The subject of Creatures of Darkness was very interesting to Aegon, so he had studied about them. From there, he easily recalled how there were many types of Creatures of Darkness formed through various methods.

One such method was the accumulation of negative emotions from people. As long as those emotions were gathered in a large amount, the darkness that spread across the world at night would give life to them.

Its power would depend on the resentment living beings held toward it and the further accumulation of negative emotions in an area.

This was why so many ghost stories were famous, because they were based on real events. The ghosts were real and were most of the time formed from the resentment of people. They grew powerful through the fear they inspired in others.

"A year old, huh," Aegon muttered, glancing at Xavier, who came to the same conclusion.

"Yes, we saw through the wall how you killed it," their eyes were practically shining. "Thank you for saving our town. We don't have to worry about that evil spirit any longer."

"You don't really need to thank me because I managed to defeat it easily thanks to you guys," Aegon explained. "I'm guessing everyone in this town felt depressed and down for the last year and also committed some crimes."

Many nodded while wondering how he knew about that, while some looked down, showing how true his words were.

"The darkness takes your desires and fills them into the Creature of Darkness. Though most of the time, it's just the negative emotions that linger around," Xavier added from the side.

"You mean... the evil spirit was formed because of us?"

"T-That's not possible. I didn't kill my brother."

"But they are powerful Adventurers. Why would they lie about such things?"

"It's fine," Aegon said, trying to calm the crowd, which seemed to work easily. "What I'm saying is that the opposite is also true. The creature weakened because all of you are happy now, and it repelled the resentment of this town."

"Yup, we were just lucky to meet the weakened version," Xavier said with a chuckle. "You're the one who defeated it with this joyful atmosphere."

"So, we just need to be happy to keep evil spirits away?"

"Yup, so always try your best to find happiness," Aegon said, grinning. "Alright then, let's celebrate. And since I've saved the boy, I get the chance to choose a reward..."

"No alcohol!"

"I'm the one choosing the reward, Goddamn it!" Aegon gritted his teeth at Xavier.

"And I'm the one who's in charge of you," Xavier said, pressing a finger against his forehead. "So, you will listen to me."

For once, he was using quite a serious tone, so Aegon just clicked his tongue and ignored him. Then he joined the folks for a dance.

Since they now knew happiness could keep evil spirits away, they were even more excited as everyone laughed and danced around the bonfire.

Xavier shook his head but also joined in on the fun.

The Flame Dance continued for a few hours, where they had a feast with all kinds of delicacies and good alcohol that everyone had brought.

During the dance, the folks even threw Aegon and Xavier up and down for fun and also to show their sincerity. Everyone had their own way of showing appreciation.

But the two of them knew they had a ride tomorrow, so they still returned to the inn Jason had found and slept peacefully.

In the morning, they left in the wake of the sun without alerting the folks because they knew the people would try to give them something as a present for their heroic deed.

It was nothing for Aegon and Xavier, but it meant a lot for the townsfolk, and the duo didn't want to burden them, especially with the condition of the kingdom they were in.

As their carriage raced down the uneven road that often led to heavy bumps, Aegon stared at the disappearing town and said, "People's lives are so small, don't you think?"

"Yes, human lifespans are short, but I don't think that's what you meant," Xavier said. "So, what do you mean?"

"I'm just thinking of something," Aegon said instead of answering properly. "How many of them do you think ever left the town?"

"None!" was Xavier's straightforward answer. "The town is in the rural parts of the kingdom, and people there are ordinary. It takes a lot for a mundane person to travel around the world. Their information network probably comes from Adventurers, merchants, rumors, and myths."

As Aegon nodded, Xavier continued.

"And they didn't know much about the Creatures of Darkness, which just shows they don't have much contact with the real world. I could be wrong, though, so forget what I said."

"Perhaps you're right," Aegon nodded. "But they looked quite happy despite staying in the same place all their life."

"I mean, ignorance is bliss," Xavier shrugged and said. "They don't know much about the outer world, so how can they envy something they don't even know much about? They just try to be happy with what they have."

"It seems like knowledge can be a curse as well," Aegon muttered to himself, wondering if he had been ignorant of the world in his previous life...would he have enjoyed his stay in that cage named hospital?

He didn't have an answer, but he knew he didn't like that thought. Even if the knowledge of the outside world had brought him pain, loneliness, and longing for it, Aegon still wanted that.

It was what kept him alive... as a human.

"By the way, I disagree on something," Aegon said with a smile. "People can envy things they have little knowledge of. Actually, that's even more dangerous. It could go either way."

"Hmm, you're right," Xavier thought about it and nodded in understanding. "I didn't know much about the Academy, so I was so excited to go there. But now that I know more about it, I just feel like jumping on my bed and sleeping for eternity."

"That's just your lazy ass speaking."

"Wow! I didn't know asses could speak. Did you make that one up just now?"

"I can actually make one for you specifically. Your mouth shits more than your ass anyway."

"Fuck off!"

"You're on my carriage. You fuck off!"

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