588,

The answer corresponds to the question.

For any question, there will be infinite answers.

Even the simple question of what is one plus one can have infinite possibilities for an answer.

Two, although a "correct" answer, is not necessarily the absolute answer to the question.

Why?

Because no one said you had to be right.

There is only one absolutely correct answer, but there are infinite reasons for being wrong.

You could answer three, answer eighty-seven, and these answers can still be your answers.

Of course, others might think you are foolish.

But imagine, what if you could use your words to make others believe that three is the correct answer?

As the questioner, if you don't know the correct answer, do you have the confidence and ability to judge whether the answer given by others is correct?

This is the beauty of "words."

Through words, rules can be rewritten.

Each word manipulates truth and falsehood.

The battle of words is such an interesting and profound game.

But Cyclone couldn't do it anymore. Usually, facing King Kakarl's questions, Cyclone's mind would come up with several options.

Some are genuine, while others are meant to deceive.

But now, all Cyclone could think of was just one line.

One unique answer, one correct answer.

Tormented by pain, every second of thought was agonizing.

At the same time, the longer Cyclone thought, the more the other party would doubt their own answer.

This is the judgment after torture; King Kakarl wanted the most direct answer.

In that case, all Cyclone could do was to give her the answer she wanted most.

"The High Priest... is a vampire."

This was the truth, with no trace of lies.

In a state of zero thoughts, Cyclone revealed information about the High Priest.

As if it were fate, Cyclone betrayed the High Priest.

And just like that, the torture finally came to a brief end.

Soft breathing became the proof of Cyclone's existence. Sensation had completely vanished from the body, replaced by a feeling of detachment.

But in the cold dungeon, Cyclone finally opened up a topic.

Under the condition of betraying the High Priest, Cyclone gained the right to speak.

This was the very first word and also the word spoken out of desperation.

With no vocabulary to think of lies, the body reaching its limit, being able to consciously answer was a stroke of luck.

"I already knew, my king."

However, all hopes were shattered by King Kakarl's response.

Already knew?

In an instant, King Kakarl's words were as sharp as a sword.

Regardless of whether King Kakarl truly knew or pretended to know.

For Cyclone, this trump card had already been cut off by King Kakarl's sword.

Was there anything left to say?

Cyclone was momentarily speechless, unable to utter a single word.

"What, is that all? You think you can trade with me just like that?"

Seeing King Kakarl's disappointed look, all the words Cyclone could choose from vanished, and true fear exploded in the heart.

No words could be spoken, only waiting for death now.

"Just kill him and be done with it. Waste of my time."

King Kakarl stood up, leaving behind a callous command, and walked away.

The giant then dragged Cyclone back to where the whipping was to be carried out.

"Wait! Wait!!!!"

Cyclone cried out miserably, but King Kakarl did not look back.

What to say...

Here, Cyclone only knew one thing.

To say a sentence, just one sentence, that could reverse life and death.

"You..."

The wooden railing was closed, leaving Cyclone alone with the giant.

"Your plan!! The plan to summon the Great Dragon has been found out by the High Priest!!!!"

Cyclone spoke the truth.

In order to survive, Cyclone betrayed the High Priest and all the people of Kakarl.

"What did you say?!"

In return, King Kakarl turned back with an angry gaze.

In that moment, the giant let go of his hand.

"Yes, you wanted to control the Great Dragon's plan... the High Priest already..."

***