Chapter 120: The Deepest Desire

"Another Ultimate-tier!"

Clark’s expression shifted for the first time. His eyes burned with naked possessiveness, his entire body surging with the brilliant, frenzied light of Source Energy, while a powerful psychic force rippled through the underground space.

The birth of a single Ultimate-tier had already exceeded his expectations; to now see a second one cultivated in succession drove him to the brink of madness.

The creature that had suddenly emerged was the strange beast Charles had previously tamed. It had now completed its ultimate evolution, becoming Charles’s second Ultimate-tier companion.

"Hunting Lion: Special Totem, Ultimate-tier, cannot be upgraded.
Abilities: Invisible Assault, Feast of Slaughter, War Roar, Hunting Rhythm, Web of the Hunt.
Description: A terrifying existence whose life’s pursuit is the hunt. Its den is lined with countless trophies—the skulls, claws, and massive horns of powerful monsters. Yet, it remains insatiable, tirelessly hunting one formidable being after another."

Its body had grown from three meters to five, becoming leaner and more streamlined. The mane around its neck shimmered like gold, and its black eyes were cold and indifferent. Despite its massive size, it appeared incredibly light, as if it might vanish at any moment, never to be found again.

It had just utilized its "Invisible Assault" ability, perfectly blending its physical form into the surrounding environment, only launching its attack when it was less than ten meters from its prey.

Unfortunately, at the very last second, a translucent shield had manifested around the Harpy, blocking the strike entirely and leaving it unscathed.

But it was far from over. Each of the Hunting Lion’s golden mane hairs rose into the air, shimmering with Source Energy until they transformed into a massive net, instantly enveloping the Harpy.

The Harpy flapped its wings, attempting to flee, but it was too slow to escape the snare. It opened its beak and unleashed a terrifying, lethal shriek—the Harpy’s Wail!

Under the impact of this horrific psychic assault, the Hunting Lion’s charge came to an abrupt halt, sending it crashing into a nearby boulder, shattering it to pieces. It shook its head, scrambled to its feet, and unleashed a roar of its own—the War Roar!

This ability was known for dealing heavy Source Energy damage to targets while purging negative status effects like dizziness or psychic control.

It was to no avail. The Harpy suddenly beat its wings, manifesting invisible blades of light upon its black feathers that tore the golden net to shreds. It then ascended into the sky, its wings beating rapidly, causing layers of mysterious purple ribbons to manifest from thin air.

In a trance-like state, these ribbons filled the space for hundreds of meters, transforming the area into a dreamlike, peculiar realm saturated with psychic fluctuations that tempted one to fall into ruin. It was as if this were a land of dreams, where any desire could be fulfilled and every craving satisfied.

Looking closely, one could see it was like a colossal cage, imprisoning everything within, causing all creatures to cease their struggle.

***

Charles felt a shift in time and space. Abruptly, a familiar urban security door appeared before him. Silently, he pushed it open and walked inside.

"You're back. Wash your hands; it's time to eat."

The person who spoke was as gentle as water—someone he missed dearly—uttering the most ordinary words. A lump instantly formed in his throat.

"Where have you been running off to today? Coming back this late?" another man, sitting at the dining table reading a newspaper, scolded with a stern face.

Seeing him remain silent, the middle-aged woman walked over, touched his forehead, and asked with concern, "What’s wrong, Hao’er? Are you not feeling well?"

"Did you fail another exam? Bring me the paper; let me see. Why are you just standing there like a fool? Hurry up!" The middle-aged man put down his newspaper, turned off the television, pushed up his glasses, and frowned.

"Let him eat first before you talk about anything," his wife said, rolling her eyes.

"It’s all because you spoil him. All you know how to do is protect him. Look at this brat—he doesn't look like a student at all, just playing around all day. It’ll be a miracle if he gets into university!"

Listening to their familiar voices, Charles murmured, "So, this is what I truly desire most."

He glanced around. It was an ordinary three-bedroom apartment with simple, modest decor. There were no expensive appliances or furniture—almost everything was worn from years of use—yet it felt infinitely warm, a place he dreamed of returning to.

This was his home, and those two were his parents.

But he had fallen into another world, and he didn't know when, or if, he could ever truly return.

Charles tossed his backpack onto the shoe cabinet, drawing another round of reprimands from his father.

He washed his hands and sat down. The family of three enjoyed a simple but warm dinner, during which his mother occasionally placed food on his plate.

"Eat more. You’re at the age where you’re growing; if your nutrition doesn't keep up, you won’t grow tall."

After the meal, he didn't hide in his room to play on his phone as he usually did. Instead, he sat obediently on the sofa, keeping his mother company as she watched a boring soap opera.

"What’s wrong? Are you worried about school? You’ve seemed preoccupied these past few days. Don’t worry; my darling is a genius. How could a little exam defeat you?"

Her face was full of pride and joy. To her, her child was perfect, a genius, and the greatest pride of her life.

"Mom, I wish this weren't a dream," Charles sighed deeply.

"Silly child, how could this be a dream? Did you just wake up?" His mother smiled, stroking his hair comfortingly.

"But even knowing it's a dream, I don't want to wake up..." Crystal tears fell from the corners of Charles's eyes.

His mother, flustered, wiped away his tears and asked with deep concern, "Child, what is it? Can you tell Mom? You’re making me so worried."

"Mom, I regret not listening to you more. I always made you angry. I was so unfilial. I really want to go back to those days—back to that carefree time. The tragedy of life is that the child wishes to provide, but the parents are no longer there! Mom, I can’t pretend not to see it anymore..." Charles choked up, wanting to say everything he had left unsaid.

People only realize the value of things after they are lost. These ordinary, mundane days, which he once took for granted, were now things he couldn't bear to leave.

His mother looked at him in astonishment, unsure of what had come over him. Charles reached out once more, gently caressing her cheek.

*Meow~*

A soft, squishy sound echoed. The world before him suddenly fractured like shattered glass, breaking into nothingness...

Indeed, he had never been truly deceived. With his current psychic attributes, even if he couldn't overpower the Harpy, he could not be so easily ensnared.

He opened his eyes to see Clark standing less than two meters away, staring at him in astonishment. "How could you break free from the Prison of Desire so quickly!"