Chapter 592: A Monster that Devours Everything

Click, click, click…

Oliver’s words brought silence to the darkened Neverland.

The only sound was the burning of the shadows.

The silence persisted until the hole in the sky, pierced by the Flesh Cook in his blood dragon form, began to close.

…

…

Oliver and Fen faced each other, both staying quiet.

While they exchanged glances, the hole in the sky continued to close, sealing Neverland off once again.

“You really want to speak with me?” Fen finally broke the silence.

“Yes, Lord Fen.”

“So before, that was just small talk?”

…

“Ah… Could it be because of Wendy? Is it something she shouldn’t hear?”

Fen teased Oliver, showing his anger at Oliver’s attempts to break through Neverland’s defenses.

Oliver, however, remained indifferent.

Such provocations weren’t important to him.

“No, the word ‘real’ just slipped out while we were talking.”

Oliver didn’t elaborate further, as if that was truly all it was.

Whether it was the truth or a lie remained unclear, but Fen chose not to pursue it any further.

“Well, whatever. What does it matter… Fine, let’s talk then. What’s on your mind? What do you want to say that requires us to have a chat? Frankly, I’m curious. We’re not exactly on talking terms, are we?”

That was true.

In the sewers of Ravely, in the abandoned mines of the New Continent, at the party in Gallos, and here in Neverland.

Oliver and Fen had crossed paths four times, none of them in friendly circumstances.

Despite that, Oliver made a statement that defied the norm.

“By any chance, do you have any intention of reconciling with me?”

Crack…

The sound of burning wood echoed once more.

Even Fen found it hard to believe what he was hearing.

“Are you serious?” Fen asked.

“Yes.”

“You’re seriously insane, aren’t you?” Fen quietly marveled.

He could sense a tiny glimmer of sincerity and resolve within Oliver’s seemingly empty heart.

At that moment, Oliver genuinely wished to reconcile with Fen. His determination was unmistakable.

This absurdity caused Fen to burst into laughter.

“Heh, heh, heh… You’re completely out of your mind, aren’t you? Or—”

Fen’s smile quickly faded as his expression turned serious.

“—Do you think I’m just a joke?”

The subtle wrinkles on Fen’s youthful face combined with the extreme shadows created a menacing aura that made even the bravest people falter.

Though Fen appeared as a child, his fingers could still grip like any other.

However, Oliver remained unaffected.

There was something more important to him than engaging in a power struggle with Fen.

Perhaps because of this, Oliver’s mask-like face showed a slight change.

An intent emerged on his previously emotionless face, even if it was hard to pinpoint.

“I don’t underestimate you, Lord Fen. I just sincerely wish to reconcile.”

Instead of mocking, Fen chose to ask.

“…Why? You must want to tear me apart. Don’t you? After I kidnapped your dear friend? Ah! Or is Wendy not that important to you? If I’d known, then—”

“—She’s a precious friend. And it’s true, I do want to exact revenge on you.”

Truth.

“I want to grab you by the throat and snap it, bash your skull with my quarterstaff, stomp you until you burst like a tomato, rip off your limbs one by one and make you crawl, tear out your guts while you’re still alive, crush your eyeballs, skin you, burn you alive, and make you cry for real.”

Oliver recounted each act, recalling what he had done to Sleeping Beauty in the Verdant Forest.

He had done it all, except for making his opponent cry.

“So, you’re serious?”

“Embarrassingly, yes.”

“Then why don’t you?”

Instead of answering right away, Oliver thoughtfully caressed the quarterstaff in his left hand.

It was Kent’s gift to him.

“Because it’s addictive…”

“What?”

“I said it’s addictive. It’s just too pleasurable.”

“What’s the problem with that? If it’s fun, you should keep doing it!”

Fen countered.

It was a point with some merit.

What’s wrong with exercising power? Especially in times like these.

Oliver seemed unsure of a clear answer and hesitated, scratching his head while crouching.

Why not? Why shouldn’t he do it? Because it’s morally wrong? Because it goes against social conventions? Because it’s simply distasteful?

All of those were valid reasons, but Oliver didn’t voice them.

They all felt a little lacking.

So, Oliver provided an explanation that made the most sense to him.

Because a conversation should be genuine.

“…To remain true to myself.”

That was it.

The reason Oliver held back his urge to brutally kill Fen was just that.

Oliver—he wanted to stay true to who he was.

The self that Kent liked.

‘…I like your unique personality,’ Kent had said.

The version of himself Marie believed in.

‘…Dave, you saved us,’ she had said.

The self Joe admired.

‘You’re my… our hero,’ Joe had said.

The self that was Jane’s friend.

‘…Yes! I’d love to be friends!!’ Jane had said.

The self who worked with Forest.

‘Absolutely not. How often do you get to work with a friend like you?’ Forest had said.

The self Joanna trusted.

‘If that’s the case, I’ll believe in you. No matter what happens, I’ll support and help you,’ Joanna had said.

And the self Oliver saw in himself.

‘I’m just… me,’ Oliver had said.

In the grim reality before him, Oliver wanted to use those words as his compass.

To lean on them as a pillar to withstand the overwhelming fear that constantly loomed over him.

To bear the harsh reality he wanted to evade and deny.

That was why Oliver decided to quit seeking revenge. To remain true to who he was.

Hearing Oliver’s resolve, Fen suddenly burst out laughing.

“…Heh, heh, heh… Ki… Ki-Kih! Kahahaha!!!”

It was the kind of laughter that wasn’t genuine but rather brought on by disbelief.

For a couple of minutes, Fen’s laughter echoed through the air, while Oliver silently observed.

This too was part of their conversation.

-Silence.

Within the perfectly sealed-off Neverland, Fen’s laughter abruptly stopped.

At the same time, his voice returned.

“It’s wrong. It’s just not right. I should be the prince…”

Fen displayed an appearance similar to when he had attacked The Burned One.

Oliver observed him in silence.

“…Right? Isn’t it only fair? I’m the one who desires it, so I should be the special one, right? That’s fair, isn’t it?!”

Fen’s voice grew louder as his emotions, laced with greed and obsession, shone through.

Oliver then asked, seemingly out of genuine curiosity.

“Why are you so obsessed with being special? Aren’t you already special enough?”

Though his voice lacked volume or noticeable intonation, Oliver’s question instantly silenced the surrounding atmosphere.

“…What?”

“On my way here, Lady Jane told me a bit about you, Lord Fen.”

…

“It seems like you’ve had a difficult time. You cared for your sick mother… I wouldn’t know much since I don’t have a mother.”

“…What are you trying to say?”

Oliver stroked his quarterstaff.

It was a gift from Kent.

“…I’m saying that, in my eyes, you’re already amazing. You cared for your ailing mother on your own, worked hard cleaning chimneys, didn’t give up even after falling ill, and even learned black magic on your own.”

Oliver succinctly mentioned what Jane had read from Fen’s diary.

It detailed the hardship Fen endured under a mother who claimed to be a royal, and how he was bullied by his peers because of her.

It also revealed how he fell into despair after contracting cancer, a common occupational disease among chimney sweeps, until one day, he suddenly gained the ability to use black magic.

Though the specifics remained unknown…

“…Isn’t that special enough already?”

Oliver spoke based on Jane’s deductions.

Fen’s obsession with being special likely stemmed from his mother’s influence and his miserable past.

Just as the Flesh Cook tried to atone for the guilt of abandoning his sister by doing whatever he could for her.

It was a plausible story.

Creation-type black magic was known to be the most reflective of the practitioner’s psychology among the various forms of black magic.

If such a diary existed in Neverland, the essence of creation-type black magic, it would likely contain Fen’s deepest secrets.

“…So why cling to something like an apocalypse?”

“…An apocalypse?”

“Yes, I’m telling you this because you’re already incredible.”

Oliver recalled both the past of Fen that Jane had shared and the Flesh Cook’s past.

After all, the Flesh Cook had climbed to a prominent position, becoming one of the Fingers over centuries, driven by his love for his sister, despite being a cannibalistic creature.

Fen too, though his mother’s indoctrination played a significant role, had attained the rank of Finger.

Regardless of good or evil, they were indeed remarkable.

Although they committed atrocious acts along the way… Oliver tried not to dwell on that. It wasn’t his place to judge right from wrong.

Thus, Oliver sought to act rationally, keeping his own goals in mind.

Fen, sensing Oliver’s intentions, reacted.

“You’re serious?”

“Yes… So, why don’t we reconcile and resolve this peacefully?”

Oliver spoke with all his heart.

Merlin was in the middle of dealing with the sea monster, and he was sure Merlin would win. If Fen could be resolved amicably, then maybe… just maybe… Oliver could avoid the outcome he feared.

Though he had other plans, this was the best one.

Given that Oliver had matters more important than defeating Fen.

It was selfish, but he couldn’t help it. He was just that terrified.

Then, suddenly, Fen asked a question.

“Thanks for the kind words… But I’m curious, have you ever shouted at the top of your lungs?”

“Pardon?”

“I’m asking if you’ve ever shouted at the top of your lungs.”

A shout. A loud cry or yell.

Oliver considered the dictionary definition, but Fen added some clarification as if that wasn’t what he meant.

“That’s not what I’m asking… Have you ever shouted because you were angry or felt life was unfair? Or because life was just too difficult… How often have you done that?”

To ensure an honest conversation, Oliver thought deeply.

Moments filled with anger, frustration, and hardship… come to think of it, there were a few.

The orphanage and the mines were nothing but adversity and injustice.

However, as for times when he actually shouted out of anger or frustration? Well…

Fen spoke as though he could see right through Oliver’s thoughts. In fact, it sounded like he already knew the answer.

“So, you’ve never done it?”

“Once, when I was in pain, I did shout.”

Oliver finally brought up one instance.

When he returned from the New Continent and sparred with Merlin, there was one time he screamed loudly.

It happened when the chain wrapped around his right arm, causing excruciating pain.

But seeing that this wasn’t a satisfying answer, Fen shook his head.

“I’m talking about shouting, not screaming.”

“Is there a difference?”

“That’s exactly why I don’t like you.”

Fen pointed at Oliver, his voice filled with envy and hatred.

“Everything you do makes it seem like you think you’re different.”

“I don’t intend to.”

“That makes me hate you even more. Because you really don’t intend to… A coward like you, with such poise… chosen… That’s unfair, isn’t it?!”

Despite his efforts, Oliver saw where this conversation was headed and began to rub the small cut on his finger. A few drops of blood stained Oliver’s fingertip.

He genuinely wanted to reconcile. To wait for Merlin to defeat the sea monster and for him to reconcile peacefully.

However, it didn’t go as planned.

“But I’m not a coward. I’ll twist the form of the apocalypse and become a prince!!”

…

Fen’s words struck Oliver like lightning.

Twisting the form of the apocalypse to become a prince? It was something worth thinking about.

But Fen gave him no time to ponder.

With Fen’s shout, the burning shadows began exerting their control over the sealed Neverland.

From beneath the ground, countless creatures surged forth, while hooks and chains appeared from the air.

These were the same devices used to capture The Burned One.

Monsters and metal devices alike hurtled toward Oliver from all sides.

Screeching and clanking sounds filled the air as grotesque creatures swarmed oddly.

Upon seeing this, Oliver felt both disappointment at his ruined plan and an inappropriate temptation at the same time. Twisting the apocalypse…

Mulling this over, Oliver activated the magic spell he had been preparing.

[Devouring Fire]

A complex magic spell that mixed emotions with energy.

This time, he added a drop of blood from the cut on his fingertip.

Perhaps because of that, the fist-sized flame exploded and quickly spread throughout Neverland, consuming everything like firewood.

The black flames gnashed their teeth, engulfing everything above, below, and around until all was reduced to ash.

The flames’ tongues lapped up the area, spreading fire further.

The fire monster, growing incessantly, devoured countless creatures and devices, converting them into its fuel.

With that fuel, the Devouring Fire continued to fill the enclosed Neverland.

The situation was settled.

But Fen was smiling.

As if to say he expected this.

And soon, the basis of that confidence would be revealed.

“Shadows!!”

At Fen’s call, a shadow engulfed in flames, reminiscent of The Burned One, began to move.

Huff…

When the shadow exhaled, the Devouring Fire split apart, avoiding Fen.

But that wasn’t the only thing.

Click!

When the shadow snapped its fingers, a small spark, a mix of red and orange, ignited and covered the area, consuming the Devouring Fire like it was fuel.

Flames that devour fire.

The color of the flames filling the surroundings changed, and Fen burst out laughing madly.

“Heh, heh, heh! Did you really think I wouldn’t prepare for this?!!”

Oliver was enveloped in the flames that devoured the Devouring Fire.

Seeing Oliver trapped, Fen, perhaps intoxicated by victory, walked forward.

“I’ll roast you until you’re crispy and absorb you into Neverland…”

Fen took another step forward.

He passed by the burning shadow.

“…And I’ll make you my nourishment…”

Fen stopped in front of the shadow directing the flames.

The shadow then rested its hands on Fen’s shoulders.

“…What—”

The shadow opened its mouth, swallowing Fen whole.

[…I—I am the Prince…]

***

Without even a scream, Fen was swallowed whole starting from the head.

Fen, struggling as his head was consumed, tried to break free, but the shadow remained indifferent, muttering about being the Prince as it lifted Fen’s body and began swallowing him like a snake.

From the head, neck, shoulders, arms, chest, waist, and legs, Fen’s body was slowly swallowed by the shadow.

Oliver, enveloped by flames, observed the scene clearly despite the intense heat.

However, did it surprise him? Not really.

Initially, Fen’s shadow had been so subservient that it couldn’t disobey him even in its final moments. But that was only because Fen’s power had overwhelmed it.

However, after receiving The Burned One’s blessing, the shadow broke free from Fen’s control.

The blessing had boosted its strength and consciousness abnormally.

Above all, there was the nature of shadows, which were considered as an extension of their caster.

So, it wasn’t all that surprising for Fen’s shadow to devour him.

After all, Jane had been similarly surrounded and controlled by her shadow as if it were a puppet.

That was why Oliver had made a point to suppress his own unruly shadow.

[…I—I am the Prince…]

The shadow, having swallowed Fen whole, began manipulating Neverland like an oven.

The interior flames intensified, turning the inside into a fiery hell.

Its plan was to burn Oliver along with Neverland and devour him whole.

The rising heat made it increasingly difficult for Oliver, who had resistance against fire, to endure.

Moreover, any energy or emotions extracted were immediately consumed by the overwhelming flames as soon as they left his body.

On the surface, it seemed like there was no way out of this situation.

At that moment, Oliver slightly loosened the bandage on his right index finger.

Sst…

With Merlin’s help, the bandages unraveled partially, revealing a burnt fingertip that looked like a charred branch.

Oliver thought it was the best option, so he tore off the bandage and placed the exposed finger on the blazing ground.

Pop.

A bright white flame, strong enough to bleach the world, exploded and instantly incinerated the surrounding flames and Neverland.