The Man’s Decree – Chapter 5456

"For pity's sake, would you quit howling like somebody died? I'm still here, mostly... A sliver of my soul lingers, that's all. Even if I claw my way to level nine, this wisp will never regrow a body."

The words drifted out of Jared's consciousness field, raw and rasping, like embers refusing to dim.

A ripple of crimson light flickered behind Jared's eyes, the unmistakable timbre of the Vermilion Demon Lord, sardonic yet barely alive.

Tears clung to Jared's lashes. He scrubbed them away and blurted, "Mr. Vermilion, if you can't take shape again, just stay inside my consciousness field forever. I don't mind, really!"

"Spare me..." A dry chuckle echoed, rich with mock disgust. "You chase women every waking hour. I‘d be forced to watch your antics in perpetual close-up. I'd sooner fade to dust."