Deep in the Living

Chapter 764 Black Eyes
"Old Illustrations - Updated"

【The filthy black eyes】

Location: Primitive Dungeon (Dark Mine)
"Description": Morton Za Canayas was originally a prisoner imprisoned on the second floor of the dungeon. He possesses a unique false god ability, and any individual who is looked at by him may suffer "eyeball possession" and "body transfer".

His cell must have black walls* and no windows or similar structures, and must be completely sealed at all times.

In addition, Morton was forced to wear an eye restraint device when he was imprisoned, which requires inspection and maintenance at least twice a year.

The task must be performed by prison guards who are born without visual ability, and they must undergo photosensitivity tests afterward.

In the thirteenth year of Morton's imprisonment, without any loopholes appearing, a prison guard responsible for Morton's equipment maintenance was unknowingly affected, developing an eyeball-like basic structure within his brain, and a month later, his mind was taken over and his body was transferred.

During the shift change, Morton attempted to escape the dungeon, but at the last moment he triggered the deep surveillance barrier and was captured.

Given that he was still able to grow in ability during his imprisonment, his imprisonment rating was improved, and he was temporarily confined to a private chamber deep in the mine, with his entire body restrained.

The dungeon is out of control.

The mine collapsed.

Morton was pinned down by the dense black walls, unable to use any of his abilities. At the same time, the dense darkness originating from the warden's corpse was the first to seep into the area, robbing him of his most prized possession: his sight.

Blindness, loneliness, despair, and fear ferment with the endless passage of time.

Morton underwent physical deconstruction multiple times during this process, but his eyeballs remained unchanged.

His body underwent six different types of deconstruction and transformation, but ultimately succumbed to time and the black wall pressing down on him.

Flesh weathering
Even the remaining skeleton has almost become a fossil.

Only his eyeballs remained black.

At some point, he became aware of this darkness, and the darkness itself re-engaged his consciousness.

The prison's constraints remained, and the black eye was still suppressed beneath. However, he was able to extend his vision outwards; his gaze could reach any area of ​​the dungeon covered in black.

Hidden in the shadows,

Mark those new dungeon explorers.

"Deconstruction Index & Effect":
★~★★★ - The resolution index will change under different brightness levels.

Once biological decomposition begins, the individual will first experience severe hair loss, and tiny eyeballs will begin to emerge from between the hair follicles on the scalp.

When the eyeballs cover 80% of the head, they will begin to penetrate inward and eventually merge with the brain. At that point, the individual's mind and body will be completely occupied, losing even the most basic abilities and developing nyctophobia (fear of the dark).

"ability":
1. [Marking] - Any life form with basic consciousness will be marked if it looks at you (individuals with eye structures are more easily affected).

Once marked, a "second eye" will form on the surface of an individual's eyes or brain, and the effect will become greater and greater over time.

Even if the physical body is lost, this mark will still be etched in the memory and cannot be erased.

If anyone else tries to peer into the memories of the tagged person, they will also be tagged.

2. [Black Colony] - Morton can create an independent exocollateral eyeball in any dark area (usually a corner) within his territory.

Multiple can be created simultaneously (the exact number depends on Morton's state).

These exophytic eyeballs can move freely through their dark roots, share a field of vision, occupy lower-level life forms, and can also transfer their original bodies in dangerous situations.

3. [The Vision of a False God] - Extremely excellent visual abilities, including but not limited to advanced perspective, individual analysis, environmental data, and combat focus.

4. [Despair in the Darkest Horizon] - When facing Morton's true form of black eyes, there is a certain probability that a strong and fatal sense of despair will suddenly surge up while being stared at.

Special Rewards*

*Given that the individual has formed an irreversible bond of love with Blackeye using the reward item "Descendant of Dirac," Blackeye's nature will change; it will no longer be seen as a dungeon prisoner, but as a special reward for its holder.

Correspondingly,
Black Eye's memories related to the primitive dungeon will be blurred (partially removed). Due to its union with an underdeveloped juvenile form, its related abilities will be greatly limited.

……

[Ceremony Room]

Roddy stayed here for the time being, seemingly waiting for something.

While waiting, he received a notification from the corner, which was tantamount to the official acknowledgment that the eyeball was now his "owner".

Regarding this result,
Luo Di couldn't suppress the smile on his face and burst out laughing.

He was well aware of the importance of "sensory perception," and because of his specialization on the tongue, Gustav would never die no matter how recklessly he acted.

Having these eyes, though not his own, would save Roddy a lot of trouble and help him avoid numerous dangers, especially in a dungeon like this. Even if he lost his memory, having this vision would make things much easier.

The pale moonlight above his head was about to dissipate, and the dense darkness was about to engulf him.

Something crawled in through the doorway of the ceremonial room.

A body the size of an infant, and a deformed pig's head... Because of its slow crawling speed, it even grows some whiskers from the surface of its black pig skin to help it move.

The baby was holding the torch that had been extinguished earlier in its arms.

Before the moonlight faded, we relit it.

The pig-headed baby also climbed onto Roddy's body and hung on Roddy's chest using a rag made of tattered cloth.

Compared to his agitated state a few minutes earlier, Black Eyes had clearly calmed down.

It wasn't that Roddy used any special methods; rather, he had already figured it out himself.

“My essence has truly changed! My memories of this dungeon have become incredibly hazy, and many crucial details have been completely forgotten. This means I no longer belong here, and I can leave with you.”

Although this body isn't very satisfactory, as long as I can get out of here, I'm willing to accept anything.

When I reach the lower world where you reside, I will find a body more suitable for me, such as the Hell Eye you mentioned before; his body would be more suitable for me.

“We’ll talk about it outside,” Roddy replied calmly, knowing full well that this dungeon experience was only halfway over.

"What conditions must be met for you to leave? Tell me quickly! I will do everything I can to assist you."

Roddy's attention wasn't on the baby in his arms, but rather fixed on the deep darkness outside the ceremonial chamber.
"Don't rush, let's get out of this dark mine first... By the way, will your 'neighbors' cause us any trouble?"

"What neighbors? Oh right... there seem to be a few poor souls trapped in the darkness down here. They're probably not as good as me, and they don't even have a very healthy sense of self."

Although I don't remember very clearly, I'm sure they were all subject to restrictions.

Don't worry, I'll give you directions and make sure you're safe.

ten minutes later.

Mine exit.

Roddy stepped out of the darkness and back into the third layer (transition layer) of the cave structure.

His right hand was completely gone, and several pieces of flesh were missing from his right thigh. A dark, mud-like substance was stuck to the wounds.

Currently, ferocious faces continue to surge on it.

Roddy was panting heavily, his left hand holding a smoking machete. He had cut almost all of this land himself, and had almost been left there forever.

"This is what you call absolute safety?!"

"Oh dear, I don't quite remember! It's good that you're out, it's good that you're out... Don't worry, I'll help you deal with the darkness clinging to you."

The pig-headed baby crawled out of the bag, came to Roddy's wound, and sucked hard.

Just like drinking milk, it swallowed all the black mud from the surface of the wound, and then climbed back with a satisfied look on its face.

"Phew~ It really tastes good. Although this piglet is quite inferior, this long-lost feeling of rebirth is quite nice... Now that I'm full, I'll have the energy to help you find things."

"Tell me, what are you looking for?"

As Roddy repaired his injuries, he took off the pendant.

When the fleshy egg pendant with a human face is presented to the infant, the unique black eye in the center of its forehead instantly lights up.

“An egg-shaped key… It looks familiar, but I can’t quite remember it. The place where it’s supposed to be unlocked is a bit dangerous, not much easier than searching for divinity.”

Black Eyes, who had initially hoped to escape the dungeon smoothly, now felt depressed again, and the baby's face scrunched up.

"Can you find it?"

"Nonsense, who am I? How dare you question my vision? Quickly put this on me, and my true eye will naturally be able to see the source."

The pendant was hung on the pig-headed baby.

Its only black eyeball also began to rotate rapidly.

The baby slowly raised its arm, pointing to a direction it had never explored before...

(End of this chapter)