Chapter 506

Seventeenth

But, I refuse!

The Dark Sword Gengetsu An consistently revealed the darkest possible Bad End to Ash.

“In fact, their existence is also part of our plan,” Joker said with a smile, showing some sincerity. Seeing Ash’s focused gaze, he provocatively divulged part of his plan. “Every time a Clown Monster appears and a tragedy unfolds, the tragic energy gathered can be used as nourishment for Emperor Pierrot to resurrect. Even the healing accessories they collect after defeating the Clown Monsters are part of the plan.”

It seems that this time, the healing accessory was taken by someone else. If he could get it from him…

“Ahh, I understand,” Ash naturally replied. On his automatically displayed system panel appeared a display for collecting the dark echoes in this world.

Of course, he was very familiar with such processes, so much so that he felt he could call himself an expert.

“As they repeatedly purify the Clown Monsters, their growing affection and confidence in reaching a happy ending will become stronger. And if the hope they have is destroyed at this moment!” Joker forcefully clapped his hands together, squeezing them tight as if crushing the girls’ hopes right in front of Ash’s eyes.

“Would this reversal of despair produce the best tragic energy? At that time, those who were once messengers of hope will become the greatest aid for Emperor Pierrot’s resurrection!”

“Don’t you think it’s exciting, seeing hope turn into despair on those smiling faces of theirs, pushing them to a bad end?”

“What expression would appear then! Surely it’s a beautiful sight?”

Feeling excited, Joker clasped his own mouth to suppress his voice, his body trembling. When he finished speaking, he stretched out his arm towards Ash generously.

“After Emperor Pierrot’s resurrection, you can do anything to them if you want. They’ll all be yours, and you can deal with them as you wish.”

“Since we are the ones bringing about these tragedies, any form of evil and depravity is natural. Watching the once hopeful girls fall into despair and become your personal… That’s really… It’s hard not to be moved, isn’t it?”

Seeing Ash’s indifferent look, Joker secretly rejoiced. It seemed he had already convinced him.

“You’re right. I am indeed the villain. Such a development sounds tempting enough on its own.”

Ash nodded honestly.

Dark Sword had already shown him the worst possible outcome. If Ash agreed to his proposal at this moment, the world would naturally follow a new bad end route due to the “Piego Mountain’s” resurrection, but unlike the previous outcomes, this one would sacrifice the whole world to keep five girls alive.

Even if their minds and bodies were pushed to their limits, even if despair grew as they faced the destruction of their entire world, they would still survive.

At least not like the bridge burning outcome that Ash originally envisioned. In other words, Pierrot’s statement hadn’t deceived him.

Surely, this means that even without much effort, he could save them… Now, the question is.

So, should he take the shortcut?

“So, what is Mr. Wangjian’s answer?”

Joker, confident and sincere, answered. He didn’t think the other party would have a reason to refuse.

Ash gave his answer.

“But, I refuse!”

The white paper held by Joker, prophesied by the Dark Sword, was instantly torn apart by Ash’s own Dark Sword.

Raising his left hand sharply and pointing, Ash’s serious eyes burned with determination.

“The world I want is not one where imagination-deprived people like you believe it is!”

If he, before interacting with the Pretty Cures and battling endlessly across worlds, had been stripped of his spirit and humanity due to continuous cleaning of dark echoes, he might have really agreed.

Therefore…

“Do you understand why? Those who have lost their brilliance can no longer fight beautifully or make any meaningful move. They are no different than caged livestock.”

A dangerous aura started emanating from Ash. The things Joker said had touched something sensitive about Ash, angering him.

“Purposeless evil is just hollow fun, darkness without light has no meaning, and a lack of imagination only breeds boredom.”

Saying this, Joker’s sinister smile became more twisted, and his face looked even more sinister.

Ash calmly dismissed him.

“You are truly a Joker. To me, you are nothing more than a boring clown performing meaningless antics on stage, unable to imagine the world, or them, that I desire.”

Lifting his index finger and pointing down forcefully,

“Do not equate my dignity and honor with that of a vile scoundrel like you!”

“Now, either leave or prepare yourself for death!”

[Deadly Guidance]! [Evil Dragon]!

“Do you really think everything is under your control?” Joker’s eyes glowed red through the mask after being provoked by Ash, starting to reveal his true self. With his strength and scheming, he did not think Ash could beat him.

“Isn’t that for you to try?”

“That—I’m sorry, but—” The face of the Joker, already filled with malice, turned into a grotesque mask. “I hope you die!”

After all, considering Pierrot’s resurrection, unexpected elements like you are not welcomed. So, you must die!”

The moment Joker spoke, a massive light began emanating from the wallet where Ash had installed a tracker, engulfing the man holding both sword and book.

Ash closed his eyes, allowing his instincts to guide him, letting his falling body be wrapped in darkness.

“I thought you’d be smarter than that.”

Only smoke remained in the place where Ash had originally stood.

With a resurgent calm and comical demeanor, Joker smiled as he looked at the semi-circular gap before him, sounding genuinely regretful.

“Drip…”

The sound of liquid dripping echoed softly in the utterly dark space.