The End of the World: Chaos

"What is the reason?" Red Skull gnashed his teeth, his sharp teeth flashing coldly in the moonlight, and his inner questions surged like a tide. He stopped, looked up at the slowly receding figure, and whispered to himself: "Yang Yi, what method did you use?"

Just as the Red Skull was immersed in resentment, Yang Yi's figure appeared again, with a faint smile on his face, like the stars in the sky. The low moonlight sprinkled on him, making him look exceptionally calm and composed.

"Red Skull, don't panic. I am not here to be your enemy." His voice was steady and magnetic, neither ostentatious nor humble. "But you, there is no escape."

The Red Skull's heart trembled, realizing that there was no hope of escape at this moment. He looked at Yang Yi vigilantly, clenched his fists, and spoke with a strong hostility: "What do you want?"

"I just want to clarify something with you." Yang Yi smiled slightly, looking directly into his eyes, "About that soul gem, it is actually extraordinary."

"Soul Gem? Do you think I will believe your lies?" The Red Skull sneered, the flame of anger burning in his heart, "You broke the contract and took the gem. Do you think you can justify it?"

"Oh? Do you think I will get entangled with you for this little soul gem?" Yang Yi seemed calm and natural. "I have successfully returned its sovereignty, but it does not necessarily mean that I am your enemy."

The Red Skull was stunned. These words made him doubtful, but he still didn't believe it. "You have recognized the master? Then why can't I sense this power?"

Yang Yi smiled lightly, his tone gentle but firm: "Soul Gems are not intelligent creatures, and their existence has its own rules. Although I broke its constraints, I also followed another opportunity to make it recognize me as its master."

The Red Skull was shocked and had a lot of thoughts. Although he was still wary of Yang Yi, there seemed to be a hint of truth in his words. He couldn't help but ask: "How will you control this soul gem?"

"I have no intention of taking advantage of you," Yang Yi spread his hands, looking helpless, "I just want to untie the entanglement between the soul and the gem, and seek its true meaning."

"It sounds noble, but what exactly do you want?" The Red Skull said coldly, but he felt secretly uneasy in his heart, like a fallen leaf blown by the wind, unable to stand still.

"I understand your doubts." Yang Yi looked at the Red Skull with a gentle and deep gaze and asked, "But what do you want in your heart?"

Red Skull was silent, recalling his obsession. His past pursuits now seemed so vague. He knew whether the power he was stubbornly seeking was really what his heart wanted. Under the mask, his voice revealed a hint of fragility: "I want revenge, I crave that intense pleasure!"

"Revenge? What does revenge bring you?" Yang Yi leaned forward slightly, his eyes like water, and asked inquiringly, "Is it a moment of pleasure, or the effect of hatred? But how long can it last?"

"Shut up!" The Red Skull roared, no longer calm, "Don't try to lecture me on morality! I know what I have chosen and what I want!"

"Do you really understand?" Yang Yi did not retreat but advanced, adding a bit of determination, "Your revenge will only bring endless pain. Perhaps letting go of hatred is the way to true liberation."

The Red Skull was stunned, as if struck by Yang Yi's words, and his heart was in turmoil, and all the things in the past came to his mind. "Have I... really lost anything?"

"Every soul has the right to choose, Red Skull, and you are no exception." Yang Yi smiled, his eyes burning, "The Soul Gem chose me, perhaps to give you a chance to re-examine yourself."

His words were like gentle breeze and drizzle, slowly moistening the Red Skull's heart. The pain and hatred in his heart seemed to be gradually washed away at this moment, giving birth to a faint ray of dawn.

"I don't believe it!" The Red Skull remained indifferent, the haze in his heart was hard to shake off, "I will never give up my pursuit!"

"Everyone has their own choice, and this is your right." Yang Yi nodded, with a faint smile between his brows, "Only one day, you will see another possibility."

The Red Skull was stunned, and time seemed to freeze at this moment. He had never thought that ripples were faintly rippling in his heart, as if struggling to break free, but the doubts in his heart seemed to become more serious.

"So, how do you plan to control this Soul Gem?" The Red Skull gradually let down his guard and began to reorganize himself.

"I want to use my strength for a greater cause, not revenge, but liberation." Yang Yi said firmly, his voice like a bell, "I believe that every soul should be respected and has the right to pursue their own dreams."

"So simple?" Red Skull questioned. The resistance in his heart was slowly melting away. He understood that reality was not static.

"Yes." Yang Yi nodded confidently, "I will continue to look for souls that yearn for power and freedom, and help them break free from their shackles, rather than sinking into hatred."

At this moment, the Red Skull felt the sudden tremor and reflected again. He suddenly felt that his pursuit was too narrow and seemed insignificant compared to Yang Yi's ideal.

"You have a point." He finally lowered his head, his tone gloomy, "How do I start to change myself?"

"First of all, you should have the courage to face your own heart." Yang Yi reached out his hand and patted the Red Skull's shoulder, his eyes showing expectation, "Perhaps, I can provide you with help."