Dimensional Descent

Leonel's heart softened even more so than usual.

Candle was just a teenage girl. After having her age frozen, she was even younger than Leonel in comparison to before. At that moment, Leonel couldn't see her as anything other than a little girl. And likewise for Vice, he was just a little boy.

Just their age alone made it difficult for Leonel to work up the courage to harm them. But, their backstory made it even more difficult.

"Is that all you want? To see the outside world?"

Candle nodded up and down, her forearm trying to wipe her falling tears away.

Vice's eyes turned red, seemingly caught up in Candle's emotions. But, he simultaneously seemed quite detached from it all, almost as though he was just copying Candle rather than truly feeling the emotions she was.

Leonel took note of all of this. He couldn't possibly expect that his pity would suddenly turn around and cause these two Savants to become normal people. As cruel as his grandfather was, there was a reason they were locked up to begin with.

Some psychopaths were good at imitating the emotions they saw around them but lacked the empathy that came with it. Unfortunately for Vice, having been locked away since he was a child, he never properly built up his skill. Coupling that with how sharp Leonel's perception was to begin with and he never really stood a chance of hiding it.

Usually, this imitation ability of psychopaths didn't come naturally. It would be a lengthy process of being called out for their behavior that would eventually have them realize they needed to fit in more. Some would become so good at it that they would lean into their narcissistic traits and even begin to manipulate the people around them.

any stretch of the imagination.

was still relatively normal, maybe with some increased sensitivity compared to normal people. But, that could only be

not and could function in everyday society just fine despite the stigma attached to them. As for which one Vice

Leonel made a decision.

But, we have to make a deal first. Is

blinked away tears, looking up toward Leonel from her position on

"…A … Deal?"

Whether it was Candle or Vice, both had too little understanding of the world and the kind of life they were living. Having them make such a life altering deal themselves wasn't the most ethical.

two of you… With your power, you are very dangerous, maybe even more dangerous than any other existences in this world. Do you understand what I

eyes dimmed. She felt that she had heard something

you will cross me is very high, I am willing to give you a chance to prove me and

a small light of hope

power and talent, I

outside looks like. You'll grow by my side and eventually there'll come a time where there won't be a single place you won't be able

the both of you like I would my own brother

truth was that Leonel had never expected them to say no. The power imbalance between