Dragged along, they plunged into an eternal, rotting nightmare.
The nightmare descended!
Like a greedy monster, it swallowed the Group Star whole, inch by inch.
Amidst the violent shaking, the swaying light tubes flickered out.
Darkness arrived.
"That Ruler has so little Endurance," Matthes murmured with a sneer. "He's quick to unleash his Thunder from just a little prodding, isn't he? That saves me the effort..."
The nightmare rushed in like a black tide from the upper floors.
Countless dark liquids spurted from the crevices in the ceiling, slowly threatening to submerge the entire corridor.
Everything was falling into an eternal, rotten dream.
In Matthes's hand, the cane transformed into a black umbrella. It opened, shielding him from the nuisance that rained down.
In his final moments, he looked back over his shoulder.
He did not look at Huai Shi.
Instead, his gaze fell upon the cover of Beelzebub.
"There's one last thing I need to tell you, The Fly King," he said calmly. "We tried to save him, more than once—"
"But he refused."
Matthes told him, "It wasn't us who abandoned Auden. It was Auden who abandoned us."
With a slight turn of the black umbrella, he vanished with it into the darkness, callously leaving them behind to be consumed by the nightmarish Abyss.
No escape.
.
After a long silence, Beelzebub sighed softly in Huai Shi's consciousness, Sorry, big brother, I think I've messed up your great chance to switch sides.
"Hmm? Wasn't it to cover for me?" Huai Shi shook his head. "The idea of switching sides is ridiculous. Would anyone leave the job of an Inspector to become a fugitive?"
Besides, he thought, going to the enemy with the Book of Fate? Wouldn't that mean being a Second fifth among Second fifths? That's not how nesting dolls work.
Exhausted, he leaned against the bulkhead, finding a more comfortable position.
Resigned to his fate.
I thought you'd be curious about other things, Beelzebub transmitted.
"I'm curious about too many things, Beelzebub," Huai Shi said nonchalantly, shaking his head. "Your little secrets will have to take a back seat."
Ha, you really have no experience using tools, do you?
"Do you really consider yourself a tool?"
Have I not always existed as a tool? Beelzebub replied indifferently. I wish I could always remain a tool, Huai Shi. Countless times, I've wanted to revert to my original self—ignorantly carrying out tasks, peacefully exhausting myself, and welcoming destruction. That way, I wouldn't be burdened with unrealistic expectations, and no one would sacrifice themselves for me... nor would I feel sad.
"Sounds nice."
Huai Shi considered for a moment, ignoring the dark mire rising to his chest, and asked earnestly, "But haven't you ever felt even a trace of joy, Beelzebub? After being given willpower, has it brought you nothing but pain?"
...
The Steel Book was silent for a while, then laughed hoarsely. It didn't answer his question but instead expressed heartfelt emotion, Although our time was brief, working with you has been a real pleasure.
Huai Shi shrugged. "I'd like to say the feeling is mutual, but you've really pissed me off half to death."
Well, there's nothing I can do about that. My programming was all set by Auden, and that guy is dead. You can't exactly beat him up now, can you?
As countless wisps of black nightmare eroded everything, Beelzebub's final laugh could be heard, Goodnight, Huai Shi. I'll go on ahead.
"Yeah, goodnight."
Huai Shi nodded, the black mire rising rapidly, engulfing his neck.
He could no longer hear Beelzebub's voice.
He strained to keep his head above the ever-rising black mire, but the nightmares, solidified, kept pouring into his mouth and nose, pulling at his soul.
At last, he took a deep breath.
Then, the glowing ember of his cigarette flickered out in the darkness.
The nightmare struck.
In that final moment, he seemed to hallucinate.
Something on his saddlebag… was glowing?
He closed his eyes.
The Abyss rushed forth.
The endless fall began.
.
.