Chapter 794
Chapter 794:
“And what’s the cost for this power?” Ashton asked.
“Although you’ve earned my approval, there’s still a price for using my power: when you cause a hallucination, you’ll be blind for the same amount of time. For instance, a three-minute hallucination means three minutes of blindness,” explained Quills.
“That seems a bit harsh,” Ashton remarked.
“This is the minimal cost. Had you not gained our approval and used this power by force, any duration of use could result in permanent blindness,” Quills explained.
“It appears I’ll need to hone my skills in detecting enemies by sound,” Ashton chuckled. “And what about your conditions, Snake Fang? What do you ask in return?”
Snake Fang responded openly, “My ability allows you to plant psychological triggers in someone, temporarily altering their perceptions. You could make a man believe he’s a woman, or a wealthy person feel they’re a beggar. These are mere examples; the real depth of this power is for you to discover. It’s applicable to only one individual at a time and can last up to eight hours. The cost involves choosing one of your body parts to temporarily incapacitate until the mental trigger is removed.”
Ashton found the concept of Snake Fang’s mind manipulation more intriguing than Quills’ hallucinations. The potential of such psychological influence was considerable.
Yet, Ashton was primarily concerned with how to prevent Leonardo and Hamlin from bearing any consequences.
“Based on our earlier agreement, you should now explain how those individuals who previously used your powers can avoid paying the price, correct?” Ashton asked.
“The price is inevitable. However, as we now recognize you as our master, we won’t change our forms until your passing, which will allow their dreams to persist,” Snake Fang responded.
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“What actions must I take?” Ashton asked further.
“You need to find a way to prolong their dream state, maintaining them in limbo between dreaming and wakefulness. You must be actively involved; otherwise, when time runs out, Bamboo Shadow will change its form without a master and lead to their demise,” Quills answered truthfully.
As the conversation with Quills and Snake Fang drew to a close, the vibrant colors of reality slowly seeped back into Ashton’s surroundings.
The surreal world crafted by Quills had been so immersive that Ashton felt as though he’d spent a year within it. Yet, upon returning to the real world, it seemed as if those countless days had vanished in the blink of an eye.
In truth, only three minutes had passed in the real world.
Nearby, Leonardo and Hamlin, who had been anxiously pacing, their faces taut with worry, noticed the light returning to Ashton’s eyes.
They rushed to his side, their movements quick and almost desperate. “Mr. Baldwin, did you manage to strike a deal with them? Are they willing to let us go?” Leonardo asked, his voice careful, almost pleading.
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