Chapter 29: Harmony of Light and Darkness, Section 6

Intelligent beings are the most terrifying in the universe, as no one can predict the depth of their wisdom—or the extent of harm they might cause when hostile. Yet, they are also the easiest to interact with, as they can at least communicate. This little creature before them was exactly that.

Under Black Hair’s gentle questioning and beside the blazing flames in Blood Pupil’s hands, the little guy’s voice soon echoed in Black Hair’s mind.
“Don’t… don’t do this! Cruel adults, I’m just a little green elf, an elf who poses no threat to you!”
“Then why are you here?” Black Hair asked gently. As an experienced thug, he knew well when it was best to find a way into someone’s heart.
“I was forced. The Rock People need my abilities.” The green elf sounded aggrieved, tears welling in its eyes. Unfortunately, no one showed pity this time. All the pirates remained silent.
“What abilities?”
“The ability to disguise myself.” The green elf’s eyes widened in disbelief as it stared at the Killing Emperor. “Haven’t you noticed that this city has been disguised since you entered?”

A mirage!?
Everyone gasped in shock, their gazes toward the little creature changing. Could it be that the illusion of this city, along with those virtual planets scattered across the galaxy, were all created by this little thing? If so, its abilities must be terrifying. To disguise an entire galaxy—how much energy would that require? Even as a racial ability, it was utterly unbelievable.
“No, no, no… you’re misunderstanding. I’m only responsible for this city…” Seeing the mechs closing in, the little creature quickly tried to clarify.
“We green elves are wanderers in this universe. Because we’re weak and powerless, we can only survive by relying on the strong. The Rock People are powerful, so our clan leader approached them. But unexpectedly, they captured us all and used us as tools. If you see other disguises, it must be my kin.”
“Other kin? Are there many more of your race?” Black Hair noticed the details in the little creature’s words.

“Yes. There are many more of us, fierce masters. But I don’t know how many are left now. Trapped inside this confinement sphere, I can no longer get in touch with them.” The little creature blinked its cute big eyes, its voice growing softer.
To be honest, it looked truly pitiful now. With its slender body and deliberately portrayed vulnerability, anyone who saw it would likely feel an urge to protect it. Such a small being, trapped in a crystal ball for countless years—its plight naturally evoked sympathy. If what it said was true, the pirates’ perception of the Rock People would have to change completely.
Those warriors who had once ignored stronger foes turned out to be cowards who liked to bully the weak. It was unknown how many among the Blood Wolf Pirates thought alike.
Unnoticed, Black Hair sensed some psychological changes among his subordinates, but he showed no reaction.
Survival of the fittest was a universal law in the universe, unshaken anywhere. So-called laws and equality—those were just fig leaves created by the powerful out of boredom. In Black Hair’s view, as long as one had enough strength to fight an entire planet alone, that planet could be at their mercy. Nothing would hold them back—until someone stronger appeared.
So, he wouldn’t feel the slightest pity for this little creature, especially after witnessing its cunning behavior just now.
Without showing any emotion, the flame launcher in his blood-red eyes was already positioned at the edge of the crystal ball. Scorching flames erupted, casting flickering light on the little creature’s face.
“Very well. I think I now understand your origins. Then, can you tell me why the Rock People need you, and what this confinement sphere is for? As you saw, one of my subordinates has already been turned into an entity like you by its light. If you don’t give me a satisfactory explanation, my understanding might become skewed.” Black Hair’s voice remained gentle, but its meaning turned icy cold. Even his companions could sense the undisguised threat, and they exchanged knowing smiles.
The leader was always direct and straightforward. It was up to this little creature to respond. If it failed to satisfy Black Hair, they already foresaw its fate.

The little creature across from him could clearly sense the chill in Black Hair’s words. So this time, it replied faster than ever. Almost as soon as Black Hair spoke, its answer followed.

“They need the strength of our people to disguise some important places. And this confinement sphere is their tool to trap us. Inside it, our lives and deaths are in their hands. It can also punish those who try to free us without permission. Evil lord, it was your companion who was punished.”

“How can this punishment be lifted?” Black Hair asked urgently.

“I have no way. This punishment is a racial ability of the Rock People. Aside from them, only their sacred object, the Stone of Light and Dark, can lift it. Possessing the Stone of Light and Dark means becoming the leader of the Rock People.” The little creature replied quickly, but a glint suddenly flashed in its eyes, immediately catching Black Hair’s attention.

“The Stone of Light and Dark…”

“Yes. The name of this tower is Harmony of Light and Dark. It is an altar prepared specifically for the Stone of Light and Dark. It is one of the most important places for the Rock People. I was used as an offering to disguise this place. Evil lord, please save me. If you’re willing to take me away from here, I’ll help you find that Stone of Light and Dark and make you the leader of the Rock People.”

A blatant temptation. Looking at this eloquent little creature, Black Hair suddenly laughed.

“Free you, and then punish us with this confinement sphere?”

“Of course not, evil lord. No, kind lord. Punishment only works on beings with physical bodies. It has no effect on beings like the Rock People. Your armor is so strong that it won’t be affected. This has already been proven. If not for your armor, you would be like that other lord by now.” Seeing Black Hair showing some interest, the little creature hurriedly clarified.

“One last question. After all this time, why aren’t you dead?” Black Hair’s voice rang out again, unimpressed by the little creature’s pitiful state.

Looking at that cold and massive body, the little creature knew that if it didn’t answer this question well, all its efforts so far would be in vain. This creature was clearly their leader, and its fate would be decided after this last question.

Thinking of this, the little creature’s expression became serious. It forced out a few tears and replied pitifully.

“Because of time. This confinement sphere is the essence of the Rock People. Each one requires them to sacrifice their lives to create. And the Rock People have an incredibly long lifespan. So this confinement sphere inherits that trait as well. Inside this sphere, I won’t age or die—unless they choose to. That’s why I say they control our life and death.”
Wow… The Blood Wolf Pirates around him were instantly in awe.
Could something exist that could even confine time? It was utterly beyond imagination. Though they grew up in a magic civilization and could understand some supernatural phenomena, something that could confine time was beyond their wildest dreams. Such a being surpassed the realm of technology and entered the realm of mysticism.
Ah, before humanity’s magic civilization, weren’t there also some legends about magic? It was said that in those times, humans could control everything. Space mages and mysticism originated from that era. If what this little thing said was true, the pirates could hardly imagine how great a discovery they had made.
Perhaps, for this little thing’s illusory powers, this confinement sphere was even more valuable. If they could figure out its principles, they would surely become heroes among all humans.
At the thought of this, all the pirates’ eyes grew eager…
Of course, such emotions didn’t affect the Black-Haired man. As for the so-called time confinement, it meant nothing to him either. Unless this discovery could enhance the power of the Death Star. Still, he made up his mind.
“Alright, how can I release you, and how can I be sure you won’t go back on your word?”
“It’s simple to release me. Though this confinement sphere can isolate us from our kind, it’s extremely fragile—just a slight impact will shatter it. As for my promise… Kind sir, after seeing what happened to me, do you still believe I’d be willing to help the Rock People? I will definitely help you find the Stone of Light and Darkness. By then, I hope you can punish them severely on my behalf.”
“If they still exist.” The Black-Haired man silently added that thought in his heart. With a few finger movements, the massive hand of the Killing Emperor appeared above the crystal sphere.
He bent his fingers and gave it a light flick.
“Crash!” The crystal sphere shattered…