
Karthus's face changed colors several times, eventually sighing in resignation and loosening his grip on the skull wand.
"Well, I'm at your mercy now, no point in arguing... The defeated have no right to negotiate!"
"However, I am genuinely curious. Are you, Galewind, really a saint born with a heart of compassion? Our first encounter was at the auction, and from that moment, you were filled with vigilance and disgust towards me and Kingserp."
"For the sake of that female auctioneer, you even disregarded the game's rules, attacking Kingserp directly!"
"As far as I know, you, Galewind, have made a name for yourself in other games as well, with a style that might not always align with ours, but sometimes crossing lines. Why start playing the saint now?"
"I really wonder, what exactly is it that makes you so resentful towards us?"
"After all, this world isn't black and white. What we do is the same as others, all for fame and fortune. There's nothing wrong with that!"
Karthus vented all his internal frustrations in one breath.
The crowd on site were visibly taken aback.
John slightly raised his eyebrows, his eyes filled with surprise.
He suddenly realized that the opinions about Karthus on the gaming forums might need to be completely overturned.
Who would have thought Karthus, labeled as a tyrant and brute who acted without thinking, could articulate such thoughts?
But then again, nearly every top guild leader was like this.
They were like mythological shape-shifting foxes, always able to show different faces in different situations.
John was already accustomed to this.
So, the surprise in his eyes was fleeting, and he soon returned to his usual unflappable demeanor.
"You want to know why I harbor such animosity towards you? The reason is simple: you chose the wrong class!"
Karthus's eyes widened in disbelief.
With his now emaciated and small body, coupled with this expression, he looked almost comically like a clown from a circus.
"Just because we chose a dark attribute class?" he asked.
John responded seriously, "It's not about the class attribute, what matters is that you chose the Chaotic Evil alignment and your birthplace in the Dark Realm…"
Karthus fell silent.
What kind of absurd explanation was that?
He racked his brain but couldn't fathom why his choice of alignment and birthplace in a game would bother John so much.
It's just a game, isn't choosing a character the player's freedom?
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