Chapter 1831: Chapter 1828: Dark Side
The gamble is over.
The number of survivors dropped directly from [45] to [20].
Among them, two groups were executed because they did not set the rules properly during the gamble, leading to a waste of time without completion and eventual execution due to timeout.
According to regulations, when the number falls below 10% of the initial count (25 people), the final stage will commence.
…
The clown Bajins stared at the “Big Devil card” in his hand, dazed and motionless, seemingly experiencing a change of mindset.
He once joined the circus by chance and became a clown out of curiosity… Why did other members replace their predecessors based on skill, while he merely filled a vacancy?
As Bajins gradually became familiar within the circus, he began secretly inquiring about the previous clown,
Initially, whenever he asked other members, their faces would turn extremely ugly, unwilling to say much.
Only Mr. Anus, responsible for lighting, and acrobat Sean were willing to disclose some information, roughly summarizing it as [disgusting] and [uncomfortable].
Just being in the same room with the previous clown made everyone feel unwell; no one in the circus liked him.
However, the performance effects brought by the previous clown were excellent, which was the main reason he remained.
The ultimate reason Pennywise was kicked out of the circus was due to unanimous complaints, and the leader decided to dismiss him early for the circus’s stability and integrity.
Later.
Bajins, whose status gradually rose, found detailed records of [Pennywise] in the circus’s archive room.
It was at this time he began taking a keen interest in his predecessor, even searching for information in the Black Tower during his vacation… Unfortunately, the trail completely cut off when he reached the B.B.C (Black Tower Control Bureau).
Until today,
A young man eerily similar to Pennywise came to the circus as an audience member.
“What’s this guy’s ability… exactly?”
Bajins approached the corpse flattened by the collapsed roulette and found tentacle-like strips of flesh still writhing.
Cautiously, he used his staff to draw the tentacles together, then collected them entirely using a tool similar to a magic box.
Fortunately, under the “limit of truth,”
these bizarre tentacles did not have traits like splitting, shifting, or spreading contamination, functioning merely like parasites burrowing into the body, eroding and affecting the flesh.
Without direct contact, it was not a major problem.
“This must be a unique trait of the [Demon], so why is it appearing on this young human, who also happens to be related to Pennywise?
Is this why I haven’t been able to find any information from the Black Tower?
You’re such an interesting opponent, I’ve never met one like you before.”
Bajins had mastered the art of ’emotional’ adjustment to perfection.
What happened just now did not make him agitated; instead, it made him more serious, even keeping the “Big Devil card” in his pocket as a memento to relive this ‘defeat’ anytime in the future.
“For all the audience members who won the gamble, you have earned the right to participate in the final stage! Once our staff has cleaned the site, I will announce the relevant game rules.
If you go further, you will survive this circus performance and receive a ‘Survivor Certificate’ issued by the circus, which is recognized in any significantly large world.
Of course, I also hope to discover real talents among you that can serve the circus.”
Not far away, Han Dong, observing Bajins, whose mood showed no fluctuations, offered a nod of approval,
“Not bad… This is more like it. If you can’t even manage your emotions, you’d be too lacking.”
Once the stage returned to normal, clown Bajins began narrating before the final stage:
“The Dark Circus was initially named [Real View Circus], which associated with our boss [V].
Real view often sees the dark side. To make it easier for the audience to accept, the name was later changed to Dark Circus, with the whole style focusing on darkness.
No matter what type of world, when all creatures gain basic cognitive ability, they put on a ‘mask,’ one used for disguise, allowing them to adapt better to the crowd, society, or world.
Reality show performances are also like this,
The actors on stage use techniques they’ve practiced for a long time to disguise themselves in front of the audience, winning those insincere applause and cheers… In reality, they cannot fill the inner void or perform a truly perfect performance.
The most perfect and top-notch visual enjoyment must be realized through authenticity.
The circus’s creation was to provide a place for revealing, appreciating, and showcasing the truth to bring the audience a most perfect visual feast.
The ‘final stage’ needs you to take off your mask and show your truest self.
And the circus has prepared a special potion that allows you to take off your mask.
Additionally, as the person in charge of the closing performance, I will also be involved.”
With that said,
A group of ‘special audience’ had already appeared in the audience seats below the stage.
Led by the leader, the team members involved in circus performances, such as dance teacher Alia and Director Christian, became special audiences to enjoy this real interpretation.
Performers with exceptional performances will receive a direct invitation from the circus.
At this moment.
Syringes filled with black crystals were handed to the survivors.
Clown Bajins began explaining its use.
“The use of the syringe is simple, just insert it into the back of your neck and push it all in.
If the injection fails or is not completed within the specified five seconds, it is considered an automatic waiver of qualification and you will be executed immediately.
The duration of the injection is “fifteen minutes.”
The performance will conclude as the effects wear off, and those who survive will be this circus’s final survivors. Do your best.”
Bajins held the syringe suspended at the back of his neck with one hand, while the other held high in the air.
“Listen to my command! 3, 2… 1!”
As the countdown ended.
All personnel pushed the syringes in.
A cold liquid mixed with tiny crystal particles injected into their bodies.
Some “limitation” in their consciousness was completely unlocked, not only did beastly instincts surge out, but all the traits and talents they initially discarded returned altogether.
Be it growing fangs, dense spines emerging from their backs, or their bodies getting covered in pitch-black fur.
The dark side within the survivors was unleashed without reservation, biting, ambushing, and even mating behaviors ensued.
Clown Bajins was equally affected, covering half of his face with each hand, as if both crying and smirking…
Anyone attempting to attack or approach Bajins would be impacted by one or another emotion,
either laughing uncontrollably, unable to perform any other action until killed by others or suffocated to death,
or crying endlessly, falling into endless despair and sorrow, seeking a dark, secluded place to end themselves.
Just at that moment.
Hahahahaha!
A completely different type, a different concept of laughter echoed throughout.
Even the special guests on the audience seats felt chills down their spines upon hearing it, showing extreme disgust on their faces.
“Pennywise!”
“No… It really resembles the disgusting clown’s laughter, but this guy’s laughter goes a step further, containing an utmost madness within it.
I need to wear earplugs; it’s really uncomfortable!”
The members discussed among themselves,
Only the leader and the steward remained silent.