Beating Instances through Words Left by the Dead

At the moment the giant fungal mass formed, Wu Chang was pulled into a space resembling the Mirror World.

The original attic walls were nowhere to be seen, the space expanded over a hundred times, making him feel as though he were standing in a vast prairie, only there was no grass, just an endless sea of colorful fluorescent fungi carpets.

The heavy fungal carpets merged with the fungal mass, undulating in the same rhythm, as if this space were a giant living being.

Simultaneously, the black mist emitted by the Curse Mark on Wu Chang’s body grew unsatisfied with simply surrounding him.

The dense black mist dispersed, forming a black canopy that resonated with the fungal carpet beneath his feet.

Despite the overwhelming abnormalities around him, Wu Chang did not spare a glance; his gaze was fixed intently on the giant fungal mass.

The integrated mushroom figures were channeling their pale red resentment onto the fungal mass.

Wu Chang saw the scenes retained within those resentments, all originating from the people around Amber.

Some came from Amber’s foster parents, some from her teachers, some from the neighbors next door, and one particularly deep resentment from the former orphanage director, who was also Sister Susan’s elder sister.

Within those resentments lay cherished memories they shared with Amber.

In those memories, they healed the tragic young girl with love, hoping to open her heart and let her step out from the shadows of the past.

Yet, each time a smile reappeared on Amber’s face, disaster and mishap would arrive uninvited.

At the end of those resentments, they still worried about Amber, fearing that their passing would cause her to shut her heart again.

Perhaps it was because they valued Amber so much that they fell victim to the giant fungal mass.

The resentment that left the deepest impression on him came from the former orphanage director, Sister Amanda.

She was a devout believer, possessing the compassion and mercy expected of the clergy.

Every time Amber’s adoptive families met misfortune, or when Amber was abandoned, she would without hesitation open the orphanage doors to offer Amber, who was huddled outside, a comforting embrace.

She often took Amber to pray in the orphanage chapel, advising her to remain a good person no matter what hardships she faced.

Because God, though silent, sees everything we do in this world.

As long as one’s heart holds goodwill and gratitude, God will forgive every person’s sins, delivering them from suffering.

Amanda believed this wholeheartedly, and because Amber believed in Amanda, she too held this faith.

Under Amanda’s shelter, Amber experienced a period of tranquility and warmth, resolving to become a nun like Amanda, spreading warmth to others.

The incident happened on Christmas two years ago, on Christmas Eve, when Amanda took Amber to the chapel to pray for God’s birthday.

Amber stood before the white statue of God, hands clasped tightly in prayer.

She asked if, by following Director Amanda’s commands and sincerely believing in God, if being a good child might earn her redemption and lift her from suffering.

In response to Amber’s prayer, the statue remained silent, but slowly tilted forward.

The descending statue wore a sullen and menacing expression.

A panic-stricken Amber stood frozen in place, at a loss, until Amanda acted swiftly, pushing Amber to the side.

She saved Amber but was pinned under the massive marble statue herself.

Amber erupted with astonishing power, moving the statue off Amanda, but Amanda’s shattered ribs had pierced her organs; she felt Life slipping away quickly.

She tried to pull something from her pocket, a golden star she intended to give to Amber as a gift that day.

A miniature Star of Bethlehem.

It symbolized hope and redemption and divine guidance, usually placed atop Christmas trees.

She wanted to give it to Amber, telling her that she would guide her alongside it on her final path.

Sadly, she never managed to deliver the blood-stained star before Life slipped away.

By the time Sister Susan arrived with medical personnel, all they saw was Amber madly kicking at the fallen statue.

Wu Chang took a deep breath, calming the scenes he witnessed within the clusters of resentment.

His fists clenched so tightly that his knuckles turned white, and his eyes blazed with anger like flaming embers.

Gazing upon the heart-like pulsing giant fungal mass, he wanted to hurl curses but found himself at a loss for words.

He needed a word more aggressive than any beast.

If before, his feelings for Amber were largely utilitarian, mingled with only a little pity, helping her was no different than aiding any other native issuing hidden questlines.

Solving Amber’s predicaments was simply a casual act, a regular part of completing tasks.

But now, having interacted with Amber these past days and witnessing the scenes within the resentment, he saw a girl endlessly struggling against fate, striving to rid herself of misfortunes.

He began genuinely viewing Amber as his daughter, wanting to shatter the heavy misfortunes entwining her.

As for the rewards of the hidden side quest, they seemed less significant now.

He glared at the giant fungal mass, biting his molars, and said:

”You’re damn well deserved to die!”

Coincidentally, the giant fungal mass felt the same about Wu Chang.

Several faces emerged on the fungal carpet surrounding Wu Chang, shouting in unison:

”Die! Die!”

Along with the fungal mass’s clamor, the Curse Mark on Wu Chang’s body erupted.