Chapter 32.
"It's time to pay the price."
Eugene did not immediately treat the dying Pallum girl.
In fact, in the original work, he didn't have much affection for Lili's character.
In Orario, there are countless people like her, bullied since childhood.
Yet, only a handful ever get saved by a hero after making mistakes.
Yes, Eugene lied to Lili.
The only chance for salvation was not given by him.
But by the protagonist, Bell Cranel.
However, before anything happened, those were all illusions.
For Lili, who had little life left, Eugene had already become her only hope.
Don't be fooled by how ordinary this Pallum girl was in all aspects.
In the battles Bell experienced, she played a crucial role multiple times.
For example, when they were surrounded by monsters in the Dungeon and couldn't return to the upper floors.
It was Lili who suggested continuing downward and rushing to the 18th floor's safe zone.
In the end, the group was successfully saved.
Another example is the war game initiated by the Sun God Apollo against the Hearth Goddess Hestia.
Lili also played an important role in that battle.
However, in summary, the unique aspects of this character are her "knowledge/insight" and "magic."
Insight can be compensated for later.
But her exclusive magic...
That was one of Eugene's original goals.
The situation today was entirely orchestrated by him.
It was precisely to obtain her magic from Lili.
And to conduct an experiment for some of his theories.
It sounds exactly like the actions of an evil mastermind boss.
And in fact, that's precisely what Eugene was doing.
Under his guidance, Lili, driven to chase freedom, recklessly rushed here and, in the end, willingly offered her loyalty and even her life to the stranger, Eugene.
She thought she had found salvation.
But the truth was, she was completely manipulated by Eugene.
What she truly missed was a much brighter future.
However, Eugene felt no guilt whatsoever.
Unconditional good, in his view, was foolish.
If a person has no determination to gamble everything, no will to stake everything for their own wishes, by what right should they be saved?
Does a hero have to come to the rescue just because someone cries and regrets?
"Your life has reached its end."
Eugene spoke slowly.
"Give everything to me, and gain your freedom."
"Or, simply end like this."
Not a shred of emotion was conveyed in his words.
He was as indifferent as a truly detached god.
What he offered was a decision of life and death, of fate.
"Ah... Lili has already made up her mind..."
Holding onto that gentle, watery light.
Lili's small face, stained with bruises and blood, showed pure happiness.
At the end of her life, she finally gained clarity.
Whatever she had suffered, whatever she had hoped for.
It no longer mattered.
She had made her greatest, and final, effort.
Gathering all her courage to fight fate.
And now, she had finally arrived before "him."
She could die without regret.
Very good.
Eugene silently observed Lili's reaction.
It is rare and commendable for a person to let go of their obsession when facing death.
This was precisely the "ideal state" he had anticipated.
From the moment he first used "Plunder."
He began to ponder.
What would happen if he used "Plunder" on a living person?
The essence of Plunder is to take valuable possessions from others and use them for oneself.
So, if someone willingly offered everything they had.
What kind of effect would Plunder produce?
A golden light flickered in Eugene's eyes.
He raised his hand and placed it above Lili's forehead.
It was like a true lord blessing a lost soul.
Yet, in reality.
It was a cold-blooded man about to steal the last precious thing from a dying person.
"I will grant you freedom."
For no clear reason, Eugene spoke the words.
He didn't know which nerve was crossed.
At this moment, where not a single mistake was allowed, the sound was both a promise.
And a farewell.
Lili's lips curved into a gentle arc.
She accepted his sentiment.
"Plunder."
The profound dark night mist slowly drifted downward.
Finally enveloping the girl's scarred body.
If he were to devour her physical body right now.
Would her soul then be free?
Eugene remembered that the original work seemed to mention in passing.
Souls on the surface world return to heaven after death.
The gods who preside over death will guide them there toward the next life.
No.
It shouldn't be like that!
Eugene's teeth gradually clenched.
She was not cherished by a god in life.
And yet she must be governed by them in death!?
How can this be allowed!!
Suddenly, a flash of inspiration hit Eugene's mind!
Magic power surged around his body.
Even more immense energy quickly converged toward the enveloped Lili.
It rushed toward the deeper, more essential parts of her body!
Unlike other targets.
Plundering the dead, plundering opponents, plundering beasts.
But Lili, before him, had emptied her mind, entrusting everything to the complete stranger, Eugene, without reservation.
It can only be called Plunder when something is forcibly taken from others.
But a request like this, made gently and filled with expectation.
This...
Should be called "Love," shouldn't it?
Without reservation... completely emptied...
Eugene's insight became clearer.
The magic power that penetrated Lili's body also flowed more smoothly!
"Plunder" + "Continuous Plunder" + "Deep Plunder" = ??
"I never thought I, the mighty Demon Minotaur King, would have a day where I played at pure love."
Eugene sighed softly.
Then, his palm lifted gently upwards.
An unprecedented light shot up!
{Ding!}
The system panel suddenly popped up, accompanied by an icon of applause!
{Congratulations, you have independently developed the second stage of Plunder - Heart Thief!}
{Conditions for using this skill are as follows:}
{1. The spell target has let go of the concept of "survival" and "destruction" and will not resist failure.}
{2. The target maintains one hundred percent trust in the caster and will not generate any resistance during the casting process.}
{3. The caster sincerely delves deep and has no intention of killing or robbing.}
{If the above conditions cannot be met, the effect defaults to regular Plunder.}
{You have completed your first "Heart Theft."}
{Reward: Intermediate Gift Pack * 1!}
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