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"Seriously, Koski... How many times do you intend to be imprisoned?"
When Sampo Koski, the most sought-after individual in Belobog, was brought back in front of Gepard, he couldn't help but sigh wearily. Gepard has had to handle this guy's crime before, so it's nothing new. He is not given any extra leeway to engage in illegal activities like scamming and black market trades because of his involvement in preserving Belobog. Gepard is at a loss as to how to handle this green-eyed man at this point.
"Hey, funny... I hadn't anticipated seeing you today, sir. How are you doing?" Sampo questioned in jest as if he had no regrets about the swindle he had committed in the previous two months.
"Don't be silly. You must give a justification for your offense, which has surprisingly escalated over the last two months. Is money your primary concern? If you want, we can easily assist you in getting a good job and cover your living expenses," Gepard pauses in the middle of his statement.
He goes on, "Perhaps it wasn't even about the money, after all."
Gepard squints his eyes and looks at Sampo. He doesn't even bat an eye when Gepard makes an effort to frighten him by putting on a serious expression. Now that Gepard thinks about it, nobody knows where he came from, whether he is a true Belobogian or someone who arrived from another planet like Trailblazers and her pals. Simply put, who precisely is he?
"Captain, I know you won't believe me," Sampo asks with a slight smile, "However, I am happy to talk about my 'reasons' if you want to hear it."
"Huh...?"
Sampo's assertion forces Gepard to appear astonished. Neither he nor anyone else in the world should have even remotely believed what Sampo had said. If he could only learn the slightest bit of information about his background, though, maybe—just maybe—he could eventually take further action to have him arrested—possibly for a more serious offense than simply in the Belobog region.
"So, Captain, what do you say? Are you curious?" Sampo re-asked.
Gepard once more gives Sampo, whose wrists are bound in front of him, a close inspection. He exudes a sense of calm and composure, which leaves Gepard unsure of the importance of his stated 'reasons'. Sampo is acting normally right now with no indication of fear or fright. In all honesty, Gepard finds nothing but emptiness in Sampo's eyes when he looks at them, which slightly frightens him.
Gepard finally responds to Sampo's query, "Listening to a liar's words like you won't provide me any benefit, Koski, forget it."
"Ah... You lost a golden opportunity, young man, since he is going to reveal everything he knows to you~."
*Shudders*
Sampo's comments caused the hairs on Gepard's neck to rise. No, perhaps not Sampo—his voice had abruptly changed significantly. Gepard notices ominous chuckling noises surrounding his ears despite the fact that there are only two of them in the room. He takes a careful look at 'Sampo' and notices that the man's eyes have changed from green to crimson as if someone were occupying his body.
"Koski, my poor boy, truly wants you to pay attention to him; perhaps he has that much faith in you. Ah, it makes me sad to think that you turned him down; he must be very hurt, don't you think?" 'Sampo' continues, laughing amusedly.
"Who are you, and what are you doing to Koski's body?!" Gepard grips his weapon in anticipation and asks sharply.
"Whoa, calm down, he is not hurt, I'm just using his body as a loan, that's all," says 'Sampo' in a stern voice. "I have to admit, Sir Gepard Landau, I am more interested in you than Koski." he continues.
'Sampo' glides fluidly to unfasten the handcuff from his wrist and makes a slow approach to Gepard. Gepard feels as though he is completely immobile, even though his weapon is ready. Then, to look him in the eyes, 'Sampo' lifts Gepard's chin with his finger.
"Someone who chooses to the path preservation, hmm? Have you ever thought of taking the path of elation instead?"
"Elation...?"
Gepard stumbles over his words. He doesn't know why this individual suddenly mentioned choosing the path of elation. Sampo is following the path of Nihility, isn't he? Then why does this 'being' want to take the path of elation instead of Sampo? And if he takes a different way, how did he come to inhabit Sampo's body?
"Ah... You have a lot of questions for me, don't you, given the expression of shackle on your face?" 'Sampo,' says while grinning.
"My dear Sir Landau, I'm afraid I don't have much time to discuss with you. However, I have no doubt that we won't be apart for long. The path of elation can lead to permanent happiness and a wonderful life, which is something else I want you to know." As 'Sampo' strokes Gepard's cheeks, he continues.
"Permanent happiness and wonderful life...? Are you kidding me?!"
Gepard takes 'Sampo's' hand from his face and draws his weapon in front of his face after managing to regain full consciousness. Concerned for Sampo's fate and everything he has gone through, he simultaneously exudes hatred and worry. Intensely glaring at 'Sampo's' crimson gaze, Gepard's blue eyes flare violently as if daring him to battle.
"Does Sampo appear joyful to you!? I don't know what your guy's relationship is like. However, the only thing you give him is misery instead of joy," Gepards replied firmly.
'Sampo' gives Gepard a long look before bursting into maniacal laughter. He laughs in a way that is so loud and frightful that Gepard has to shield his ears. Because the sound can painfully pierce into everyone's ears, anyone who can hear it must experience a rapid rush of anxiety and panic.
"My darling Sir Landau, you are truly very fascinating; I immediately admire you. Ahh... Being unable to chat with you for a long period of time makes me very sad. I guess I'll run into you again soon. It's a goodbye for now~."
After that, 'Sampo' finally emerges from Sampo's body, and he stumbles into Gepard's arms unintentionally. Gepard sighs in relief and pats Sampo on the back while holding him after checking to see if his eyes have already turned back to green. Gepard's concern about Sampo's condition is now unavoidable. He hopes Sampo will discuss this when he regains consciousness.
Gepard tightly hugged Sampo and asked, "Just what kind of life are you currently leading, Koski...?"