The Distinguished Mr. Rose Chapter 82: Chapter 81: Brain of Ambition

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Chapter 81: Brain of Ambition A sinister, pale-green tint began to infect the sky, spreading, corrupting all that which the light touched. The expedition could only look up in horror, for there, pulsing in its demented clump of wrinkles and lumpy pink mass, was the result of their failure. The Brain of Ambition had risen. Their end was nigh. There was none among them who could mistake this thing, this horrid demon, as Maugris any longer. They felt it in their bones. Their eyes lost all glimmer of sentimentality. Pain wormed into their heads as they gasped for breath and shuddered; for the Brain’s presence disturbed all that gazed upon its twisted appearance. It was strange — unnatural. An impossible creation unafraid to let its hatred of the living be known. Its entire existence was of spite. Lucius supposed it was a good thing that the Brain no longer resembled a man. Now, the paladins could fight without restraint, without guilt. A warrior’s instinct overtook their minds and distracted them from the reality of their tragic undertaking. There was only the urge to survive: to fight for the sake of the nation. Whether they could hold on to that resolve, however, Lucius was skeptical. For the Evil’s true danger had yet to reveal itself. “Why must my genius be labeled blasphemous? God is merely a shackle. They tell me that it is not proper, that it is the command of the Almighty to remain a stagnant and lowly race. But man is destined for greater heights. Let knowledge be spread regardless of consequence. Let my ambition smother all who dare seek to bring me down.” The paladins and priests all began to collapse on their knees, groaning. A familiar madness glinted in their eyes. They clutched their heads in a desperate bid to fend off the influence creeping into their scattered thoughts, but it was no use. This was not a battle that could be won through mere physical resistance. Only with their willpower could they hope to stave off the Brain’s charm; yet, even these holy warriors, disciplined and trained for war, could not ignore it — the craving and hunger for more. Such was its inevitable allure. Those who sought power naturally fostered it. To the poor of more humble standing, its call was practically irresistible. After all, who hadn’t thought of it at least once in their life? Wealth, glamor and fame, the excitement of progress. Yes, that is ambition: the potential of something beyond yourself. Was it any surprise, then, that everyone was bewitched by the Brain? Well, everyone except for Lucius. The gentleman was perfectly fine, of course! Why should he yearn for what he already has? Surprisingly enough, his companions were also doing rather well for themselves. Harper was fine due to her composure skill, but Mili and Marco, who had previously succumbed to the Eyes, managed to keep their rationality — albeit through rather extreme methods. “Gah… I’ll be a… the bestest most famest rockstar ever! Summerfest, Coachella, Lollapalooza… heck, why just stay in the U.S of A? Let’s go on a worldwide tour! Asia, Europe, Africa, everywhere! I’ll be EVERYWHERE! EVERYONE’S GONNA LISTEN TO MY MUSIC—” In between her manic ramblings, the musician raised her finger and then called forth a small bolt of lightning to zap her own body. It surged through her veins, her blood. She stood up and twitched erratically as the static continuously ran all along her body as if she were a living breathing conductor. The process appeared… uncomfortable, to say the least, but it did manage to help distract her from the Brain’s whispers. Marco, meanwhile, used his fiery gauntlet to set his own clothes ablaze. “Yeah… yeah, why shouldn’t I get a pool? The kids will love it. Lazy river, a giant slide, the works. Wait, nah, forget the pool. Let’s just build an entire waterpark! Always wanted one of those. I’ve got the money, don’t I? It’s all for the kids, definitely for the kids…” The flames enveloped him from the neck down, scorching his skin until it blistere