Everything suddenly made sense.
A Complex Mind Law.
Back when Kyle was in the process of creating his Complex Mind Law, Swamp Dragon had told him that he was insane. Only Spirit Lords and very powerful Sages could attempt to create a Complex Mind Law. After all, a Seeker's mind went through several stages of refinement in the Wisdom Fire Realm, granting them greater resistance towards their changing personality while creating a Complex Mind Law.
Kyle found a Complex Mind Law that perfectly fit him. During battle, he was much more confident. He also took his relationships much more seriously. While he seemed a bit unsure at times, that was because he actually treated his relationships with sincerity and importance now. In the past, this was not the case. In the past, he hadn't been emotionally invested. Now, he was.
As Kyle looked at Swamp Dragon, he could see how things had gotten this way. Ever since they had met, the two of them had been trying to imitate the qualities they admired in the other person.
Kyle had been impressed by Swamp Dragon's perseverance. Even when following his beliefs represented a loss in resources, an addition of danger, or a loss of something else, Swamp Dragon followed through. He did what he believed was the right thing.
In the past, Kyle had been willing to do many things he didn't want to just to survive, but after being with Swamp Dragon, he had gained the strength to follow his heart. When he had been Azure Comet, without Swamp Dragon's influence, Kyle would have run away. Staying in the Secondary Sector with all of this opposition was stupid and suicidal. If he wanted to survive, he would need to leave.
But he didn't. He wanted to have agency, and he decided to risk it all to get it. He followed his own dreams and beliefs.
On the other hand, Swamp Dragon admired Kyle's dedication to his power and his work ethic.
During the Star Seeking, Swamp Dragon had seen how masochistic Kyle's training had been, and he decided to imitate him. He emulated the way Kyle trained, and his own power soared.
When Swamp Dragon had seen how many times Kyle risked his life to improve his Momentum, he decided to follow his lead. He emulated the way Kyle improved his Momentum, and his own Momentum rose sharply.
When Swamp Dragon had seen how Kyle wanted to become a Legendary Crusher, he followed his lead once more. He put his all into becoming a Legendary Crusher, and he succeeded.
And then...
When Swamp Dragon had seen how Kyle had created a Complex Mind Law as a Crusher, he decided to do the same. He chose a fitting Law, and he created his Complex Mind Law.
'He's been doing what I've been doing,' Kyle thought. 'Whenever I did something that increased my power, he did something similar. We have different goals and beliefs, but we both need power to realize them. He saw my power and decided to follow my lead.'
'However, a Complex Mind Law inevitably changes a person. I have also changed. I used to be much more casual since I didn't take things seriously. In a way, I lacked the courage to try. I wasn't truly sincere. Yet, this is a positive change, at least in my opinion. I am getting closer to the person I want to be one day.'
As Kyle looked at Swamp Dragon, he felt mixed emotions.
The most overwhelming one was still the feeling of betrayal and rage. What Swamp Dragon had done today crossed a line. It went far beyond what was acceptable.
Yet, Kyle also felt a sense of responsibility. Without his influence, Swamp Dragon wouldn't have ended up like this. There was no doubt that Kyle had taken an insane risk when he created his Complex Mind Law this early, but he had been lucky enough to come out as a better person. Meanwhile, Swamp Dragon hadn't been as lucky.
"And what does this revelation change?" Swamp Dragon asked neutrally. "I have a Complex Mind Law, but I am still me."
The next moment, Swamp Dragon put his right index finger to his head, and a moment later, a green Essence came out.
Swamp Dragon had dispersed his Complex Mind Law.
Kyle saw the Essence and recognized it.
The Essence of the Law of Minor Earth.
Stalwart and strong.
Stubborn and unmoving.
Everyone looked at Swamp Dragon for several seconds, waiting for something to change.
Yet, Swamp Dragon's expression didn't change. He seemed just as distant as before.
"Do you believe I am different with the Complex Mind Law?" Swamp Dragon asked evenly. "Do you believe anything I have done is out of character for me? Think about your allegiance. Think about what the Cult wants to do. Think about me."
"Is this development surprising in any way?"
Kyle took a deep breath. "No."
The Essence moved back towards Swamp Dragon's head and vanished.
"I am still myself," Swamp Dragon said. "None of my beliefs have changed. My personality hasn't changed. The only thing that's different is that I finally have the courage and conviction to truly act according to my beliefs."
"And for that, I have to thank you, Bang."
Kyle's eyes narrowed.
"You opened my eyes," Swamp Dragon said. "You showed me that I was a hypocrite. I said I wanted to do good, but subconsciously, I still found excuses. I overlooked many horrible acts, but I've always found ways to justify not acting."
"When you told me that I should just be a good person, I did just that. For that piece of advice, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. When I realized that I actually had the power to change things, I decided that I would never back away. Because of that, I decided to use the Law of Minor Earth for my Complex Mind Law over the Law of Minor Water."
Kyle looked to the side with a mix of anger and regret.
'He's right. He's always been like this. He always wanted to become the person he is right now.'
Kyle looked back, and as he saw Swamp Dragon's calm expression, his anger and regret vanished. Instead, he only felt a feeling of disappointment and loss.
'I've been naive. Our personalities had still been compatible in the past, but that's because we hadn't fully committed yet. Even if this hadn't happened today, eventually, things would have still reached this point.'
Kyle took a deep breath before turning to Manny. "What happens now?" he asked.
According to Kyle's judgment, even though Swamp Dragon was not acting according to their plan, Manny still seemed to be the one in charge.
"That's not entirely up to me," Manny said with an embarrassed smile. "We are a group of individuals."
Star Genesis closed her eyes, trying to remain calm. "What is your goal? Why are you here?" she asked.
"Our mission," Manny said, "is to make Swamp Dragon the Overseer of the unknown world. We do not plan on killing you. We do not plan to get in your way. We even planned on helping all of you as friends. We would work together, as always, and if we all manage to succeed, we five will ascend, while Swamp Dragon remains in the unknown world."
"As long as your opinions haven't changed, we can still follow this plan."
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