The Oracle Paths

1181  Truce Between Rivals

What was the common thread among all the renowned sociopaths?

Diagnosing someone with sociopathy was often a tricky business. It covered a wide range of personality traits and behaviors that could lead to vastly different profiles. A typical sociopath might just be a "loser" struggling with antisocial disorder, impulsivity, and a bunch of other traits that kept them from fitting into normal society. Yet, there were also infamous criminals and even influential politicians who fell into this category.

These kinds of sociopaths were different from congenital psychopaths. Unlike the latter, these major criminals had brains wired just like anyone else. Even though their cruelty, lack of empathy, manipulation, selfishness, and Machiavellian tendencies might look the same, these traits were considered acquired—shaped by their environment, upbringing, or trauma.

Not all congenital psychopaths ended up as killers or evil criminals, either. While 15-25% of the prison population was thought to be psychopaths, about 1% of the world's population also fit this category. These individuals often excelled in roles where rationality and a lack of empathy were advantages. You'd find them in the military, working in slaughterhouses, or even in prestigious positions like surgeons or politicians.

In this regard, the profiles of major psychopaths and sociopaths converged, with the former possessing a natural talent, while the latter acquired it over time.

Cho Min Ho was squarely in the second category.

If he hadn't been born with fragile health, or if he'd been raised in a normal family instead of one with a silver spoon in his mouth, if he'd been treated like a regular kid instead of a fragile victim, if he hadn't succeeded at everything he tried… then maybe his personality would have developed normally.

Whose fault was it, really? Was there anyone to blame?

Hard to say, but for the Korean idol, the question never even arose. He never questioned the righteousness of his thoughts or actions. The whole world served his ambitions, and he might as well have been living in a simulation filled with NPCs for all he cared.

So why bring all this up? Because Cho Min Ho wasn't crazy. Aside from his extreme self-centeredness, he was capable of emotion. He could love, feel guilt, and empathize. He knew when he was doing something right or wrong but chose to do it anyway, consciously, to achieve his goals.

This was precisely why Cho Min Ho didn't immediately notice the mental shift gradually happening within him. Always seeing others as pawns to be used, he didn't realize that his treatment of his faction members had become too extreme, even for him.

As an idol and showbiz star, the Korean had always known how to manage his public image and be adored, even when deep down he despised them all. In retrospect, his openly authoritarian behavior and his tendency to sideline those who trusted and admired him didn't quite fit his usual style.

Thinking back… Yeah, that's it… His change in attitude had started around his third Ordeal. Precisely when… he met Natan.

At first, he hadn't paid it much mind, because the circumstances of their meeting and relationship guaranteed that his Oracle Slave was utterly loyal. After all, he had defeated him fairly and forced him to sign that damn contract.

But was that really the case? Cho Min Ho wasn't so sure anymore.

I'm sure of what happened. Even now, I feel a deep sense of trust and appreciation towards my slave, like he's served me for a long time... Where did it go wrong?

Racking his brain, he started getting a headache.

"No matter, I'll get to the bottom of it sooner or later," he muttered after dismissing the messenger. "Worst case, I'll just remind him of the power gap between us one more time."

In the end, that was the true source of his confidence: his own strength.

Without absolute power, even the most ingenious strategies would collapse like a house of cards at the first gust of wind. And if there was one thing the Korean was sure of, it was that no Player on Twyluxia could hold a candle to him.

Whoooosh!

"Who goes there?!"

Cho Min Ho sprang from his seat, spinning around to unleash an omnidirectional blast of energy that instantly swept through the throne room where he had been lounging. Scanning the vast empty room and then the entire citadel with his mental sense, his eyes slowly narrowed before he relaxed as if nothing had happened, sitting back down.

"Jake… To what do I owe a visit so late?" he said with a relaxed air and a smile that was meant to look casual.

The visitor, who had deliberately announced his arrival with a conspicuous noise, sneered at the pathetic acting, then casually revealed his presence. The energy blast that had cracked the citadel's foundations and ravaged the room clearly hadn't affected him.

"I just came by to let you know my plans for tomorrow, but it seems I interrupted something," he joked with a scornful glance. "A friendly tip between us… Never show that face to your girlfriend or your fans, they might be shocked."

Cho Min Ho's polite smile vanished instantly, only to quickly return.

"As expected from another Oracle Knight praised by Amy. How long have you been spying on me?"

"Oh, I just got here, I promise," Jake replied, without meaning it. For that, he would have had to really have just arrived. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Before he started making noise to announce his grand entrance, he had plenty of time to take in the doubt and especially the arrogance that was plastered all over the Korean's face. For fans unaware of his true temperament, it could completely rewrite their perception of their idol, and not in a good way.

As for Jake? He had never doubted for a second that this guy was a prick! And no, it certainly wasn't because he was a rich and famous idol, and even less because Amy had ditched them for him after facing death together.

He wasn't that immature… Oh no…

"Cough… I don't have time for fake flattery and endless diplomatic games, so let's get straight to why I'm here." Jake announced with 'dignity,' and with just the right mix of nonchalance and urgency to seem busy.

With that segue, he revealed his 'plan' to end this Ordeal to the Korean, omitting nothing about the real threat lurking beneath the continent. It took at least that much to sound credible.

"So... to recap…" Cho Min Ho summarized with an impassive expression. "First, we have Twyluxia, which is supposedly built on the corpse and ruins of a cosmic monk's Inner World. To top off this absurdity, the sun, the moon, and Twyluxia itself are said to possess spirituality and are comparable to Abyssal Revenants or Titans, only much more powerful. On the other side, there's a broken chitin blade that also came to life through contact with Klayr's Lumyst, giving rise to a Chitin Blade Spirit with the same instincts as the World Eater it was separated from. Because it's impossible to defeat this threat without unifying the continent, you're asking me to let you become the supreme conqueror of Twyluxia without standing in your way, and even help you actively to finish it off quickly? Did I miss anything?"

Hearing his recap, even Jake had to admit it was an outrageous request. But it was precisely because it was an intolerable request that he had to present it as such, using a grand excuse like the critical situation they were in.

"I'm aware of how it sounds, but look at it another way," Jake persuaded. "I'm the Soulmancer King, you're the fake one. You might keep control of one or two Great Generals and their armies by plotting, and even throw a wrench in my plans, but that'll only help the enemy. By joining forces, we can quickly unite the continent. If at that point you still want the title of Soulmancer King, I promise you a duel on your terms. The loser, however, must accept the deal without complaint. Sounds fair, right?"

At that moment, the Korean might have maintained his unflappable facade, but deep down, he was tempted. On my terms? What an idiot. I'd propose that duel here and now if it didn't risk weakening us. After losing an Oracle Knight who also acted as an Oracle Hacker, we can't afford to lose another Player of this caliber…

So, after a simulated hesitation, Cho Min Ho accepted the deal, "Let's do it. I hope you won't go back on your word…"

"I have many flaws, but breaking promises isn't one of them," Jake chuckled without acknowledging the jab. "With that said…"

"Wait."

Jake, about to disappear as suddenly as he had appeared, paused, raising an eyebrow.

"What is it? Something else to add?"

Cho Min Ho stared at him somberly, then let out,

"After all you've just revealed, it'd be awkward for me not to return the favor. You've probably wondered why our Oracle System has been acting up? The explanation is…"

Home at last, and in good writing conditions. I'd planned to release two chapters today, already having one almost ready since yesterday, but I got home a bit late and I'm beat, so it'll have to wait until tomorrow.

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